Navigating your child’s tongue-tie surgery recovery journey doesn’t have to be worrisome. Knowledge and preparation can equip you to handle this process effectively, ensuring a safe recovery for your little one. While the road to recovery may seem lengthy, with proper care and guidance, it’s possible to help your child improve their feeding, speech, and overall health after undergoing a tongue tie surgery. At Hubbard Dental, we understand the importance of treating tongue ties with the gentlest, most minimally invasive procedures using the latest technology so that your child can be as comfortable as possible and experience a smooth healing process.
In this blog, we’ll discuss critical aspects such as the signs of tongue tie in kids, the necessity and benefits of surgery, and post-operative care tips.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is a congenital condition where a baby’s frenulum, the band of tissue connecting the tongue’s underside to the mouth’s floor, is too short, causing issues like breastfeeding difficulties and discomfort during feeding.
Signs of tongue tie in children include:
- Difficulty latching during nursing
- Limited tongue mobility
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty eating
- Gap between front teeth
Before considering tongue-tie surgery, parents often express concerns about their child’s pain. Fortunately, experienced pediatric tongue-tie centers have anesthesia and conscious sedation options to make the treatment process less daunting. Overcoming tongue-tie can lead to improved breastfeeding in babies, optimal dental health, and correct speech habits as they grow. Though surgery can seem intimidating, Drs. Hubbard and Komyathy and their experienced team of dental professionals take every effort to ensure kids and their parents feel at ease in a welcoming, empathetic environment. We’ll explain every stage of treatment in-depth, so that you’re informed and confident in the next steps throughout the entire process.
Why Is Tongue-Tie Surgery Necessary for Children?
1. Improves Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
Infants with tongue-tie often face problems with breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Feeding issues can manifest as apparent discomfort during feeding, nipple pain for the mother, or a delay in breastfeeding. Following tongue-tie laser surgery, most parents report immediate improvement in breastfeeding and notice their babies have greater comfort during feeding. Hubbard Dental will work with your medical providers across other areas of primary and natal care to foster smooth communication and the best treatment experience for patients. As a family-oriented practice, it’s of utmost importance to us to help families feel healthy and happy at every stage.
2. Better Oral Health
Over time, a tongue-tie can impact a child’s dental health. Cleaning, brushing, and general dental care can be a difficult process for a child with a tongue-tie because the band of tissue restricts adequate cleaning. Removing the extra skin through tongue-tie surgery can improve oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems. This helps to secure dental health and comfort for your little one in the long run, as it can prevent the need for invasive restorative procedures down the line. Every case is unique, of course, and from consultation to post-operative healing we provide personalized, thoughtful care for you and your child.
3. Enhances Speech Development
Unaddressed tongue-tie can impede pronunciation and lead to incorrect speech habits. Surgery to correct tongue-tie allows children to utilize their full range of tongue and lip movement, significantly improving their ability to articulate words and sounds effectively. Our expert dental team is proud to assist families in improving their child’s abilities and confidence in speaking and language development, and facilitate clear communication between our doctors and other medical providers like pediatric speech therapists and primary care physicians.
4. Decreases Breathing Problems
Tongue-ties often force children to breathe through their mouths, which can disrupt breathing during sleep. Removing the fold of tissue that holds the tongue can safely correct this, providing unimpeded air passage and enhancing their overall quality of sleep. Making sure your little one is both as comfortable and safe as possible is our priority, and that includes in-depth consideration for their sleep and respiratory wellness.
5. Reduced Pain
The discomfort and child pain that comes with tongue-tie is often underrated. Yet, many experienced pediatric tongue-tie surgeons can testify to how some babies are visibly in pain. Tongue tie surgery can ease this discomfort, and with the use of child pain medicines or even over-the-counter pain medicine, the process does not have to be a difficult one. We’re committed to bringing permanent relief for children experiencing the discomfort of tongue ties, using personalized treatment plans that understand your child’s unique needs.
How to Help Your Child Recover From Tongue-Tie Surgery
Ensure Proper Nutrition
Your baby will need optimal nutrition to aid tissue healing following tongue tie surgery. Feeding can become a difficult process due to soreness caused by the procedure. Promote recovery by adopting new feeding techniques such as bottle feeding or breastfeeding in babies. Using a bottle might offer more comfort during feeding initially. Always ensure your baby is well-hydrated and well-fed to speed up recovery following tongue tie surgery. Hubbard Dental will explain all necessary post-operative processes as well as provide informational literature to make the healing process as streamlined and easy as possible.
Provide Sufficient Pain Relief
Post-surgery, children and babies may exhibit signs of pain, such as excessive crying or difficulty sleeping. To manage any discomfort or pain resulting from the surgery, use child pain medicines. Over-the-counter pain medicine can be helpful during the tongue tie procedure recovery. However, consult your pediatrician or pharmacist before administering any medication to your child. Our commitment to fostering effective collaboration between medical care providers allows us to work with your child’s primary care doctor to make sure the right postoperative options are provided.
Monitor for Complications
Be vigilant during your child’s tongue tie recovery and monitor for any adverse signs, such as excessive bleeding or redness. The reattachment of the frenulum with sutures is a relatively minor condition but can lead to complications if not monitored accordingly. If your child experiences persistent pain or discomfort beyond a reasonable period post-surgery, consult your pediatrician immediately. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Hubbard Dental during the recovery process with any questions—we’re happy to help.
Encourage Correct Speech Habits
One advantage parents will notice after tongue-tie surgery is an improvement in the child’s speech clarity. Surgery for a tongue tie can help the connective tissue or band of tissue that hampers proper tongue movement, thus improving speech. Encourage your child to speak and interact more to help them develop correct speech habits.
Prioritize Dental Health
Maintaining good dental health is essential during recovery from tongue tie surgery. Teach your child to gently brush their teeth and tongue to prevent infection and aid in tissue healing and recovery. This will also ensure your child’s optimal dental health, in addition to the personalized dental care we’ll provide through the recovery process as well as ongoing regular check-ups.
Facilitate Breathing During Sleep
Tongue tie surgery may impact your child’s breathing habits during sleep. To make them more comfortable, gently prop them up with an extra pillow. This can facilitate easier breathing and promote better sleep, which is crucial for the healing process. Though it’s always important to consult your child’s primary care doctor in the case of respiratory and sleep-related issues, we’ll work with your child’s various providers to keep all parties informed and up-to-date, especially for you and your family.
Consult An Experienced Pediatric Tongue-Tie Specialist
For any concerns parents might have post-tongue-tie laser surgery, it’s advisable to consult an experienced pediatric tongue-tie specialist. They can provide reassurance and specialized advice and monitor your child’s progress, providing optimal conscious sedation options if necessary. If you have questions about where to begin looking for the right tongue-tie specialist for you, Hubbard Dental is happy to guide you through the decision and referral process.
Regularly Moisturize the Area
Dry skin around the mouth can result from regular cleaning. Moisturizing with a gentle, non-fragrant cream or petroleum jelly can help soothe the area and decrease discomfort. Avoid any with potential allergens to prevent reactions.
Gentle Lip Stretching
Let your child keep their lips apart without strain, which can aid in the recovery process. This can help reduce any uncontrolled bleeding following the surgical procedure.
Tongue Extension Exercise
Instruct your child to stick out their tongue as far as they can. This can help strengthen the tongue muscle and reduce recovery time post-surgery.
Tongue Upward Movement
Engage in tendon stretching by guiding your child to lift their tongue to the roof of the mouth. Regular practice will help manage the fold of tissue that holds the tongue down. Our team will instruct you on how to perform oral exercises that help the healing process, and answer any questions you might have.
Side-to-Side Tongue Exercise
Another helpful exercise is to direct your child to move their tongue from one side of the mouth to the other. This can promote blood circulation and faster tissue healing.
Tongue Retraction Practice
Urge your child to pull the tongue back towards their throat. This simple exercise can help prevent any post-op complications and facilitate pain management. The Hubbard Dental team will, of course, be on call to answer any questions and assist you through the post-op experience.
Smile and Pout Exercise
This light oral activity can encourage your child’s optimal facial growth and development, enhancing recovery.
Tongue Button Touch Game
We also recommend encouraging your child to touch the roof of their mouth using the tip of their tongue. This can help in stretching and rehabilitating the tongue muscle after surgery.
Discover Superior Pediatric Dental Care at Hubbard Dental
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The journey toward successful tongue-tie surgery recovery lies in the combined efforts of parents, healthcare providers, and the child. Pain management, regular monitoring for complications, and active involvement in speech and oral exercises are essential components for swift recovery. Remember that every child’s healing process is unique, and patience is necessary.
At Hubbard Dental, we take pride in our comprehensive care plan for your child’s tongue-tie surgery recovery, from the initial diagnosis to post-surgery recovery. We’re here to guide you every step toward a brighter, healthier future for your child. Our individualized, empathetic care makes all the difference, and we love helping families maintain not just great dental health, but health in general. After all, we care about more than just your teeth—we care about you as people, not just patients, and as members of the Hubbard Dental community.
Reach out to our experienced pediatric practitioners today!
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