When you learn your child has an oral condition, it’s completely understandable to go on a research-spree trying to learn everything you can about the problem. While it’s definitely easier to find good resources on lip and tongue ties, odds are you’ve probably still stumbled upon some information that isn’t entirely accurate. Keep reading to see why these lip and tongue tie myths are totally busted!
“Your Child Will Grow Out of It”
Neither lip ties nor tongue ties will stretch out or change as your child grows. In fact, the longer they go without treatment, the more their condition will impact their physical and linguistic development. As you’ll see with the next myth, this can cause serious problems and negatively affect your child’s quality of life.
“Lip and Tongue Ties Don’t Cause Real Problems”
The overly thick connective tissue keeping your child’s oral movement restricted are a lot stronger than they look. Lip and tongue ties are known to prevent children’s dental structure from growing along with them, resulting in impaired speech, jaw misalignment, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, and more. Removing lip and tongue ties is, more often than not, the best way to promote proper oral development.
“You Can Treat It Yourself with Scissors”
Absolutely do not try to treat a lip or tongue tie yourself with a pair of scissors! For one thing, dentists rarely use sharp objects to treat this condition themselves, and instead use a far more gentle and precise soft tissue laser to get the job done. For another thing, you’re not a trained professional and could end up causing more harm than good.
“This Problem Didn’t Exist a Decade Ago”
The concept of treating a lip or tongue tie isn’t new. The condition itself has been recognized and described in medical literature for centuries, and records of professionals performing lip and tongue tie surgery date all the way back to the 1800’s. It’s far more accurate to say that public awareness about lip and tongue ties has significantly increased over the years.
Wanting to learn everything you can about your child’s oral condition isn’t a bad thing by any means. But it’s important to keep in mind that not everything you read is going to be grounded in reality. Be sure to check in with your pediatric dentist. They’re well-qualified to help you pinpoint the facts about lip and tongue ties!
About the Practice
Each of our pediatric dentists at Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of San Ramon are officially recognized as experts in their field. That means you can trust them to take good care of your child, and that they certainly know a thing or two about lip and tongue ties! If you have questions about this condition or would like to schedule an appointment for your child, contact our office at 925-648-8580.