A tongue tie, which is also known as Ankyloglossia, occurs when an individual’s cord — which stretches from the tongue to the floor of the mouth — becomes short and restrictive. When children experience this, many parents worry about the consequences and consider a procedure that involves cutting the cord. And the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates, based in Honolulu, Central Oahu, and Maui, HI, want to help parents make the right decision for their children. Here, these experts explain what you need to know about your child’s tongue tie.

Pediatric Dentist on the Basics of Tongue Ties & Cutting

Consequences of Tongue Tie

Depending on the severity of the tongue tie condition, individuals may experience various difficulties as a result. Infants often struggle to breastfeed or sleep, while young children develop speech problems. As a result of this condition, children may experience difficulties in practicing dental hygiene, which may lead to an increase in dental problems.

Cutting & Treatment

It should be noted that a tongue tie won’t always cause such problems in children. In fact, many affected individuals will never experience speech issues. Yet, for those who do experience related problems, parents should consider treatment options, which include snipping or revising the problematic cord. While snipping can be done during infancy as a preventative measure, parents should understand that leaving the tie does not guarantee problems will develop. As a result, this preventative measure may be unnecessary.

If your infant or child is experiencing problems associated with a tongue tie, visit Pedodontic Associates for an evaluation and sound medical advice. With over 25 years of dental care experience, these pediatric dentists provide a comfortable environment and reliable advice. Schedule an appointment today by calling their Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, their Aiea office at (808) 487-7933, or (808) 877-0066 to reach Kahului. You can also follow them on Twitter for the latest updates.