When a mother breastfeeds her child, she probably isn’t thinking about her child’s future orthodontic issues. However, the Journal of the American Dental Association found a correlation between the amount of time a child breastfeeds and future orthodontic issues. Studies show that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to have malocclusion in the future.
But what if you are struggling to breastfeed because of a tongue-tie? This condition can make it difficult for the baby to latch on and can cause pain for the mother. Tongue-tie can be treated with a simple procedure called a frenectomy, making breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience for both mother and child!
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue-tie (also known as an ankyloglossia) is a condition in which the piece of flesh that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short and restricts movement of the tongue. A child may also experience lip-tie, which is a condition in which the piece of flesh that connects the upper lip to the gum is too tight and restricts movement of the lip. Both lip-tie and tongue-tie can make it difficult for a child to latch on to the breast and breastfeed properly.
What are the Symptoms of a Tongue-Tie?
Several symptoms may indicate that your child has a tongue-tie:
- Difficulty latching on to the breast
- Excessive gagging
- Poor weight gain in the baby
- Clicking sound when breastfeeding
How does Tongue-Tie Affect Breastfeeding?
While some babies who have tongue-ties can breastfeed without any problems, others may have difficulty latching on to the nipple. This can cause soreness and cracking of the nipples and may lead to a low milk supply. In some cases, a baby with a tongue-tie may not be able to breastfeed at all.
Even if a tongue-tied baby can breastfeed fairly well, having restricted tongue movements can lead to poor forward development or growth of the lower jaw, as well as constricted or narrow upper jaw which can also lead to smaller upper airways.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the surgical removal of the lingual frenulum (the piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth). This procedure is usually performed by a dental specialist and it is usually quick and easy. After the procedure, most babies are able to latch on and breastfeed without any problems.
If your doctor or breast feeding coach recommends a frenectomy, contact Dr. Black, the expert in frenectomy at Sleep Wellness Associates of Lynchburg!
How does Breastfeeding Relate to Orthodontics?
Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the risk of malocclusion or a bad bite. This is likely because breastfeeding helps guide the baby’s jaw and teeth into the correct forward growth position. Breastfeeding also helps to stimulate the growth of strong bones and teeth.
If you are having difficulty breastfeeding due to a tongue-tie, talk to Dr. Black about getting a frenectomy. This simple procedure usually makes a big difference for both mother and child and may reduce your child’s risk of developing malocclusion later on in life.
Our team at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg is here to answer any of your questions or to refer you to the experts over at Sleep Wellness Associates of Lynchburg. Contact us today online or call 434-515-0370.