If you’re a new parent, you want to do everything you can to foster your baby’s healthy development. But since infants can’t tell you where it hurts, sometimes issues go unnoticed and unaddressed. That’s why you should schedule early appointments with your child’s dentist. They’ll help identify issues that you otherwise might miss, like tongues ties and lip ties.

What Are Tongue Ties & Lip Ties?

Go to a mirror and take a look beneath your tongue. There’s a thin piece of tissue there connecting your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. Everyone has one, but in some babies, that tissue is too tight. As a result, they find it difficult to breastfeed; this problem also tends to affect their ability to take a bottle or pacifier. Babies who have tongue ties often have lip ties, too, which is when the lips are too firmly connected to the gums, resulting in similar difficulties. Because your baby can’t explain to you that this is a health issue they are experiencing, you’ll need to make regular trips to the dentist. 

If a tongue tie or a lip tie goes unaddressed, your baby will have to breastfeed for a longer time than the average child in order to get sufficient nutrition. Even so, they may still find it difficult to breastfeed thoroughly, making it difficult for them to put on weight. Luckily, when a dentist spots this problem, they’ll recommend treatment options, ensuring that your child doesn’t experience the negative consequences of these conditions.

Looking for a dentist in the Eagle River, AK, area? Schedule an appointment with Legacy Dental Arts. Offering a wide variety of dentistry services, from teeth whitening to emergency treatments, they’ll keep you and your loved ones healthy. Contact them online to learn more about what they have to offer, or call (907) 622­-7874.