Hi, I’m Dr. Paige Prather from Paige Prather Smiles, where we specialize in providing comprehensive tongue tie treatment in Franklin, TN. As a mother of two boys who both had lip and tongue ties, I understand the concerns and anxieties that parents face when their child is diagnosed with these conditions. Early detection and treatment of lip and tongue ties are crucial for your child’s development, and in this blog post, I will explain why.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties occur when the frenulum—the small piece of tissue that connects the lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight or thick. This restriction can impede lip or tongue movement, causing various issues, particularly in infants and young children.
Importance of Early Detection
1. Breastfeeding Challenges
Difficult breastfeeding is one of the earliest signs of a lip or tongue tie. A baby with a tongue tie may struggle to latch properly, leading to poor milk transfer, prolonged feeding times, and inadequate weight gain. As Joyanna M. shared in her review:
“Paige Prather is highly praised in our home! She took my little failure-to-thrive baby who could hardly eat at all, and by fixing all of his tongue, lip, and cheek ties, she helped him be able to eat and gain weight! We are so thankful for how they held our hands through the whole process that was so foreign and new. Highly recommend!“
Early detection allows timely intervention, dramatically improving feeding outcomes and overall growth.
2. Speech Development
As children grow, untreated lip and tongue ties can affect speech development. Restricted tongue movement can hinder the ability to produce certain sounds, leading to speech delays or impediments. Identifying and treating these ties can prevent potential speech issues, ensuring your child develops clear and effective communication skills.
3. Oral Hygiene and Dental Health
Lip and tongue ties can also impact oral hygiene. Limited tongue mobility can make clearing food debris from the teeth and gums difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. An upper lip tie can create a gap between the front teeth and affect the growth and alignment of the teeth. Early detection allows for appropriate dental care and preventive measures to maintain oral health.
4. Psychological and Social Development
Children with untreated lip and tongue ties may experience difficulties with eating and speaking, which can affect their confidence and social interactions. Ensuring these conditions are addressed early helps children develop normally without facing unnecessary social or psychological challenges.
Real-Life Patient Tongue-Tie Treatment Stories
At Paige Prather Smiles, we have witnessed numerous success stories highlighting the importance of early detection and tongue-tie treatment in Franklin. Lindsey C. shared her positive experience:
“Dr. Prather was informative, friendly, and approachable! She took the time to answer all of our questions and gave us time to decide how we wanted to move forward. She gave us her professional opinion about whether we should get our son’s ties revised, yet didn’t pressure us into a decision. We went ahead with the procedure, which was extremely quick, and our son is recovering well! She also followed up with a text afterward to check in on us. I would highly recommend Dr. Prather!“
Emily P. also expressed her gratitude:
“The staff and Dr. Prather were absolutely phenomenal! Every staff member we encountered was so helpful and very, very sweet. As a first-time mom, doing a tie-release procedure with your baby can be a very stressful and emotional experience, especially if there have been feeding issues prior. Everyone made this experience as easy and positive as possible, which was so important for us and our baby girl. Could not recommend them enough!“
For more success stories, please check out our testimonials page.
The Treatment Process
If a lip or tongue tie is suspected, a thorough evaluation is performed to determine the extent of the restriction and its impact. Treatment typically involves a simple and quick procedure known as a frenectomy, where the restrictive tissue is released using a laser. This minimally invasive method promotes rapid healing with minimal discomfort.
Follow-Up Care
Infant post-procedure care and child/adult post-op instructions are crucial for ensuring optimal results. At Paige Prather Smiles, we provide comprehensive follow-up care, including guidance on stretching exercises and regular check-ins to monitor progress. This holistic approach helps you achieve the best possible outcomes for your child.
Franklin Tongue Tie Treatment
Early detection of lip and tongue ties is vital for your child’s health and development. By addressing these issues promptly, we can prevent a range of complications, from breastfeeding difficulties to speech delays and dental problems. At Paige Prather Smiles in Franklin, TN, we support families through this treatment with expert care and compassion.
Please contact us if you have concerns about your child’s lip or tongue tie. Our team is here to provide the support and treatment your child needs for a healthy, happy future.
Remember, early intervention can make all the difference in your child’s development and well-being.
