As a parent, you strive to ensure your child's health and well-being. However, certain conditions might not be on your radar until they directly affect your child. One such condition is tongue-tie. At Floss Academy, Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer are committed to educating parents about tongue-tie, its effects, and treatment options.

Understanding Tongue-Ties

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition where the thin piece of skin under the baby's tongue (the lingual frenulum) is unusually short and thick, limiting the tongue's movement. This can potentially affect breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene.

• Breastfeeding: Babies with tongue-tie may struggle to latch properly, which can lead to poor weight gain and discomfort for the mother.
• Speech development: Tongue-tie may cause speech difficulties, including trouble articulating certain sounds and letters.
• Oral hygiene: A restricted tongue can make it difficult to clean food from teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tongue-Tie

Identifying tongue-tie early can prevent potential problems. Symptoms in infants may include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, inadequate weight gain, and a heart-shaped or forked tongue. In older children and adults, symptoms may include speech difficulties, difficulty moving the tongue, or issues with oral hygiene.

• Healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and lactation consultants, can diagnose tongue-tie.
• In some cases, a referral to a dentist or oral surgeon may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie

Treatment for tongue-tie varies depending on its severity and the patient's age and overall health. In some cases, tongue-tie may not require treatment if it doesn't interfere with the child's ability to eat, speak, or maintain oral hygiene.

At Floss Academy, the tongue release is conducted with a state of the art CO2 laser which helps cauterize the tissue and promotes rapid healing. This quick and minimally invasive treatment can significantly improve speech, eating, and overall oral function. It’s often recommended for infants with tongue-tie, but older children experiencing discomfort or restrictions can also benefit from this procedure. Healing is typically swift, with most patients resuming normal activities soon thereafter.

The Role of Dental Health Professionals

At Floss Academy, Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer play a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing tongue-tie. Regular dental check-ups can help identify tongue-tie early, before it causes significant problems.

• Dental professionals can provide advice on maintaining oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay in children with tongue-tie.
• They can also provide referrals to specialists if surgical intervention is necessary.

Tongue-Tie and Long-Term Health

While tongue-tie can present challenges, it's important to remember that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, children can lead healthy, normal lives. Regular check-ups with healthcare and dental professionals are key to managing this condition.

• Early intervention can prevent complications such as speech difficulties and tooth decay.
• Regular dental check-ups can help maintain oral health and monitor the condition.

Your Child's Health is Our Priority in Chicago

At Floss Academy, your child's oral health is our priority. Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer are here to support you and your child through any oral health challenges, including tongue-tie. If you have concerns or simply want to ensure your child's oral health is on track, don't hesitate to reach out. Call us at (312) 584-0447 to request an appointment today.