New parents are tasked with all sorts of new responsibilities, and one of the seemingly never-ending duties is figuring out the cause of your child’s crying—and resolving it! Sometimes the cause isn’t always clear, though; for instance, it might be an unaddressed tongue or lip tie that’s causing your baby’s crying, and you may not even realize it! Keep reading to learn more about tongue and lip ties and how they can lead to colic, or excessive crying and fussiness, in babies.
A Brief Look at Tongue & Lip Ties
Lip and tongue ties are common conditions in newborns and infants. To put it simply, a lip tie occurs when the upper lip is attached too tightly to the gums, restricting its movement. Similarly, a tongue tie arises when the thin connective tissue under the baby’s tongue, called the frenulum, is too short and impairs the tongue’s range of motion. Needless to say, these restrictions can cause all sorts of issues for children that can even persist throughout youth if left unaddressed. These include things like breastfeeding and later on, eating solid foods.
Some recognizable signs to be aware of if you think your baby might have a tongue or lip tie include:
- Inability to correctly latch during breastfeeding
- They tend to chew more than suck
- Poor weight gain
- Fussiness during feeding
- Clicking sounds during feeding
What Is Colic?
Colic, a condition that affects countless infants, can be quite distressing for both parents and babies alike. It’s characterized by excessive crying, fussiness, and irritability in a child that seems otherwise healthy. The cause of colic isn’t always obvious, but one key factor that often causes it is tongue and lip tie. This issue can impact how babies latch during breastfeeding, leading to the baby taking in excess air that sits in the stomach and upsets it, while also causing reflux. A few other factors that have been known to contribute to colic include gastrointestinal issues, an immature nervous system, overstimulation and environmental factors, and certain allergies/intolerances.
Why Professional Treatment Is Worth It
If you suspect that your child might have a lip or tongue tie, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult with a professional for evaluation and treatment. Even though all cases of colic aren’t necessarily linked with tongue and lip ties, an assessment is still worth it for the benefit of their oral health. But in any case, addressing these issues early on will lead to a happier, healthier, and colic-free little one!
About the Practice
The talented team at Children’s Dental Specialty has proudly served families in the Scottsdale area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Veronica Martinez. They offer a wide range of pediatric dental services, including tongue and lip tie treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance: Telephone: (480) 282-6746.
