In these modern times of advanced technology and surgical procedures, more and more of the issues that a child faces can be fixed easily and shortly after birth. Still, conditions such as tongue tie are suffered by thousands of children and adults across the country. This condition is not well understood, and so it is not often brought up as a possible health issue when childbirth is discussed. This condition can reduce your infant’s ability to suck, your toddler’s ability to chew properly or even simply lick ice cream, and adults grow up with reduced efficiency in their speech. Tongue tie in Seattle is as common as anywhere else, and it can be treated with relative ease by a highly trained professional. As studies on the condition are conducted, it has become more and more evident that even a mild form of this affliction can affect the course of a child’s life.
What is Tongue Tie and what Happens if it Goes Untreated
Tongue tie, known in the medical world as “Ankyloglossia” or “anchored-tongue,” is a relatively common, but often overlooked condition. It is caused when the frenulum, the string that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is abnormal. This condition can be quickly diagnosed at birth, and thus it is important to ask your doctor to check for such a condition immediately. Symptoms of this condition affect the sufferer in a range of ways, from a decreased ability to chew to severe speech impediments. Diagnosis and assessment of this condition’s severity are needed before any remedial action should take place. Your child’s pediatrician is trained for this condition, and they are more than happy to check your child for its existence.
Tongue tie can also affect the structure and appearance of your child’s face and teeth as they come in. Oral function is a must for any infant, as the ability to breastfeed, eat, speak, and more are important to the health of any individual. Even social skills are affected as the child becomes older, as speech impediments can develop and the act of kissing can become difficult. These frustrations come later in life as your child reaches development, and in order to best avoid these future problems, treatment should be given sooner rather than later.
How is it Treated
Tongue tie is treated in a number of ways, and a thorough assessment must be performed in order determine which treatment is best for your child. If the frenulum is abnormal, a very simple surgical correction may be needed, and this treatment can be performed on any individual between the ages of 7 days to 70 years. It is then important to understand that treatment never comes too late. Have your child checked in order to ensure a happy, healthy life. Click here for more information.
