My Baby Cries a Lot; Does the Kid Have an Untreated Lip or Tongue-Tie?

Babies are renowned around the world for their amazing ability to cry a lot, but an infant’s excessive weeping may be a sign of an untreated oral health issue. A lip or tongue-tie can lead to constant discomfort that can cause a child a great deal of stress and make them cry out frequently. Here’s a quick look at what these issues are, how they can be distressing for your child, and how your dentist can help.

What Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie?

A lip or tongue-tie is a congenital oral health issue caused by excessively thick frenulum tissue that restricts the movement of the lip or tongue. This problem can interfere with the child’s ability to speak and eat comfortably, and it can last into adulthood since it does not typically resolve itself on its own. Luckily, dentists can address lip and tongue-ties at their offices, which can allow a child to feed and learn to speak more easily.

How Can a Lip or Tongue-Tie Make My Child Cry?

A lip or tongue-tie can inhibit a baby’s ability to draw milk from the breast or bottle by causing them discomfort, and this can make it difficult for them to get adequate nutrition. This can lead to a child crying due to hunger or pain and may lead to issues with weight gain. Frequently being hungry like this can also make a child quite cranky and fussy. A lip or tongue-tie can also cause a child to swallow air while feeding, which can lead to uncomfortable accumulations of gas in their stomachs.

How Can My Dentist Help?

Some dentists offer lip and tongue-tie treatments that can permanently resolve these issues and allow a child to eat, breathe, and vocalize normally. While frenectomies have conventionally been performed using scalpels, many modern oral health professionals prefer to carry out these procedures using surgical lasers that make the process much more sanitary and comfortable.

Since lasers don’t make physical contact with the patient, they make it less likely for germs to be transmitted during the procedure. Since they can also remove tissue without the motions required for cutting, these devices can make frenectomies much less stressful, and bleeding is usually minimal since the device will cauterize the wound in the process.

Don’t let an untreated lip or tongue-tie set your child up for years of discomfort. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to keep your kid in excellent oral and overall health.

About the Author

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino earned her dental degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed her residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. She is proud to be a member of the Academy of Children’s Dentistry, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. Her office in Phillipsburg offers lip and tongue-tie treatments for infants, children, teens, and adults. If you suspect your child may have a lip or tongue-tie, contact her office online or dial (908) 840-8399.