- Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero, DMD
Fussy Baby? They May Be Tongue-Tied!
Your “fussy baby” may be Tongue-Tied ...
Is your baby falling asleep in the middle of breastfeeding yet still waking up to demand being fed again? Is your baby losing weight? Are you convinced that your baby is struggling to eat? If you have answered yes to any of the questions above, chances are that your baby may have an anatomical dysfunction that is interfering with proper feeding.
It is a mother’s natural instinct to nurture and comfort her baby through nursing. Babies are not lazy eaters, they need to eat in order to survive. When a baby has problems nursing, a tongue-tie or a lip-tie is often to blame!
Tongue-ties occur in 3-4 % of infants and may prevent a baby from properly latching to a mother’s nipple or a bottle. If the tongue or the lip can’t provide adequate support and seal, the baby will not be able to sustain proper feeding. This flawed function may result in:
Insufficient milk intake causing your baby to feed more frequently
Fussiness during feeding due to:
Difficulty breathing
Reflux and/or frequent vomiting
Gassy, colicky baby due to air swallowing during feeding
Poor growth pattern
Breast pain and cracked, sore or flattened nipples
Reduced milk supply
Laser assisted surgery to correct these problems is a simple, safe and quick procedure. When performed by a trained professional, it is a significantly less painful, less traumatic and less expensive option than conventional surgery. The benefits of using lasers to treat a tight frenum include:
Minimal bleeding - The CO2 laser seals small blood vessels as it vaporizes the tissue.
Shorter Surgery Time - Enhanced precision and less bleeding result in reduced treatment time.
Reduced Risk of Infection - Lasers are bactericidal and provide an added defense against infection.
Less Swelling and Discomfort - The CO2 laser seals lymphatics; less swelling means less discomfort.
Faster Recovery - No need to place stitches, minimal bleeding, reduced swelling, pain and discomfort, your baby will be able to start feeding right after surgery.
Without surgery some babies may be able to overcome feeding difficulties associated to a tongue-tie. As they grow, their bodies adapt to these limitations but may suffer from other difficulties such as:
Improper bite
Eating with an open mouth
Inability to chew certain foods
Speech delays or articulation problems
Higher incidence of dental cavities
Gingivitis and gum recession
Apnea
Snoring
Uncontrollable salivation
Reflux
Bloating and constipation
If you suspect your baby’s nursing problems might be related to a tight frenum, call our office for a complimentary evaluation!
www.sarasotachildrendentistry.com
941-907-7762
7315 Merchant Ct. Lakewood Ranch FL 34240
