An untreated lip or tongue-tie can pose significant challenges that affect a child or adult’s physical health. In addition, the emotional toll these banded tissues can take is equally problematic. Here are just 3 ways your child’s lip or tongue-tie might be causing more issues than you realize.
They Are Experiencing Low Self-Esteem
A child with a lip or tongue-tie may develop low self-esteem because they feel different from those around them. Their inability to speak clearly can create a form of anxiety that leads to distancing themselves from their peers. They may also avoid participating in social activities out of fear.
Differently, nursing mothers can also experience low self-esteem when their baby has trouble latching or taking a bottle. They immediately feel as if it is their fault, taking all of the blame. This can be troubling, especially if they see other mothers nursing without issue.
Their Frustration is Manifesting Socially & Academically
When a child struggles to move their lip or tongue fully, it can lead to frustration over time. This can be directed toward family members in the home, friends at school, or even toward oneself. A speech impediment can make it hard for a child to communicate clearly, and an upset stomach can make it difficult to stay focused in the classroom.
The result can be a lack of engagement and poor academics if the problem is left untreated.
They Are Keeping to Themselves
If a child begins to spend more time by themselves than with others, it may be that a lip or tongue-tie is the reason. Depending on their age, their peers may not understand why they are distancing themselves. Still, in reality, the child may feel embarrassed because of limited speech, difficulty eating, or concerns about smile aesthetics (a lip-tie can cause a gap to form between the upper front teeth). They will begin to isolate out of fear.
What Can You Do to Help Your Child?
The only viable option to address a lip or tongue-tie is to ask your child’s pediatric dentist about a frenectomy. This safe and effective solution releases the banded tissues beneath the tongue or behind the upper lip, allowing greater oral movement.
Don’t let the emotional toll of a lip or tongue-tie become your child’s reality. Take the next step and ask about a frenectomy so that they can focus more on being a kid and less on what might be holding them back.
About the Author
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist and lip and tongue tie specialist who helps parents and children make informed decisions about their oral health. When treating these restricted bands of tissue, he uses the latest technologies to ensure a smooth, swift, and successful procedure. If you think your child is experiencing the effects of a lip or tongue tie, contact us at (720) 743-3340.