Many cases of lip and tongue ties are treated during infancy. This helps children to avoid future problems and promotes healthy oral development. But what if the condition is not treated early on? It can continue to cause problems as the child grows. In this blog post, you will learn about some of the potential consequences of lip and tongue ties in toddlers.
Speech Development Challenges
Your toddler’s ability to communicate clearly depends on the proper movement and placement of the lips and tongue. When a lip or tongue tie restricts this movement, speech sounds may come out distorted, unclear, or difficult for others to understand. Pronouncing words like “la,” “ta,” or “da” can become particularly challenging. Children may develop compensatory habits that persist as they grow older, affecting their confidence during conversations and potentially requiring speech therapy later on.
Feeding and Nutrition Issues
Feeding difficulties do not always resolve when a child transitions from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to solid foods. Lip and tongue ties can make it hard for your toddler to chew, swallow, or move food around the mouth. Meals may become stressful, with frequent gagging, choking, or refusal to eat certain textures. These problems might lead to nutritional deficiencies and slow weight gain.
Dental and Oral Health Concerns
Proper oral hygiene often depends on your child’s ability to move the lips and tongue freely. Lip ties can prevent effective brushing of the front teeth, while tongue ties may limit the ability to clear food debris naturally. The risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath increases. Additionally, tight oral tissues can contribute to gaps between the front teeth or unusual tooth alignment, which may require orthodontic intervention as your child ages.
Sleep and Breathing Problems
Restricted oral tissues may impact your toddler’s sleep quality. Lip and tongue ties sometimes contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep. In some cases, these issues can be linked to mild sleep apnea, a disorder that is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. Sleep disturbances can lead to behavioral struggles and difficulty participating in play or learning activities.
What Parents Can Do Next
If your child has an untreated lip or tongue tie, or you even suspect that they do, it would be wise to bring them to a qualified dentist for an evaluation. The sooner lip and tongue ties get corrected, the better! The dentist may also refer your child for speech therapy or myofunctional therapy to help them learn how to use their oral structures properly after their lip or tongue tie is released.
A lip or tongue tie can cause problems throughout all stages of life! Be on the lookout for symptoms of these issues so your child can receive the care they need.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist who uses laser technology to perform surgical treatment of lip and tongue ties. Our practice welcomes children of all ages. If you would like to get your child evaluated or treated, we are ready to serve you. Contact our Boulder, CO, office at 720-743-3340.