What is a frenulum?
A frenulum is a soft tissue attachment from the lips or tongue to adjacent gum tissue. It is a normal structure in the mouth. Sometimes, these attachments form so tightly that they restrict proper movement. This causes babies to have a difficult time eating and they can interfere with healthy tissue support of teeth in older children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry bases the diagnosis for tongue tie or lip tie on functional impact rather than simply appearance.
Common issues
If your baby is struggling to eat, Dr.Villasenor first recommends consulting your pediatrician to ask for an evaluation of their growth. Next, reach out to a lactation consultant to determine if the thickness and position of the maxillary labial (upper lip) or lingual (tongue) frenum are interfering with proper function. These providers may recommend considering a revision of the frenum attachment to improve your baby’s ability to feed. However, it is also important to be aware that other factors can be responsible for baby’s feeding issues – such as the positioning of their body during feeding, muscular coordination, or milk supply. This type of procedure is performed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, or by a pediatric dentist.
Treatment
First, Dr. Villasenor schedules a consultation to explore if your child needs a correction. This visit entails a clinical exam and a general conversation to evaluate function. If a procedure is recommended, Dr. Villasenor uses the Epic X Diode Laser for frenectomy procedures at Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry. Older children may benefit from a procedure if the frenulum:
- Affects their ability to clear food
- Impacts the health of the teeth
- Displaces permanent teeth
- Causes gingival recession
- Impacts speech
Dr. Villasenor is an expert in training dentists at Children’s Hospital Colorado on how to evaluate when a frenectomy procedure is indicated and also on how to do the procedure. Even when a procedure is not indicated, she is honored to be part of your family’s early feeding journey. She will diligently connect you to the most appropriate resources to help you navigate such a special (and sometimes stressful!) stage of life. Call 303-758-0223 or visit us at www.RiseandShineSmiles.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Villasenor today!