Tag: Tween and Adolescent

Does Tongue Tie Go Away?

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In the Know for You to Know

Mommy and Daddy Love That Now I Can Stick Out My Tongue
Mommy and Daddy Love That Now I Can Stick Out My Tongue

Tongue tie is a short muscle attachment under the tongue which may restrict tongue mobility and can cause potential difficulties for breastfeeding and speech.

In our last post we talked about recognizing tongue tie, and how the tie affects breast feeding and speech. Today we’re discussing Treatments for Tongue tie.

Some doctors may take a wait and see approach to evaluate if tongue tie goes away as in some milder cases. There are an increasing number of others who recommend prompt treatment to prevent ongoing feeding difficulties for an infant, or for an older child who has speech difficulties, dental problems, and social concerns. Most cases of tongue tie are treated as soon as they are diagnosed, and depending on the child’s age, it can be done either in the office or in the operating room.

Does Tongue Tie Go Away On Its Own?

Treating Tongue Tie

Tongue tie does not really go away on its own. Sometimes the tight tie may loosen slightly as the child’s mouth grows. For some as they get older they seek to accommodate to their limited tongue movement for chewing and speech. Nonetheless there are children who continue to experience difficulties with eating and speech.

Look How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue
Sticking Out My Tongue Because Now I Can
This Is How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue

Once a child has been examined and it’s decided that the best way to address the tie is to surgically alter the attachment, you may be referred to either an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) Physician, an Oral Surgeon, or a Pediatric Dentist.

Tongue tie can be corrected in one of two surgical ways:

Frenotomy

The doctor examines the frenum and then snips it free with sterile scissors. The procedure is quick and usually there is little blood. Most times local anesthetic isn’t used because discomfort is minimal due to there being few nerve endings and blood vessels in the frenum. After the procedure, you stay for a while in the office while the baby breastfeeds. In this circumstance, the breast milk is for pain relief and as an antiseptic.

Frenuloplasty

On examination if the frenum is too thick for a frenotomy, a frenuloplasty, may be recommended. This procedure uses general anesthesia and surgical tools to free the tongue from the thick band of tissue in the bottom of the mouth. When the frenum is free the wound is closed with stitches that dissolve on their own within a couple of weeks. The child will most likely not need to stay in the hospital overnight, and will likely go home the same day as the operation. As with all surgeries there are possible complications and can include bleeding, infection, scarring, or damage to the tongue or salivary gland.

Follow-Up Care

After the procedure a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled between 5 and 7 days to check on healing in the treated area.

Your pediatrician may refer you to a speech therapist depending on how your child’s speech was affected by the tongue tie to overcome any articulation and enunciation problems.

The doctor who performed the procedure or your pediatrician may give your child simple exercises to help improve the full motion of their tongue.

Do you know a Mom who is having trouble with painful breastfeeding? Have you seen a child who is unable to stick their tongue out all the way or move it from side to side? Do you know someone whose child doesn’t want ice cream because they can’t lick the cone? Do you know a child who doesn’t want to be in the school band because they can’t play the wind instrument they want? Newborns, babies and children, tweens and adolescents can have tongue tie. Let us know if you know a family whose child has (or had) tongue tie and what they are doing (or did) to address the tie.. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

What Parents are Asking about Oral Health for Their Child Who has Sensory Concerns

Waiting for Mommy and Daddy to Clean My Mouth
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In the Know for You to Know

It can be a challenge for a parent to teach their child they need to brush their teeth. But it is possible to make tooth brushing a positive experience for both you and your child.

When To Do This

From day 1 make dental health a priority at home. Start by building a consistent and regular daily routine.

As a parent you may be dealing with your child’s multiple and significant medical needs. Feeding issues and medicines need to be taken into consideration.

Yes, starting when they are newborns and infants wipe their mouths with a wet wash cloth after feedings and medicines. You can continue to do this into their baby stage and when they are toddlers. It is very helpful for you if they don’t take bottles to bed or use sippy cups, especially when they are filled with sugary drinks.

Introducing Your Child To Flossing And Brushing

As your child grows they need more assistance and practice in taking care of their teeth. When you’re looking for tooth brushes remember that small brushes and soft bristles are best.

Your child may have Autism and have sensory issues which can make flossing and brushing teeth difficult because the sensation can be uncomfortable at first.

Your child may be a Sensory Seeker or a Sensory Avoider,

Start with the basics – Practice opening their mouth as wide as they can so Mommy or Daddy (or Mom or Dad) can look inside.

You can start by holding the tooth brush with your child, then touch the smooth side of the brush to the back of their hand and then the brush bristles to the back of their hand. Once they are comfortable use the tooth brush to touch your child’s lips then choose one tooth to touch, then another, and another….

For flossing the hand held flossers are great. They come in lots of fun colors. It’s really helpful to introduce them by putting your child’s fingers together (only have to keep them touching) and sliding the floss between each of their fingers. We know that when we floss our own teeth this feels like a “pop,” so when showing finger flossing actually say the word “pop.” Now you can sing the “pop-pop” song. This way they’re focusing on your voice and not so much on what you are doing. Introduce flossing into their mouths the same way as for the tooth brush.

Mom and Dad you can also sing songs like “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” to make sure you keep your child’s attention and you spend the 2 Minutes 2X’s a Day brushing their teeth.

For Sensory Seeking children consider using an electric tooth brush to provide that additional mouth feel.

If your child is a Sensory Avoider, their reluctance may be because of the feel of the brush, the taste/texture of the tooth paste, or a combination of factors. You may be using the wet wash cloth longer than you thought you would be. When you introduce the tooth brush remember to use a small one (don’t mind the age on the package) with soft bristles. You may need to work up to using tooth paste, so don’t worry if there isn’t any paste on the wet brush or cloth. There are some unflavored pastes that may be helpful, and remember when you do use it you only need a dab on the brush, and the paste should contain fluoride.

While we mostly brush teeth in the bathroom, you can do this in another area of your home where your child feels comfortable. Make sure to have everything with you within arms reach.

Standing up to floss and brush is also optional, sitting in a good chair is an alternative.

When the flossing and brushing is finished your child can either spit into a wash cloth or the bathroom sink, or you can wipe their mouth with a wash cloth.

What’s Most Important

Routine makes perfect. There is no one ideal for perfect. Perfect is your consistent routine every day with your child.

Remember – Take it 1 Step at a Time and Stay Positive!

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Nature’s Cavity Ninja

Family Brushing Time After Trick or Treating
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In the Know for You to Know

Fluoride works to help prevent cavities Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water. It’s also in toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. In the right amount and on a regular schedule it helps prevent cavities by strengthening the outer surface of teeth. This outer surface is tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is weakened by those not so healthy foods and sweet drinks. To be effective, fluoride works its best when combined with a good diet and good brushing and flossing habits.

Fluoride is safe and effective. Did you know that water fluoridation has decreased the cavity rate by 25%? All it takes is a small amount for the maximum benefit. Proper tooth paste amounts need to be supervised by Mom and Dad, and other forms of fluoride like rinses and supplements must also be carefully monitored. Remember not to leave anything within reach of those inquisitive hands since the flavors that encourage children to brush are also tempting to eat.

For infants and toddlers starting to get their teeth and aren’t able to spit out, you can put a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste on a washcloth or soft baby sized toothbrush. Once your child is old enough to fully spit out in the bathroom sink, a rice grain size dab of toothpaste with fluoride on their toothbrush is the right amount. School age children, tweens, and adolescents only need a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on their brush. It’s always important to closely supervise your child’s brushing so they don’t swallow the good tasting toothpaste.

Well Water Mystery Some wells have too little fluoride while others have too much. Bottled, filtered, spring and well waters all vary in their fluoride amount. So what do you do? It’s important to have the water from your well tested for fluoride every year. If you’re not sure if you have well water or town/city water, check with the local water utilities company. If you know your town/city supplies your drinking water you can also check the fluoride level by calling them.

Children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years may or may not need supplements, depending on how much fluoride is in your water, So ask for your water report.

Unlike most other medicines, fluoride dosage corresponds to a child’s age, not their weight. It also depends on the amount of fluoride present in your drinking water. This is why it is so important to have your water tested; so that your child is prescribed the appropriate dose.

Topical Fluoride Topical fluorides come in a number of different forms. There are rinses, gels, foams and varnishes. The flavors and colors are endless, as are how they are used. Some are over the counter and some are by prescription. Those over the counter products are not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Also remember to check the labels for fluoride amounts in your Baby’s powdered and pre-made formulas, as well as in their cereals.

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More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!