Important Facts You Should Know About Tongue Ties

Posted on: 22 April 2016

If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, it is important to understand that although it seems like a minor problem, it can impact many aspects of your child's life. For instance, it is often more challenging for a child with a tongue tie to eat properly, which can cause them not to grow enough. In addition, if left untreated, it can also cause speech difficulties and put them at a higher risk of dental problems as they mature. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the following information about your child's tongue tie, so that you can allow them to have the necessary corrective procedure.  

#1-There Are Two Common Types Of Tongue Ties

It is important to note that there are different types of tongue ties, which is also known as ankyloglossia. Each type relates to the amount of tissue there is connecting the tongue to the frenum, which is the area immediately under the tongue. Class one means that the tie is occurring at the front of the tongue and is often the only one that people think of when a tongue tie is mentioned. Class two manifests a bit further back in the mouth. About 75% of all tongue ties are class one or two.

#2-Rare Types Of Tongue Ties

A class three tongue tie is located almost at the back of the tongue. A class four is harder to diagnose because it can hide under the covering of the mucous membrane. It is also known as a posterior tie, or PTT and some children with it have been mistakenly diagnosed as having a short tongue. In general, as the level of the problem increases, so will the problems associated with it. It is not unusual for your child's dentist to diagnose the problem and to be able to correct the tongue tie in the office.

#3-The Corrective Surgery For Tongue Ties Is Typically Painless

As a new parent, it can be terrifying to think that your son or daughter will need any kind of surgery. However, the lingual frenectomy is a minor procedure and can be done in about 15 seconds.The correction simply involves using a laser or sterile scissors to sever the connection, providing instant relief to your child. 

In addition, there are very few nerves that connect the tongue to the area underneath it, so severing it is very quick. That means that it would be very rare for any discomfort to occur as the result of the correction.  In conclusion, it is crucial to understand as much as possible about the frenectomy that your child needs. Consulting with your child's dentist, like those found at http://www.vfdental.com, and correcting the problem is typically the most appropriate way to treat this problem.  

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