Consequences of Untreated Tongue-Tie on Oral and Overall Health

During fetal development, a baby's tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth. However, as the baby grows, the tongue separates from the floor, leaving only a thin band of tissue called the lingual frenulum attached. Tongue-tie is a condition that can affect a child's feeding, eating, and growth and can also impact speech and social development. If left untreated, tongue-tie can adversely affect your child's oral and overall health. For instance, inadequate oral hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Poor dental hygiene can also lead to various other diseases and conditions. Therefore, maintaining good oral health throughout one's lifetime is essential by brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly for checkups.

If a child has a tongue tie, their lingual frenulum may be too short or tight, making it difficult for their tongue to move freely. The tongue requires a full motion for swallowing, sweeping bits of food out of the mouth, and producing various sounds when speaking.

Suppose a midwife, breastfeeding counselor, or health visitor suspects tongue-tie in a baby. In that case, they will refer the child to a specialist for formal assessment based on their function and appearance. Tongue-tie can be challenging to diagnose; thus, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is vital. Simple treatments may be recommended for babies with tongue-tie.

Untreated tongue tie can lead to a cleft palate, which occurs when the plates forming the hard and soft palate do not join. It is crucial to get this condition repaired promptly to prevent developing cleft lip and speech production problems.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and are very common. Symptoms include pain, fever, inflammation, swelling, and blisters. A doctor can prescribe medication to speed healing, such as topical creams or oral pills like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir.

Home remedies such as ice packs on the sores or aloe vera gel can help minimize symptoms and prevent skin dryness. It is essential to avoid intimate contact, including kissing and oral sex, and sharing cups, razors, dishes, towels, cutlery, straws, and lip balm until sores heal.

Untreated tongue ties can cause speech and eating issues that may lead to a loss of self-confidence in children and adults. Left untreated, it can become a significant source of emotional and behavioral problems. Non-surgical treatments can be used to treat tongue-tie, but surgical treatment may be necessary if non-surgical methods are ineffective. To check if a child has a tongue tie, swipe your finger under their tongue; you should not feel a flap of skin beneath the tip.