When your precious bundle of joy seems inconsolable, crying consistently, it can be a challenging experience for any parent. While there can be various reasons for a baby’s crying, one you may not have considered is colic due to lip or tongue ties. This frustrating connection is a puzzle many parents seek to solve.
If you want to learn how lip and tongue ties can cause colic, and what you can do to treat them, continue reading.
What are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties occur when the strip of skin beneath the upper lip (lip tie) or beneath the tongue (tongue tie) is shorter than usual. These conditions can restrict the movement of the lip or tongue, affecting breastfeeding and, often, causing symptoms of colic.
What Is Colic?
Colic is a term used to describe sudden and incessant crying in newborns, seemingly without reason. It’s a common condition in infants affecting nearly one in four. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are many possible causes of colic. These range from lactose intolerance to lip and tongue ties and even bright lights or loud sounds.
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Cause Colic?
Research suggests that the restricted movement caused by lip and tongue ties can affect the baby’s ability to latch onto the breast properly. When breastfeeding becomes challenging, babies may swallow more air, leading to increased gas and discomfort. This heightened gas, combined with the physical discomfort caused by the ties, could be the culprit behind their colic symptoms.
How Can You Treat Lip and Tongue Ties?
Do you suspect that your baby’s excessive crying may be linked to lip or tongue ties? Seeking a pediatric dentist is the best step forward. They can examine and diagnose your little one before offering treatment options like a frenectomy.
This is a quick and painless procedure that disconnects the lip or tongue from the frenulum, restoring mobility. Babies often don’t even feel the treatment being done and there’s little to no bleeding from the incision. It truly is one of the best ways to improve the quality of life of a small child with ties.
Now that you understand the link between lip and tongue ties and colic, you can take proactive steps to help your child. It starts with an appointment with their pediatric dentist, so give them a call as soon as possible. Very soon your child could find relief from their symptoms, smiling more and crying less.
About the Practice
At Homer Sedighi, D.M.D., Jessica Martin, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Homer Sedighi, and Dr. Jessica Martin work together to bring healthy smiles to all their little patients. They’ve created a warm and welcoming environment for children to receive top-notch dental care without stress. Call (636) 777-7777 to schedule a frenectomy consultation or visit the website to explore all the services they offer.