If your young child is having issues with his or her oral development, a frenectomy might help. Here are a few signs this minor procedure might be needed.
The Basics
A frenectomy is designed to correct problems affecting the frenulum. This is a tissue that helps keep certain body parts in their proper place. In the mouth, for example, the frenulum keeps the tongue in place. It’s that sort of ridge that’s right under the tongue. There are also frenula in the jaws.
In some cases, a frenulum may be too tight, leading to several different issues. When this happens, a frenulum may need to be removed. This is a very simple procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.
Here are some signs your child might need to have this procedure performed.
- Speech impediment – If you notice any sort of odd speech pattern in your child, such as lisping, a frenectomy could help correct the problem.
- Trouble eating – When the frenula in the jaws are too tight, that can make it very hard to swallow food. There is a chance the issue will correct itself over time, or may eventually not cause a problem.
- Breathing with an open mouth – Open-mouth breathing is a sign of tightness in one of the labial frenula. These connect the lower lip to the lower jaw, and also connect the upper lip with the upper portion of the jaw. If there is a problem with one of these frenula, this can keep the mouth from closing correctly.
Talk to a dentist with Almond Dental to see if your child could benefit from a frenectomy. Contact us online or call 612-782-7000 (St. Anthony) or 763-762-7177 (Maple Grove) to schedule an appointment.