Welcoming a new addition to the family is a joyous occasion that should be full of celebration. However, it can be hard to see past the challenges, especially when your little one seems inconsolable. If your baby cries a lot, they might be struggling with colic. But what causes this? Though there are several causes for the condition, there is a strong connection between colic and lip and tongue-ties.
Continue reading to learn what you can do about lip and tongue-ties to help your baby (and yourself) regain some peace.
What Is Colic?
Colic describes severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines. It’s a common problem for infants that causes them to cry intensely for extended periods. This can be devastating for both the child and the parents who may feel helpless and frustrated.
What are Lip or Tongue-Ties?
Lip and tongue-ties are conditions where the frenulum that connects the lips or tongue to the mouth is too thick. This restricts the movement of the lips or tongue, making many oral tasks like breastfeeding more difficult for babies.
How Do Lip and Tongue-Ties Cause Colic?
Recent studies suggest that the complications from being unable to feed properly may share a connection to colic. Here are some of the ways that lip or tongue-ties may lead to colic symptoms:
Difficulty Latching and Swallowing: Infants with lip or tongue-ties may struggle with latching during breastfeeding. This can lead to excessive air intake which sits in their stomachs to create painful bloating or gassiness.
Inefficient Feeding: The limited mobility of the tongue or lips can result in inefficient milk transfer. Babies who don’t get enough to eat during feeding often stay hungry, so after a meal they may cry.
Fussy Feeding Sessions: Babies with lip or tongue-ties may become frustrated during feeding because it’s hard for them. This frustration can cause long crying bouts as stress hormones are released.
How to Alleviate Lip and Tongue-Ties
If you suspect that lip or tongue-ties are contributing to your baby’s colic, consult with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can assess your baby’s oral health and, if necessary, recommend a simple and safe procedure known as a frenectomy to release the restrictive skin. A dentist can often perform this procedure with a soft tissue laser causing no pain.
So, if your baby is experiencing colic, you might explore the possibility that a lip or tongue-tie is to blame. Seeking out a dental or medical professional is the easiest way to diagnose these issues and allow the healing to begin. With a simple frenectomy, you can provide relief and bring comfort to both you and your little one.
About the Practice
Do you think your child may have a lip or tongue-tie? The caring dental experts at Coral Kids Dentistry and Braces can help. They use advanced dental technology like soft tissue lasers to treat lip and tongue-ties quickly and effectively. Call (905) 684-5437 to schedule a frenectomy consultation, or visit the website to dive into other services.