Lip and tongue-ties are frequently diagnosed in babies and young children. This condition affects the way that babies and young kids eat and speak. It can also interfere with the ability to breastfeed successfully. The good news is that this condition can be easily corrected with a frenectomy. Read on to learn more about frenectomies and which exercises and stretches you should use to help your child heal quickly and effectively.
How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?
A frenectomy is a procedure that is performed to release the frenum. This is the band of tissue that is beneath the tongue for behind the upper lip. Doing this allows for a better range of motion. A soft-tissue laser is used to release this band of tissue. There is very little discomfort involves and it can be completed in just a few seconds. There should be very little to no bleeding afterward. Since the laser cauterizes and sterilizes the area as it goes, the risk of infection is very low.
Why Are Stretching Exercises Necessary After a Laser Frenectomy?
If stretches aren’t done after the procedure, there is a good chance that it will grow back together. The wound will heal together again, possibly even tighter than it was before. Since all wounds contract, your child could end up with an even worse issue if stretching isn’t completed. This is part of the natural healing process to keep the area from opening again. However, it’s important to “trick” the area into healing separately, so your child can enjoy a wider range of motion going forward.
Tongue & Lip Stretching Exercises
First, you should wash your hands. Then, complete the following stretching exercises with your child.
- Upper Lip: Place your clean finger beneath your child’s upper lip, placing it at the very tip. Then, move your finger gently from side to side.
- Tongue: Insert your index finger into your child’s mouth under their tongue. Gently lift their tongue toward the roof of their mouth. Lift the tongue as high as you can and hold it for a couple of seconds before you let it fall back onto your finger. The goal is to prevent the tongue from reattaching to the floor of the mouth. You should also massage both sides of the incision to prevent the stiffening of the tongue muscles. By super gently because the site will be tender and sensitive.
Frenectomies can make a huge difference for your baby’s oral mobility if they have been diagnosed with a lip or tongue-tie, and completing stretching exercises afterward are a must to make the results permanent. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s recovery, give their dentist a call for additional directions.
About the Author
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist with more than four decades of experience. He has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education in the area of frenectomies, frenuloplasties, interceptive orthodontics, and airway dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, Academy of Laser dentistry, and the American Laser Study Club. To learn more about frenectomies or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit his website or call 720) 743-3340.