Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station VA
Tongue-ties are classified as tethered oral tissue under the tongue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. It is a condition that you are either born with or not, and it is likely that many people have not heard about tongue-ties until recently. Tongue-ties have been diagnosed and treated for hundreds of years, although treatment options have improved over time. The consensus among physicians today is that there is no denying the tongue’s responsibility in facial growth, specifically the jaw, and tooth alignment, according to studies. However, a lack of standardization in diagnosing and treating tongue-ties has led to an alarming high rate of cases being treated across the country. Unfortunately, many physicians and even some dentists tout a “quick clip” as a simple procedure to help your baby nurse like a champ and avoid the lifelong consequences of untreated tongue-ties. Today on the blog, Dr. Pamela Marzban shares insight into the world of tongue-ties so that parents can make the most informed decision regarding their child’s health.
First, let us explore the risks of ignoring tongue-ties.
Tongue-ties develop naturally, and do not resolve on their own. While there are different degrees and severity of tongue-ties, their consequences may also vary but may include failure to thrive, colic, and difficulty breastfeeding for infants. Children with tongue-ties may develop narrow dental palates, which affect the airway and may result in snoring, sleep apnea, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) later in life, as well as speech impediments, and unfavorable facial growth. As an adult, tongue-tie consequences like sleep apnea increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, insulin resistance, and memory disorders. Additionally, risks of TMD may cause chronic facial pain, difficulty eating, headaches, and neck and back pain. Therefore, tongue-tie treatment is essential to lower these life-long risks. If you suspect that your child has a tongue-tie, seek the care of a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment.
How to choose the best doctor for tongue-tie treatment
Undoubtedly, parents want the best for their child, especially when it involves making healthcare decisions. Many doctors and dentists offer quick tongue-tie release treatment but just because a physician offers treatment does not mean they are the most qualified person for the job. Dr. Marzban recommends that parents do their due diligence and take their time choosing a doctor for this procedure and deciding if tongue-tie release is the best option for their child. Tongue-tie release is considered surgery and if done incorrectly, could have a devastating impact on your child’s growth and development. We understand that some of the risks related to tongue-ties may leave parents feeling desperate and in search of a quick fix, but it is essential to make an informed decision.
What to look for when your child needs tongue-tie surgery
Choosing a physician for tongue-tie surgery can seem intimidating, especially since there is no standardization surrounding the diagnosis or treatment of this disorder. This makes choosing the right doctor even more difficult. But Dr. Marzban has some suggestions to help make this process easier for parents.
Be prepared to have more than one consultation. You may need to consult with several or more physicians before making your choice. Ask each physician about their experience, background, and training in tongue-ties. Unfortunately, there are many two-day seminars that claim to train dentists in tongue-tie diagnosis and treatments, but that does not make the doctor an expert in the matter. Would you undergo any type of surgical procedure from a doctor that got their training from a two-day seminar? Not likely!
Start by asking the doctor about their treatment method. Snip and clip treatments come with the highest risk factors and result in a lengthier recovery. They are also the most invasive type of tongue-tie release treatment. Dr. Marzban recommends avoiding this traditional surgical method for tongue-ties. Instead, opt for ‘[link id=’53486′ text=’CO2 laser treatment’ target=’_blank’ rel=’noopener’], which results in less bleeding, little to no discomfort, and a shorter recovery.
Next, ask about follow-up care. If the doctor says that no follow-up care is not necessary, that may be a red flag. In most cases, patients respond best with follow-up care like [link id=’52982′ text=’Myofunctional Therapy’ target=’_blank’ rel=’noopener’], which is like physical therapy for the tongue. Myofunctional Therapy can improve tongue patterns when swallowing, encourage nasal breathing, and proper oral posture when the mouth is at rest.
Additionally, ask about collaborative care with other physicians or care providers like lactation consultants, speech pathologists, and sometimes chiropractors. Each case is different, as are the collaborative care requirements for your child. But mentioning this factor will help you decide whether the physician that you are considering is knowledgeable enough to conduct the tongue-tie release.
Tongue-tie release surgery in Burke, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station, Virginia
Seeking a diagnosis and care for tongue-ties does not have to be an overwhelming process. With Dr. Marzban’s advice, you can choose the best tongue-tie specialist in Northern Virginia. And when in doubt, go with your gut. Only choose a doctor that makes you feel at ease and comfortable with their experience, philosophy, and approach to treatment. If you would like to learn more about tongue-ties, please contact Pamela Marzban by calling (703) 323-8200.
