Treating Tongue Ties in Children: What You Need to Know

Tongue ties, also known as ankyloglossia, are a common condition that can affect children’s speech, feeding, and oral health. A tongue tie is a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, and can be restrictive if it is too short or tight. Tongue ties can cause problems with breastfeeding, speaking, and swallowing, and can lead to issues like dental cavities and gum disease.

If you think your child may have a tongue tie, it’s important to speak with a pediatric dentist or a speech therapist. They will be able to assess your child’s tongue tie and recommend the best course of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about treating tongue ties in children:

  • Laser treatment: One common treatment for tongue ties is laser treatment, also known as frenectomy. This procedure involves using a laser to remove the excess tissue that is causing the tongue tie. Laser treatment is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time.
  • Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to treat a tongue tie. This procedure involves cutting the excess tissue with a scalpel or scissors. Surgical treatment may be recommended if the tongue tie is severe or if laser treatment is not effective.
  • Exercises and stretches: After treatment, your child may be prescribed exercises and stretches to help improve their tongue movement and flexibility.

Dr. Z is a certified expert in frenulum treatment and inspection by the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional therapists – in other words, she REALLY knows what she’s doing.

  • Kids have a painless experience with the Waterlase laser technology.
  • Your child will see immediate results with feeding and speech post-surgery.
  • Z Pediatric Dentistry is the only office in Pearland to offer these services!
  • The reviews speak for themselves, watch what one mom had to say about her experience

Contact us if you have any questions

Tips for Parents on Maintaining Their Child’s Dental Health

As a pediatric dentist, I often see parents who want to do everything they can to help their children maintain healthy teeth and gums. While good oral hygiene is important for all children, it can be especially challenging for young children to learn how to brush and floss effectively. Here are some tips that parents can use to help their children maintain good dental health:

  1. Start early: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by the age of one. This allows the dentist to check for any problems and provide guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth.
  2. Set a good example: Children learn by example, so it’s important for parents to model good oral hygiene habits for their kids. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks.
  3. Make brushing and flossing fun: Brushing and flossing can be boring for children, so it’s important to make it fun. You can use flavored toothpaste, play music, or use a timer to make brushing and flossing more enjoyable.
  4. Choose healthy snacks: Snacks that are high in sugar can contribute to tooth decay, so it’s important to choose healthy snacks for your children. This includes fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Avoid sugary snacks like cookies, candy, and soda.
  5. Keep supplies handy: Make sure you have plenty of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss on hand so that your children always have what they need to brush and floss. You can also keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your car or bag in case of emergencies.

By following these tips, you can help your children maintain healthy teeth and gums and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. If you have any concerns about your child’s dental health, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

The Healthy Habits of Early Dental Care for Children

As a pediatric dentist, one of the things I stress to parents is the importance of starting dental care for their children as early as possible. Children’s teeth are more susceptible to cavities and other problems than adult teeth, so it’s important to take steps to prevent these problems and establish healthy habits early on.

Here are some of the benefits of early dental care for children:

  • Prevention of tooth decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that children face. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that eats away at the enamel on the teeth. Early dental care, including regular cleanings and fluoride treatments, can help prevent tooth decay and keep children’s teeth healthy.
  • Establishing healthy habits: Children learn by example, so it’s important for parents to model good oral hygiene habits for their kids. By starting dental care early, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks.
  • Promoting overall oral health: Dental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. By starting dental care early, children can develop a healthy mouth and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. This includes maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as well as preventing common dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

In summary, early dental care is important for children’s dental health and overall well-being. By starting dental care early, parents can help prevent tooth decay, establish healthy habits, and promote overall oral health for their children. If you have a child who is due for a dental check-up, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment. Your child’s smile will thank you!

Halloween Candy: A trick or treat?

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Children’s favorite holiday is just around the corner, and it’s not surprising why! Candy, candy candy! Don’t let this holiday stress you out.  Here are a few tips on how to keep their teeth healthy and cavity free during Halloween this year.

Pick your favorites

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After your night of fun collecting candy, sort through the bag with your child and let them choose 5 of their favorite items to keep and find your local food bank to donate the rest. Most cities offer these donations to great causes like for our troops abroad.

Chocolate that’s good for you

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The best type of sweet treat to keep around is chocolate. Hard to believe, we know, but here’s why: time is of the essence when it comes to teeth and sugar.  Chewy treats and hard candy are particularly damaging because they spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth.  These candies are also more difficult for teeth to chew, which is not good for their enamel. Sweets like chocolate that quickly dissolve in the mouth and can be eaten easily lessen the amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. But remember, too much of any thing isn’t good, so try and limit this too.

Time it right

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Allow your children to eat their favorite candies right after a meal instead of a random time during the day.  Right after eating, saliva production is at its peak and can help cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.  Saliva also helps rinse away food that can stick to your teeth and cause cavities.

Let water be your friend!

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After your children munch on a few of their goodies, give them lots of water. It’s the second best thing you can do for their teeth if they don’t have time to brush.  Water helps cleanse their teeth and prevents sugar from staying on their teeth, which can lead to cavities.

We hope that parents find these tips helpful.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns!  Visit us at www.zpdentistry.com or call us at (832) 321 7151