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A Look At The Long Term Effects That Untreated Tongue Ties Have On Children
What is a tongue tie? Known scientifically as an ankyloglossia, a tongue tie is a condition that is present at birth. Tongue ties involve the strip of skin beneath the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, being shorter than normal. While this may not seem like a significant issue at first, this condition can profoundly affect a child’s oral and overall health.
If you are in the Hackensack, New Jersey, area and your child has a tongue tie that requires treatment, you can visit a local area dentist like Dr. Edward Jackson and the team at State Street Smiles. Dr. Jackson and the team offer frenectomies to those requiring treatment for tongue ties.Ā We use industry-leading technology, the Solea Dental Laser, to correct these oral conditions.Ā
Understanding Tongue Ties
A normally functioning tongue is essential for success in many important activities, including breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene. When a young child has a tongue tie, the restricted movement of their tongue due to the shortened frenulum can impede these crucial functions. Breastfeeding, in particular, can be challenging due to the limited mobility of the tongue, which may hinder the baby’s ability to latch onto the breast properly. Also, a prominent frenulum under the upper lip (called lip tie) can also impede proper breastfeeding and may need to be addressed as well.
In addition to breastfeeding difficulties, a tongue tie can affect speech development. The tongue plays a critical role in articulating sounds and forming words. Children with a tongue tie may struggle to pronounce certain sounds, leading to speech impediments. As they grow older, these challenges can have a negative effect on social interactions, academic performance, and self-esteem.
The Long-Term Effects
Beyond the immediate challenges faced in infancy and early childhood, an untreated tongue tie can have long-term implications on oral health. The restricted movement of the tongue may contribute to improper oral hygiene practices and increase the risk of developing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Inadequate tongue movement can also lead to the formation of a high palate, potentially affecting teeth alignment and leading to orthodontic issues.
The inability to fully extend the tongue may also impact the development of oral motor skills. This can affect a child’s ability to chew food thoroughly, potentially leading to digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. As a child grows, the consequences of an untreated tongue tie may manifest in continuous challenges related to eating, speech, and overall oral function.
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Emotional and Psychological Impact
The effects of a tongue tie extend beyond physical issues and can influence a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. Frustration and difficulty with communication can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Socially, children with untreated tongue ties may become self-conscious about their speech impediments, potentially leading to social withdrawal and reduced self-esteem and confidence.
As a child transitions into adolescence and adulthood, the long-term effects of a tongue tie may persist.
Lingering speech difficulties can impact academic and professional success, hindering effective communication in various aspects of life. Addressing tongue ties early on can alleviate these challenges and contribute to a more positive and confident developmental trajectory.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is critical if a child is to avoid many of the pitfalls described here. The good news is that treatment is available from a local Hackensack, New Jersey, dentist like Dr. Edward Jackson and the team at State Street Smiles.
A frenectomy is a common treatment that is proven to be both safe and effective for even the youngest of children. To schedule an appointment, please call (201) 389-2183 today!
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Dina Jackson, DMD
Dina Jackson, DMD, is a general dentist celebrated for her gentle and personalized care. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned her doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care, consistently advancing her skills through continuing education. Dr. Dinaās patient-focused approach ensures treatments are tailored to individual needs. As an active member of esteemed organizations like the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Association of Women Dentists, she embodies expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.
Edward M. Jackson, DMD, FAAPD
Edward M. Jackson, DMD, FAAPD, is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience in Bergen County. He has alleviated many children’s dental anxieties and enhanced their smiles. He graduated with honors from Yeshiva University and obtained his doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed specialized training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago and Interfaith Medical Center. As Section Chief of Pediatric Dentistry at Hackensack University Medical Center, Dr. Jackson is dedicated to serving underprivileged children and mentoring new dentists. His affiliations with prestigious dental organizations like the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Academy of Laser Dentistry highlight his expertise and commitment to excellence.
M. Stamler, DMD
M. Stamler, DMD, is a respected general dentist with over 30 years of experience in Bergen County. His journey in dentistry began at Yeshiva University, leading to a doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His gentle touch and caring nature have earned him the trust of countless patients. Dr. Stamler has now joined his son-in-law, Dr. Eddie, and his daughter, Dr. Dina, at State Street Smiles. As a dedicated professional, he updates his skills through continuing education and serves on the Board of Alumni at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Amanda Albin
Dr. Amanda Albin is a Board-Certified orthodontist renowned for her expertise and compassionate care. With a Bachelorās from Tufts University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania, advanced training in orthodontics from Stony Brook University, and a Masterās, she combines scientific knowledge with artistic precision. Dr. Albin is an active member of esteemed organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Board of Orthodontics. At State Street Smiles, she excels in treating children and adults with braces and clear aligners, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience for every patient.
So we have Ms. Olivia here, and Ms. Olivia has been coming to us since she was a fetus in her mommy’s belly. So, mommy’s over here. Say hi, mommy. We have mommy. This is Ms. Denise, and we have Olivia. So Olivia, tell us a little bit about your time here with us at State Street Smiles. Sure. So my name is Olivia wiki. I’ve been coming here since forever, basically. And yeah, I absolutely love it here. I mean, I’ve had so many very intense dental procedures and I felt very comfortable every time knowing that my hands were, well, actually, yeah, right. That’s how you say it. My hands were in. You were in good hands. I was in good hands. There you go. No, we’re going to keep it. Keep my hands. Were actually doing my own dental. Personal, because that’s how much experience I have. So you were in good hands with Dr. Dina and Dr. Eddie. Yes. I was in very good hands with both Dr. Dina and Dr. Eddie throughout all of my dental procedures, which has been really comfortable for me because, I mean, it’s been a lot. So I feel really great knowing that I still have them as resources too. So ms. Olivia has had a lot of dental work done with us through time. She was a little girl all the way through. Are you a teenager now? Almost 20. Yeah, I’m 2020 now. Okay. We did some implants, crowns, crowns, all of that d, all of the above. All of the above, yes. Right. So tell us about how painless that part of the procedure was for you. Sure. So, in actuality, I mean, like I’ve mentioned before, they’re actually pretty intense dental procedures, but knowing that Dr. Dina and Dr. Eddie were calming me down and taking care of me definitely played a big role in me now realizing how important the people here are, especially because if the people here weren’t as supportive, I feel like I would’ve had a harder time now coming to terms with what happened, especially because none of these things were my fault. I was just going to say. So yeah, I feel like knowing that I had them and knowing that I was here with the best technologies, like my mom said, and the best care that I would’ve a great toe. And now that your teeth are all done and taken care of, how do you feel right now? Oh, IĀ feel so great. I know as a college student, a lot of people I know don’t take care of their teeth. And I know from the experiences I had, I could tell them brush your teeth, floss your teeth, really take care of your teeth. And I know that from State Street slides, so thank you awesome that.
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So we’re starting, let’s start with your name. Hi, my name is Jose Martinez. I’ve been coming here as a customer for the last probably 14 years at the Jackson’s Dentistry Office. Today was really, really different. I was approached by the, a dental assistant that they will be using laser. So I was in my room for a few moments thinking about what will that change, because I came to fulfilling on my tooth. So I asked close questions and short questions to both the doctor and the assistant. And they said that the difference was that no anesthesia was needed, was going to be needed. So we started the procedure and my experience was phenomenal and no numbness at the end. Especially one of my fears coming here or to the dentist is the pinch is the of the shots, the flavor of the getting a shot and then going back home for two hours, having my gums numb for a while. And that’s a sensation that is really no, a hundred percent satisfactory. So this time with the laser, it was totally a different experience. It was painless, it was faster and 15 minutes that was done. And when she said, we almost done, I was like, what? Wow. No pain, no repercussions. When she told you that we’ll be doing no shots, how did you feel? What was your thoughts? I said, okay, no shots, but what’s going to happen?
So it was painless. A hundred percent. You really feel like some, like a cold shower. Are you drinking? Maybe you eating ice cream using that portion of the area, they’re going to work around. And that’s it. Nice and easy and very highly recommend it. So how would you compare having the fillings done this time around to having it done previously? Oh, this time around I will come back and I will be requesting the laser. Well, I’m glad it worked for you and we’re happy to have you as always. Okay Of course. Yeah.
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