Dubai, UAE - Many parents or caregivers notice small changes in how their little bundle of joy feeds or speaks. Some feel something is wrong yet fail to understand the reason behind it. As per the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, one common reason behind these issues is tongue tie. It may look small, yet it can affect a child in many ways if parents ignore it. Dr. Yasmin Kottait helps parents understand this condition and guides them on the right time to act.
What Is Tongue Tie In Children?
Tongue tie happens when the small piece of tissue under the tongue feels too tight or short. This tissue connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. When it stays tight, the tongue fails to move freely, making speech and feeding difficult for little ones.
A child may fail to lift the tongue properly or move it side to side. This limited movement can affect feeding, speech, and oral habits as the child grows. In such cases, it is essential to seek consultation and support from the best Kids Dentist in Dubai.
Tongue-tie Signs Parents Should Notice
Tongue tie shows different signs at different ages. In babies, feeding problems often appear first. A baby may struggle to latch during breastfeeding. Feeding may take longer than usual, and the baby may not gain weight well, while many mothers also feel pain during feeding.
As the child grows, speech may sound unclear. The child may struggle with sounds like “l,” “r,” “t”, or more, and some children avoid speaking because they feel frustrated.
You may also notice that your child cannot stick out the tongue fully. Licking food or cleaning the teeth may feel difficult. These signs often show limited tongue movement, requiring support from the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai.
Why Early Tongue-tie Treatment Matters
Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, always advises early treatment because it prevents bigger problems later. When the little one’s tongue fails to move freely, it affects more than just speech.
In babies, feeding becomes stressful, affecting nutrition and comfort. It can also make feeding time difficult for both the baby and the mother.
As children grow, speech becomes harder to correct if habits form early. A child may learn incorrect ways to speak and continue them over time.
The tongue also supports mouth development. It helps shape the jaw and guides how teeth grow. Limited movement can lead to bite issues or spacing problems.
Impact on Speech Development
The child’s tongue plays a key role in speech. Children need free tongue movement to produce clear sounds. When movement stays limited, children struggle with certain words.
They may replace sounds or skip them. Over time, this affects how clearly they speak. It can also affect confidence.
Children may feel shy in school or avoid speaking in groups. Early tongue-tie treatment helps them learn correct speech patterns, offering them better control over tongue movement.
Feeding and Eating Challenges
Feeding problems often start early in new babies with tongue-tie. Babies with tongue tie may not latch well, making feeding tiring and less effective.
As children grow, eating may also feel difficult. The tongue helps move food and supports swallowing. Limited tongue movement in children can make chewing harder.
Some children avoid certain foods because eating feels uncomfortable. They may become picky eaters without clear reasons. Treating tongue tie from the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai can improve how they eat and enjoy food.
Effects of Tongue-tie on Oral Hygiene
The tongue helps keep the child’s mouth clean by removing food from teeth and gums. When it cannot move well in the mouth, food stays in the mouth longer.
Children may also struggle to clean their teeth properly. This can lead to plaque buildup and dental issues over time. Early tongue-tie treatment and guidance from the best Pediatric Dentist helps improve tongue movement. This supports better oral hygiene and keeps the mouth healthier.
How Tongue-tie Treatment Works
Tongue tie treatment is simple and safe, with Pediatric Dentists performing a small procedure called a frenectomy. This tongue-tie treatment procedure releases the tight tissue under the tongue.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait, the best Pediatric Dentist, performs this procedure with care and precision, and only takes a few minutes in most cases.
After the procedure, myotherapy plays an important role in recovery. Myotherapy includes simple tongue exercises that help improve movement and strength. These exercises, recommended by the Airway-specialized Pediatric Dentist, train the tongue to move in the right way and prevent old habits from returning.
Children practice these exercises at home with guidance. Regular practice helps them gain better control over tongue movement while supporting clear speech, easier eating, and proper oral function.
With the right combination of treatment and myotherapy, children adjust faster and show better long-term results.
What Parents Can Expect After Treatment
Most children recover quickly from the tongue tie surgery treatment. Babies often show better feeding soon after the procedure with improved latch and smoother feeding.
Older children may need some time to adjust, as they may have developed habits due to limited movement. With practice and guidance from the best Kids Dentist in Dubai, they improve speech and eating.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait has 20+ years of experience in Pediatric Dentistry Dubai and supports parents through every step. She explains what to expect from the tongue-tie treatment and how to help the child at home.
Book an appointment with Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a trusted Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, and get the right guidance and care for your child’s tongue-tie treatment today.
About Dr. Yasmin Kottait:
Having dedicated over 20 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name as the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism-friendly Dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.