THE TOT SPOT
The Tot Spot is Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry’s Airway & Tongue-Tie Center, where every child’s story may be different — but we help ensure it’s a happy one. TOT (Tethered Oral Tissues) can have a big impact on your child’s breathing, sleep, feeding, and development.
TONGUE & LIP TIES
Does your baby…
Make clicking or gulping sounds while nursing? Frequently release and relatch or have a shallow latch? Nurse for long periods of time and fall asleep mid feed? Have colic, gas, or reflux?
Does your child…
Get tired while eating? Spit up after eating? Pocket food or is a picky eater? Have reflux or excessive gas?
Tongue-Ties Are...
A tongue-tie happens when the small band of tissue under the tongue (called the frenum) is shorter, tighter, or attached differently than usual. This can limit how well the tongue moves, making it harder for babies to latch during feeding and, in some cases, affecting eating, speech, or oral development as children grow.
Lip-Ties occur when...
A lip-tie happens when the band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is tighter or attached lower than usual. This can make it difficult for the upper lip to lift and form a proper seal during feeding. In some children, it may also contribute to oral development concerns, so a thorough evaluation is important.
Lip-Ties occur when...
the upper lip remains attached to the upper gum. It can limit the ability to form a proper lip seal and encourage mouth breathing over nasal breathing.
When Do I Need to Treat a Tongue or Lip Tie?
We recommend treatment when a tongue or lip tie interferes with essential functions or development. In infants, signs include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, or slow weight gain. In children, speech delays, dental crowding, or sleep issues may indicate a need for intervention. A comprehensive airway assessment, including tongue and lip tie screening, helps determine if treatment is necessary.
Frenectomy
At The TOT Spot, Dr. Ann uses a CO2 LightScapel laser to vaporize the frenum with minimal discomfort, trauma, bleeding, and scar tissue. The frenum is lasered under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion.
Benefits of Releasing a Tongue or Lip Tie
- Ideal latch for breastfeeding efficiency
- Normal speech development
- Improved nasal breathing
- Ability to self-cleanse the mouth while eating
- Adequate swallowing patterns
- Proper facial growth and development
- Enhanced tongue posture
- Reduced sleep disordered breathing
- Allows for fun things like eating ice cream or sticking your tongue out to catch raindrops
Airway Dentistry
Undiagnosed tongue or lip-ties can cause children to be predisposed to certain types of sleep apnea. When the tongue remains ‘down and back’ in the mouth, it leads to airway restriction. Addressing the tethered oral ties early can prevent long-term complications like sleep apnea, developmental concerns, and chronic health issues.
Signs & Symptoms of a Restricted Airway
A restricted airway can significantly impact health and well-being. These symptoms often stem from structural issues, such as tongue ties or a narrow palate, which can cause the tongue to obstruct the airway.
Potential signs & symptoms in infants include:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Prolonged feeding sessions
- Poor weight gain
- Frequent gas, reflux, or excessive spit-up
- Mouth breathing
- Tension in the neck, jaw, or facial muscles
- Noisy breathing
- Restless sleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Preference for sleeping with the head tilted back
- Milk leaking from the mouth during feeds
- Limited tongue mobility
Potential signs & symptoms in children include:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Bedwetting
- Attention deficit disorders
- Behavioral issues
- Slow facial or jaw development
- Crowded teeth
- Narrow palate
- Speech difficulties due to restricted tongue movement
Have questions about tongue ties, lip ties, or airway concerns? Connect with our TOT-trained team to learn more and discuss the next steps for your child’s care.
“I sing
Dr. Ann’s praises!!”
Could not recommend them enough. They have a phenomenal staff, from the front desk to the assistants and the women working in the back!! I sing Dr Ann’s praises!! We got my 6 week old daughters’ tongue, lip, and cheeks revised. It made the world of a difference in our daughter! Most importantly, they took great care of my baby. They handled her with care, they showed love and compassion, and revised her ties quickly. I cannot recommend The TOT Spot enough.
Marie C.
JOiN OUR SMiLE HoME
Call us at (864) 297-5585 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.