Why Children Grind Teeth?

Excerpts from Webmd.com

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. 

Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth. 

Consult us if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain. You can reach out to us at 080 2520 0226

Why Children Grind Teeth?

Excerpts from Webmd.com

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. 

Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth. 

Consult us if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain. You can reach out to us at 080 2520 0226

Dental Hygiene for Autistic Children - A Mother's Perspective

Article excerpts from www.friendshipcircle.org

Autistic children can be difficult to handle. At the core of their behavior lies severe anxiety to face new and unknown situations, and exposure to new people.

While parents are often able to manage a majority of the tasks and develop a sense of familiarity, it is when meeting care providers such as a pediatric dentist or pediatrician that their behavior is severely tested.

Below is a detailed account of a mother, who has been there and done that. Although she started her 5 year old on dental visits only when he turned 5, it is important to begin this as early as possible (at age 1) to ensure familiarity and comfort with the dentist are developed at a very early age.

I waited until my son was 5 years old before I attempted to take him to a dentist’s office.

Between his oral defensiveness and severe anxiety, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work before then.  The only reason I made that appointment was my concern over an adult tooth that erupted at an unusual angle with the baby tooth still on top of it.

The Screamer

My son was the kid who screamed uncontrollably every time he entered anything that looked like a doctor’s office.  My son was the kid who wouldn’t let me look inside his mouth when he was teething or when he had injuries.  I used to seize the opportunity to try to get a brief glimpse at his teeth whenever he was laughing at a joke or in the middle of a tantrum.  Brushing his teeth was challenging at best, and there was no way he would rinse and spit.

Eventually my husband and I were able to reduce our son’s oral sensitivity enough so that we could take care of his teeth, and we approached his anxiety from several angles to make that first visit to the dentist a success.

Here’s how we managed our son’s dental hygiene:

Establish a daily ritual

1. Be Creative

The National Institutes of Health have a guide for caregivers emphasizing the importance of creativity and a daily oral hygiene routine – and those were the keys to my family’s success.  Finger toothbrushes for infants only encouraged my son to bite my finger.  Instead, I offered him a clean, wet washcloth to chew on for a few minutes in the morning and before bedtime.  I helped him move the washcloth around his mouth so that all of his teeth were scrubbed.  Then I offered water to drink, since he didn’t know how to rinse and spit yet.

2. Brush Together

The next step was to allow my son to chew on a child-size toothbrush while I brushed my own teeth.
This desensitized him to the toothbrush’s texture while I modeled appropriate dental hygiene for him.  Sometimes it’s necessary to try several different types of brushes, such as a spin brush.  After many months, when he was accustomed to the texture, I added non-fluoride toddler toothpaste to his toothbrush so that he would get used to the idea of flavoring on the brush.

3. Don’t Miss A Day

It was important to continue with the brushing ritual every morning and evening – if I accidentally skipped one morning, my son would be uncooperative the next time I tried to clean his teeth!

4. Slow Transitions Are Better

A few years later, my son was allowing me to brush his teeth and he had finally learned to rinse and spit.  Then we switched him to fluoridated toothpaste, because the flavor is milder than adult toothpaste.

Know the causes of tooth decay

In recent years, medical studies have documented a clear connection between oral health and overall physical health.  Tooth decay is now considered a preventable infectious disease.  The bacteria that cause tooth decay are typically transferred from one person’s saliva to another person’s mouth.  Sugary foods feed the bacteria and promote decay.

Many children with special needs may continue to bottle-feed until they are 4 or 5 years old because of delays in oral-motor skills, which is another risk factor for tooth decay.

5. Prevent Cavities

To reduce the risk of cavities, I gave my son a drink of water after his bottles and made sure his teeth were brushed immediately before bedtime.

Find a dentist who has experience with special needs

6. Referrals From Families

The best way to find a dentist is to ask for a referral from other families or find those within the community who have managed dental needs of autistic kids.

Dr. Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic has prior experience in managing such children. The office staff too have been trained to handle them. 

7. Accessible and Sensory Friendly

Not all dental offices are equipped for special needs, some offices have a harsh sensory environment.  At Small Bites, the environment and decor has been designed to incorporate play, and children are exposed to imagery and activities that helps them get more relaxed. You can check with the office staff about our experience with children of unique needs.

Get friendly with the dentist’s office

8. Make practice visits

Consider visiting the dentist’s office several times before attempting any type of examination.  One time I had my husband bring our son in to see me get my exam and cleaning.

9. Make a Social Story

Ricki Robinson, author of Autism Solutions, suggests taking photos of the equipment, staff and waiting room – then using those photos to make a storybook about going to the dentist.

10. Prepare With Books

I got a bunch of books about the dentist from the library for my son.  The only books that interested him were those that had photos of actual dentists’ offices, not cartoons or drawings.  He liked clear, concise narratives that showed him exactly what to expect.  He also liked simple, scientific explanations about the importance of oral hygiene.

11. Divide & Conquer

Keep in mind that most dentists can bill your visit in three separate parts: cleaning, exam and x-ray.  If a child becomes anxious during the cleaning, you can reschedule the exam and x-ray for a different day.  Or you can schedule each of the three parts on different days.

12. Bring Their Favorite Toy/Blanket/Object

Ruby Gelman, DMD, advises in the book 1001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, “If your child has an object that he particularly loves (a music player or a clock, for example), bring one with you to the dental visit so that the dentist can incorporate that into the appointment.”  Familiarity with the dentist not only reduces anxiety during the visit, but it also increases compliance with dental hygiene at home.

What If Nothing Works?

On top of the increased risk for tooth decay, individuals with special needs often have damaging oral habits such as grinding teeth, picking or biting inside the mouth and tongue thrusting.  The dentist then consults with the child's pediatrician and parents to suggest the next best course of action.

Success

The last time I took my son to the dentist, he confidently went into the exam room without me.  Afterwards he couldn’t wait to show his dad how clean and shiny his teeth were.  I could hardly believe this was the same child who used to protest so vehemently every time I tried to touch – or even just look at- his mouth. 

Repetition, desensitization, persistence and familiarity helped him learn a new life skill. 

For specific questions on the services we provide especially for special needs individuals, reach out to SMALL BITES DENTAL CLINIC at 08041256715.

Dental Hygiene for Autistic Children - A Mother's Perspective

Article excerpts from www.friendshipcircle.org

Autistic children can be difficult to handle. At the core of their behavior lies severe anxiety to face new and unknown situations, and exposure to new people.

While parents are often able to manage a majority of the tasks and develop a sense of familiarity, it is when meeting care providers such as a pediatric dentist or pediatrician that their behavior is severely tested.

Below is a detailed account of a mother, who has been there and done that. Although she started her 5 year old on dental visits only when he turned 5, it is important to begin this as early as possible (at age 1) to ensure familiarity and comfort with the dentist are developed at a very early age.

I waited until my son was 5 years old before I attempted to take him to a dentist’s office.

Between his oral defensiveness and severe anxiety, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work before then.  The only reason I made that appointment was my concern over an adult tooth that erupted at an unusual angle with the baby tooth still on top of it.

The Screamer

My son was the kid who screamed uncontrollably every time he entered anything that looked like a doctor’s office.  My son was the kid who wouldn’t let me look inside his mouth when he was teething or when he had injuries.  I used to seize the opportunity to try to get a brief glimpse at his teeth whenever he was laughing at a joke or in the middle of a tantrum.  Brushing his teeth was challenging at best, and there was no way he would rinse and spit.

Eventually my husband and I were able to reduce our son’s oral sensitivity enough so that we could take care of his teeth, and we approached his anxiety from several angles to make that first visit to the dentist a success.

Here’s how we managed our son’s dental hygiene:

Establish a daily ritual

1. Be Creative

The National Institutes of Health have a guide for caregivers emphasizing the importance of creativity and a daily oral hygiene routine – and those were the keys to my family’s success.  Finger toothbrushes for infants only encouraged my son to bite my finger.  Instead, I offered him a clean, wet washcloth to chew on for a few minutes in the morning and before bedtime.  I helped him move the washcloth around his mouth so that all of his teeth were scrubbed.  Then I offered water to drink, since he didn’t know how to rinse and spit yet.

2. Brush Together

The next step was to allow my son to chew on a child-size toothbrush while I brushed my own teeth. 
This desensitized him to the toothbrush’s texture while I modeled appropriate dental hygiene for him.  Sometimes it’s necessary to try several different types of brushes, such as a spin brush.  After many months, when he was accustomed to the texture, I added non-fluoride toddler toothpaste to his toothbrush so that he would get used to the idea of flavoring on the brush.

3. Don’t Miss A Day

It was important to continue with the brushing ritual every morning and evening – if I accidentally skipped one morning, my son would be uncooperative the next time I tried to clean his teeth!

4. Slow Transitions Are Better

A few years later, my son was allowing me to brush his teeth and he had finally learned to rinse and spit.  Then we switched him to fluoridated toothpaste, because the flavor is milder than adult toothpaste.

Know the causes of tooth decay

In recent years, medical studies have documented a clear connection between oral health and overall physical health.  Tooth decay is now considered a preventable infectious disease.  The bacteria that cause tooth decay are typically transferred from one person’s saliva to another person’s mouth.  Sugary foods feed the bacteria and promote decay.

Many children with special needs may continue to bottle-feed until they are 4 or 5 years old because of delays in oral-motor skills, which is another risk factor for tooth decay.

5. Prevent Cavities

To reduce the risk of cavities, I gave my son a drink of water after his bottles and made sure his teeth were brushed immediately before bedtime.

Find a dentist who has experience with special needs

6. Referrals From Families

The best way to find a dentist is to ask for a referral from other families or find those within the community who have managed dental needs of autistic kids.

Dr. Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic has prior experience in managing such children. The office staff too have been trained to handle them. 

7. Accessible and Sensory Friendly

Not all dental offices are equipped for special needs, some offices have a harsh sensory environment.  At Small Bites, the environment and decor has been designed to incorporate play, and children are exposed to imagery and activities that helps them get more relaxed. You can check with the office staff about our experience with children of unique needs.

Get friendly with the dentist’s office

8. Make practice visits

Consider visiting the dentist’s office several times before attempting any type of examination.  One time I had my husband bring our son in to see me get my exam and cleaning.

9. Make a Social Story

Ricki Robinson, author of Autism Solutions, suggests taking photos of the equipment, staff and waiting room – then using those photos to make a storybook about going to the dentist.

10. Prepare With Books

I got a bunch of books about the dentist from the library for my son.  The only books that interested him were those that had photos of actual dentists’ offices, not cartoons or drawings.  He liked clear, concise narratives that showed him exactly what to expect.  He also liked simple, scientific explanations about the importance of oral hygiene.

11. Divide & Conquer

Keep in mind that most dentists can bill your visit in three separate parts: cleaning, exam and x-ray.  If a child becomes anxious during the cleaning, you can reschedule the exam and x-ray for a different day.  Or you can schedule each of the three parts on different days.

12. Bring Their Favorite Toy/Blanket/Object

Ruby Gelman, DMD, advises in the book 1001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, “If your child has an object that he particularly loves (a music player or a clock, for example), bring one with you to the dental visit so that the dentist can incorporate that into the appointment.”  Familiarity with the dentist not only reduces anxiety during the visit, but it also increases compliance with dental hygiene at home.

What If Nothing Works?

On top of the increased risk for tooth decay, individuals with special needs often have damaging oral habits such as grinding teeth, picking or biting inside the mouth and tongue thrusting.  The dentist then consults with the child's pediatrician and parents to suggest the next best course of action.

Success

The last time I took my son to the dentist, he confidently went into the exam room without me.  Afterwards he couldn’t wait to show his dad how clean and shiny his teeth were.  I could hardly believe this was the same child who used to protest so vehemently every time I tried to touch – or even just look at- his mouth. 

Repetition, desensitization, persistence and familiarity helped him learn a new life skill. 

For specific questions on the services we provide especially for special needs individuals, reach out to SMALL BITES DENTAL CLINIC at 08041256715.

Management of Autistic Children at The Dentist

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have impaired social interaction and limited communication abilities, combined with a restricted amount of activities and interests. While parents are often able to manage them in familiar places and situations like the home, it becomes difficult to do the same outside, especially when visiting specialized healthcare providers including dentists.

Considering that 1 in ever 30 Indian children displays signs of ASD, pediatric dentists are very sensitive to their dental needs and specialized management. Even so, parents have a large role to play in ensuring all procedures go smoothly, and children come away with the least amount of stress and mental trauma.

Dentists managing autistic children are aware of them exhibiting specific observable behavior;

IMPAIRED SOCIAL RESPONSE - Children are unable to read and respond to feelings and experiences, with absolute no understanding most times

IMPAIRED COMMUNICATION - Children are unable to use and understand gestures, repetition of words (echolalia) and a rigid body stance is often displayed

Besides the atypical behavioral and impaired communication skills that are observed and need careful handling, below are often the main dental problems that such children exhibit;

* Bruxism or teeth grinding, often when asleep or the child isn't aware of it

* Tongue thrusting or repeated tongue movements

* Chewing at all odd times without presence of food

* Self-injury, where pinching gums, biting lips and creating wounds is common

* Erosion of teeth

* Caries, when teeth aren't brushed thoroughly because the child finds it unpleasant

* Poor oral care at home, because of difficulty in managing the child

* Limited dietary preferences. Autistic children have very strong likes and dislikes (Only pureed food, no vegetables, dislike of particular vegetable color, etc.)

Management of an Autistic Child at the dentist, can be divided into two phases;

PRE MANAGEMENT or BEFORE CHILD MEETS THE DENTIST

• It is important to plan a desensitizing appointment with the dentist to help the child familiarize themselves with the doctor and the staff
• Allow the child to bring things that can comfort them, a favorite blanket, stuffed toy or even hold the parent's hand
• Parents need to discuss with the doctor about the child's tolerance to pain and discomfort, and their threshold
• Share the child's intellectual and understanding abilities with the doctor, so that they can phrase sentences or relate with the child accordingly

POST MANAGEMENT or AFTER THE CHILD MEETS THE DENTIST

• The dentist will communicate with the child at a level he/she can understand. They use phrases such as 'Tell', 'Do', 'Show' when explaining any procedures or methods, always speaking in clear, precise tones
• Oral examination is begun with only fingers first, while the hard feel of dental instruments is brought in later
• Dental instruments are only shown later. Suddeness of movements by the dentist is kept to a minimum and light is kept away from the child's face. Sensory input of any kind is kept as less as possible to avoid distraction
• Dentists place same staff at all examinations and interruptions are kept minimal
• Child's co-operative behavior is always encouraged with positive words and nods
• The child's unusual body movements are always observed and pre-empted

Most pediatric dentists are aware of the extra care and effort it takes to manage autistic children, and are extra cautious while carrying out any kind of dental procedures. As a parent, it is important to know what to expect, understand how the process can be made easy and prepare the child for any kind of dental visit.

Bruxism - Teeth Grinding Isn't Always Harmless

When children are growing, there are several things you need to be aware of, their weight gain, their food intake and the general state of their health. Often parents tend to ignore the mouth, assuming that as long as teeth are brushed and general mouth hygiene is maintained, everything will be alright.

Teeth brushing and observing the regular milestones of milk and permanent teeth aren’t the only things that need to be observed, since there are many other problems that point out to underlying issues in children, which if not treated affect teeth and their physical health, as well as add to the stress as they grow up.

One such condition that many parents tend to overlook, is Teeth Grinding or Bruxism. Although not a symptom, it points to an underlying .

Teeth grinding, teeth gnashing, or the unconscious act of clenching and unclenching teeth is present in most kids, with 2-3 out of 10 children having this problem. Most children grow out of it by the age of 7 years, but many others carry this habit well into adulthood. 

 Although the reasons are unknown, experts have given a few reasons for this condition,

• Stress induced teeth grinding, especially when children aren’t able to cope with a new situation, such as a test at school or meeting new people. An argument with parents or siblings or arrival of a second sibling is also seen as a probable cause
•  Mal-aligned top and bottom teeth which causes irritation and subsequent teeth gnashing
•  Pain anywhere in the face is also a cause, whether earache or appearance of new teeth 
•  Hyperactivity and restlessness
•  Kids with medical conditions ( such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medication.

 How does one whether your child is grinding their teeth?

Have you heard your child’s jaw moving continuously or regular sounds from their mouth during bedtime? If you hear them grind their teeth while asleep, without being aware of it, and they experience a painful jaw or mouth on waking up or pain when chewing, it indicates they suffer from the condition.

What harm can it cause?

Bruxism as such is a temporary harmless condition, and children most often outgrow it. In those children where this condition persists, symptoms of headache or earaches are often complained. 

What harm can it cause the teeth?

A side effect of bruxism is the harm it can do to the child’s teeth. Nightime grinding, gnashing and clenching the teeth, can wear down tooth enamel, gradually chip off teeth, make the tooth temperature sensitive and also cause lingering jaw and mouth problems and pain.

It is important to take the child to a pediatric dentist, before the condition causes severe irreparable damage to the teeth in the long run. A dentist will examine the child’s teeth for chipped tooth enamel, and any other wear and tear.  In addition questions related to stress or tension will try to be discerned.

All these observations will give the dentist information on whether the cause for bruxism is psychological (stress induced) or structural (misaligned teeth) and treat the child accordingly. 

 Treatment

While the condition is outgrown by most children, some kids who have severe pain and wearing out, are prescribed a mouthguard; a thin protective mouthpiece moulded to the child’s teeth that acts as a barrier between the opposing sets. This can take care of the major problem.

If the cause is emotional or psychological, the underlying cause needs to be found out by talking to the child, understand reasons that are upsetting them, and try and resolve the issue. If it seems more complicated, then their fears will need to be eased by counseling.

Bruxism usually stops when the milk teeth are lost. In few cases the condition might continue well into teenage years. The condition cannot altogether be avoided, because most often, it is a coping mechanism in children, and their natural reaction to growth and development. It can however be avoided by talking to children frequently, letting them open up and ensuring regular visits to the pediatric dentist are carried out for optimal dental health.

Brushing Teeth, a Wonderful Habit To Give Your Children

Brushing your babies' teeth can be quite a stressful ritual. Babies are restless and don't understand why their mothers would want to force open their mouths and insert an object like a brush, that is not just uncomfortable, but oftentimes painful.

As much as parent's may delay this or procrastinate in the hopes of getting children to be more accepting of brushing teeth when they are older, it actually works in the reverse. The older the child gets, the more difficult it is for him/her to make brushing a regular part of their routine. Truth is, the results cannot be observed immediately, and most often children find brushing unnecessary and a chore even when they are older.

Caring for your babies' teeth should begin as soon as they start to appear. Parents are also the best people to lead the way when it comes to teaching kids this important skill.

Teeth are the most vulnerable part of the mouth, do a whole lot of work....masticating, gnashing, biting, chewing, and also have to weather acids from foods that are constantly fed into the mouth. Looking after them must begin when they start to erupt. It's alright if teeth can't be brushed from the start. What matters, is introducing this habit as a part of their daily routine. Start by showing them that brushing is what you do each day, everyday and its the best example you could give.

 In addition to the above,

• Use just a little dab of paste on the finger for babies, and little more than a pea-sized amount for toddlers
• Start with light brushing, and then a little thoroughly, brushing all along the tooth sides and surfaces, twice a day, after waking up and before bedtime.
• Don't turn teeth brushing into a war, pushing and shoving, yelling and fighting which usually happens. Some children take a long while to get used to it. Make this a game, brush yours first and ask them to follow suit, or sing a little rhyme when you do.
• Place your baby in a way that both of you are comfortable. Sit them on your knee and head on your chest and clasp their chin. For older children, stand behind them and tilt their heads upwards.
• Use small circular movements when brushing teeth. This covers all the tooth surfaces, and your child can spit out the paste when they're done. Flouride free toothpastes are better to use when smaller, since kids tend to swallow them otherwise. 

• For babies, it is also important to lightly massage their gums, especially when teething. This can be done after brushing their teeth.
• Teeth brushing is a practiced art which parents need to guide their child on, till they reach an age where they can do it on their own. It has been seen that by age 5-7 years, children are able to do a great job of brushing their teeth.
• The most important aspect of introducing brushing and helping the child take care of their teeth, is the involvement of a pediatric dentist in the entire process. A dentist is not just required to fix things after the teeth are gone bad/caried, but must be a part of the process from the beginning. A regular teeth checkup will ensure that any irregularities, caries, congenital and developmental disorders of the teeth and mouth are looked into at the earliest and treated. This must ideally begin around the age of one year.

This video, explains the act of brushing teeth, and can be shown to your child to make them understand better.

Teeth brushing is as important as eating food, and teeth disorders are linked to various other health and body disorders which can strike later in life. A healthy and regular brushing schedule when started young, will lay the foundation for strong teeth that will last your children for the rest of their life.

TONGUE TIE And How It Affects Children's Teeth

Teeth and their well-being is what many of strive to give our kids from a very young age. While we follow general oral hygiene and practice the necessary steps that are required for general oral care, not all of us are aware of the many congenital and developmental problems that affect the mouth, and in turn the growth and care of teeth.

TONGUE TIE is one such congenital oral condition that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Also called ‘Ankyloglossia’ or ‘anchored tongue’, it is observed very often by parents at a very late stage, once the child has started talking or eating and this condition is hampering normal oral functions.

Ranging from a mild form to a severe state, tongue tie is seen at birth and causes many different difficulties that affect kids in myriad different ways. This condition is caused by the structural abnormality of the lingual frenum. The frenum is the cord that extends from under the tongue to the mouth floor. When this lingua frenum is short or restricts tongue movements, this is the condition that results. 

Normally the frenum is elastic and does not interfere with eating, sucking, clearing food duing swallowing or speech. But if it is short, thick or broad, it can attach the tongue to the mouth floor causing problems with speech, eating and even tooth growth.

While mild tongue tie sometimes goes unnoticed and does not affect the day to day life of the child, severe tongue tie can cause lifelong debilitating effects.

Untreated tongue tie can have wide ranging effects, affecting the structure and appearance of face and teeth, and also interfering with oral function. Breastfeeding, eating, swallowing, digestion, teeth and speech can be affected when they are little, and kissing and social skills are affected further into adulthood.

Infants and Babies face the below challenges that include;

• ·         Impact on the milk supply
• ·         Stoppage of breastfeeding
• ·         Loss of weight
• ·         Sleep deprivation
• ·         Chewing and swallowing especially intake of solids being affected

As babies grow, the problems only persist and gradually increase

• ·         Inability to chew age-appropriate foods
• ·         Gagging, vomiting of foods
• ·         Dribbling of saliva and delayed speech development
• ·         Loss of self-confidence

 Oral hygiene and Dental Health -

Besides these obvious problems, the main impact of tongue tie is in the growth and development of teeth in children. If the frenulum is attached very high on the gum line, it can pull down the gums from the central incisors. The tongue tie can also cause the tongue to become misshapen which can cause teeth to grow haphazardly or at an angle. 

The reduced tongue mobility and habitual wrong tongue posture that results from tongue tie is accompanied by messy eating habits, resulting in food debris remaining in the mouth and teeth, and causing caries. Salivary profusion caused due to the inability to swallow manifests itself in different ways. Younger child dribble profusely, while older kids adapt, either by slurping frequently, keeping the mouth small during speech, or reducing speech altogether. They also face an involuntary and embarrassing dribble of saliva.

Treatment

 

   

Tongue tie is a barely recognized but serious problem, because of the way it generally goes unnoticed, yet can cause potentially serious and life long damage to teeth and the oral cavity. It can be manifested in a variety of ways, and a pediatrician or pediatric dentist will be able to identify this cause if they notice any significant increased salivation, dribbling of saliva, mouth odour or damage/caries to teeth.  
 

Parents who find the child having difficulties, should then go in for treatment if there has been any malocclusions caused by tongue pressure on the front or side teeth. Since the tongue has a limited range of movements, there are many resultant effects which include:

• Poor swallowing and a resultant risk of anterior open bite
• Mouth breathing and allergies/issues due to this
• Permanently open mouthed posture due to continued imbalance in skeletal structure
• Restriction in the development of the dental arch and facial bones

Minor surgery is required to correct this condition when diagnosed at an earlier stage. If there are significant and serious oral and articulating issues, the child will need additional speech therapy and preventive measures for treating caries and other teeth issues.