Are You Tongue-Tied?

Most of us think of tongue-tie as a situation we find ourselves in when we are too excited to speak. Actually, tongue-tie is the non-medical term for a relatively common physical condition that limits the use of the tongue, ankyloglossia.

Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue that guides development of mouth structures is positioned in the center of the mouth. It is called a frenulum or frenum. After birth, the lingual frenulum continues to guide the position of incoming teeth. As we grow, it recedes and thins.  This frenulum is visible and easily felt if you look in the mirror under your tongue. In some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause tongue mobility problems.

The tongue is one of the most important muscles for speech and swallowing. For this reason having tongue-tie can lead to eating or speech problems, which may be serious in some individuals.

A new baby with a too tight frenulum can have trouble sucking and may have poor weight gain.  While the tongue is remarkably able to compensate and many children have no speech impediments due to tongue-tie, others do. The following associated characteristics are common:

• V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue
• Inability to stick out the tongue past the upper gums
• Inability to touch the roof of the mouth
• Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side

For older children with tongue-tie, appearance can be affected by persistent dental problems such as a gap between the bottom two front teeth.

Tongue-tie surgery is a simple procedure and there are normally no complications. In most cases the procedure can be done without anesthesia when using a diode laser. This eliminates the need for incisions or stitches and has a faster comfortable healing for the patient. While frenulectomy is relatively simple, it can yield big results. Parents should consider that this surgery often yields more benefit than is obvious by restoring ease of speech and self-esteem.

For other dental information visit DrTav.com

Increase Confidence With Dental Mini Implants

Are you embarrassed by your smile? Have you given up your favorite foods because you can’t chew properly due to missing teeth?  Are you embarrassed to socialize? Well, fear no more, dental mini implants are the newest, pain-free solution.

In expert hands, dental mini implants are like your third set of teeth; they look and feel natural, their chewing strength is nearly as good as your own adult teeth, and best of all no one will know the difference.

Once your new dental mini implants are fitted into your mouth properly, you will have the confidence to eat whatever you want, smile constantly and never have to worry about glue or slipping dentures. The use of mini implants will make the procedure easier than traditional implants. Dental mini implants are made up of a special titanium material that is secured into your jawbone while you sleep. Titanium and its alloys are preferably chosen for dental mini implants because they are biocompatible and are corrosion-resistant. Another material that can be used is Zirconium alloy.

Dental mini implants are a perfect solution to an embarrassing situation. There’s no more daily maintenance to them than regular teeth - just brush your teeth as you normally do. They are natural looking, the procedure is pain free with the use of sedation dentistry, and afterwards, you’ll soon forget you even have them. But you won’t forget the confidence and self-esteem they give you. The only thing you’ll wonder about is what took you so long to make the decision.

Because dental mini implants don’t change your facial features, your friends won’t notice a thing other than your smile, your great appetite, and outgoing personality.  No longer will you have to worry about dentures falling out or being embarrassed by a “loose” mouth.  Chew, laugh, talk with confidence and never be concerned in public again.  Dental mini implants give you the confidence you need to get on with your life.

For information about dental mini implants in New Jersey or other dental topics visit DrTav.com