Feeling a little tongue-tied?
Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a problem that can affect babies ability to breast feed, or if left till older, may affect the child's clarity of speech. The treatment is frenectomy, which releases the lingual frenum. When the frenum is cut it changes the tongue movement during breastfeeding, allowing for a better latch, more milk intake, and less pain for the mother. And we all know that if the baby is happy, then mom and dad are happy, too! (and everyone gets more sleep!!)
The Canadian Dental Association has recently released an article based on three studies of outcomes from frenectomies on babies. The results were resoundingly successful, often with improvements shown immediately after the procedure. It also helped for babies who are bottle-fed, as they fed faster, dribbled less and sucked in less air. To read the full article, go to www.jcda.ca and look in the 'express' section. To see videos of the procedure, visit this website and search under procedures: |
|
www.westmarketdental.com
Or you can search Dr. Kotlow on the internet, as he is the recognized expert on this topic for North America.
Regina-based lactation consultant, Kim Smith, can also be reached for information on the whole topic of breast feeding.
Dr.'s Dodds and Chandramohan will begin treating ankyloglossia in April with a new laser the office purchased in January. Appointments will be offered on Friday afternoons only. |
|
|
|
Pacific Dental Conference |
|
 We just returned from Vancouver, where our office staff enjoyed a few sunny days (with no snow!!) and learned a few new things about dental related issues. Everything from patient dementia,
to ordering dental supplies was offered at this nation-wide conference. |
|
Getting pierced? |
|
Tongue piercing can seem like a cool thing to do at a certain age, but here are a few things to consider when making that decision:
1. The mouth is full of bacteria, so the obvious issue is infection.
2. Biting on the piercing can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, or the stud could be swallowed or cause choking.
3. Swelling of the tongue can block your airway.
4. Nerve damage can occur if the needle hits a nerve bundle.
5. Rubbing of the stud on the gums can lead to gum recession.
And...if you decide to get rid of the piercing later, there will be scar tissue.
|
|
Suite 550 -2010 11th Avenue
Royal Bank Building
306.525.0116 |
