Dr. Karen Ho and her team of professionals at Dentistry on Parkdale provide patients of all ages with quality dental care. This includes alternative services relating to oral health and wellness, such as treatment for tongue tie.
WHAT IS TONGUE TIE?
Tongue tie is a condition that can make breastfeeding difficult for mothers and infants. While there are numerous issues that may indicate a problem with breastfeeding, sometimes it may be due to tongue tie. Tongue tie exists when the frenulum, the skin that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is too tight, which doesn’t allow the child to move the tongue as freely as necessary. Tongue tie exists in approximately 5 percent of infants born today and can result in issues with feeding, either by breast or bottle.
DETERMINING TONGUE TIE
Dentistry on Parkdale determines if tongue tie is present by using the ATLFF (Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function). This tool can check for tongue tie, faux tongue tie, and torticollis. Once we determine that there is a tongue tie problem, our dentists will perform a frenectomy.
WHAT IS A FRENECTOMY?
A frenectomy involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue and allow it to move freely. We do this right in our office with either a laser or manually with scissors. Dr. Karen Ho determines the most effective option that is less traumatic for the child. By releasing the frenulum, the child should be able to eat more efficiently and it reduces the risk of speech problems later in life.
LEARN MORE TODAY
If you are interested in learning more about the tongue tie condition and possible treatment, contact Dr. Karen Ho. She helps patients in the Hamilton, Ontario area at Dentistry on Parkdale with a wide range of treatments for dental health concerns.
Dr. Karen Ho is a trusted dentist serving patients of all ages in Hamilton, Ontario. Having studied at prestigious institutes such as McMaster University and University of Toronto and trained at Hartford Hospital (General Practice Residency), she opened her private practice in 2003.
Dr. Ho is committed to lifelong learning as she believes that she can serve her community better by constantly updating herself. She is affiliated with many professional organisations like the Academy of General Dentistry, Institute for Clinical Practice of Pediatric Dentistry, The Dawson Academy Study Club, Niagara Peninsula Dental Diagnostic Study Club, Hamilton Chapter of the Seattle Study Club (Founding Member), and Boston and Tufts Universities.