Pediatric Dentist

Can a Pediatric Dentist Check a Newborn With a Latch Issue?

Parents of infants and toddlers are usually advised to turn to their pediatric dentist to look into latch issues. Breastfeeding is important for many reasons. But, it may take some time and practice for you and your newborn to get the hang of it. Proper latch on is crucial to the success of breastfeeding.

Latch issues

Latching on refers to the way a baby takes the nipple and areola into the mouth to suckle. Latching on correctly is important. It ensures adequate milk supply, prevents sore nipples and stimulates milk production. A parent can ensure proper latch on by practicing and working with healthcare providers. Sometimes anomalies can also cause latch on issues. In such cases, seeking medical help is recommended.

Ensuring proper latch on

A parent should know how a good breastfeeding latch should feel and look. This can be beneficial in getting feeding established. Getting the newborn’s latch checked by a healthcare provider trained in breastfeeding support is good to ensure proper latch on. It can also help to avoid problems later.

A parent can feel some discomfort when the baby first latches on and even after the first few sucks. Pain should not be felt once the baby begins to suckle steadily. Pain after the first minute is a sign of improper latching on. It can be corrected through practice and with the help of a pediatric dentist. The healthcare provider can also give advice on different positions and how to hold the baby.

Tongue-tie

For the tongue to function well, it has to reach almost all parts of the mouth. Babies with tongue-tie have a problem with the lingual frenulum. This refers to the small stretch of tissue that connects the bottom of the mouth to the underside of the tongue. It may be too short and tight or in other cases, it may be attached way up close to the tongue’s tip. This ties the tongue in place.

The existence of tongue-tie in a newborn may cause breastfeeding difficulties including ineffective latch, maternal nipple pain and inadequate milk transfer. A newborn with tongue-tie may have a hard time latching on. The newborn may end up compressing the nipple against the gum pad rather than the tongue. This causes nipple pain and an inadequate, inefficient seal. If a parent notices signs of tongue-tie, taking the newborn to the pediatric dentist is recommended.

There are two ways that pediatric dentists can take care of the problem. One effective way is by using the frenotomy technique. This procedure can be performed quickly in the clinic without local anesthesia. It involves the division or the cutting of the frenum. After the procedure, a newborn can breastfeed immediately.

Visit a pediatric dentist for a checkup

Parents can ensure the success of breastfeeding by ensuring babies latch on properly. This will prevent many complications and make sure that the child gets enough milk. A pediatric dentist can help your baby by detecting problems and offering treatment or help with latch on issues. If you are having problems with breastfeeding your child, see your pediatric dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Importance Of Cleaning Your Tongue

Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice A Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…

Emergency Pediatric Dentist: Quick Responses To Save Your Child's Smile

An emergency pediatric dentist can resolve your child’s smile issues. Pain is the most significant sign your child needs emergency dental care. A quick response is important to give your child relief. Here are the quick treatments from your emergency pediatric dentist to restore your child’s smile.A chewing incident or a bad fall can cause…

Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry

Share
Published by
Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Importance of Cleaning Your Tongue

Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum…

11 hours ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice a Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day…

4 days ago

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and…

1 week ago

Emergency Pediatric Dentist: Quick Responses to Save Your Child’s Smile

Seeing an emergency pediatric dentist is important for the child’s immediate relief and general well-being.

2 weeks ago

The Role of Pediatric Dental X-Rays in Preventing Cavities in Children

Dental X-rays are useful in locating cavities in specific areas of the teeth.

2 weeks ago

Oral Hygiene Basics Before Your Kids Go to Sleep

Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly…

2 weeks ago