How to Help Your Child Recover from a Frenectomy
A frenum is a membrane of connective tissue that serves as an attachment between two surfaces. In the case of the mouth, there are two types of frenum: the labial frenum (the attachment between the upper lip and gum and the lower lip and gum) and the lingual frenum (the attachment between the underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth). Sometimes the frenum is thick or tight enough that it becomes a problem and requires a frenectomy to correct. How can you help your child recover from that procedure?
Mouth Manipulations
Exercising the area where the frenectomy was done may seem a little counterintuitive, but it’s an important part of the healing process. Mouth manipulations you can do include gentle gum rubs, lip flanging, and tongue extensions. These movements help the frenectomy site heal properly. Otherwise, the released tissue may reattach itself as it heals, negating the whole point of the frenectomy.
Soft Foods
It’s pretty normal for there to be pain or discomfort following a frenectomy. The site is sure to be quite tender. Your child still needs to eat though, which is why it’s best to provide them with soft, mild foods that are easy to consume. Depending on your child’s age, that will be easy enough. Frenectomies are often done during the first few weeks of life. At that point, the baby will only be consuming breast milk or formula. It doesn’t get much softer than that. For older children, soft, mushy foods will be the most comfortable to eat.
Pain Management
No parent likes to see their child in pain. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can comfort your child as they recover, depending on their age and level of discomfort. Skin-to-skin contact, maintaining a calm environment, and small feedings can soothe and comfort babies. Older children may additionally benefit from sucking on ice chips and using over-the-counter painkillers as directed.
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The good news is that recovering from a frenectomy is relatively simple and quick. It often only takes a matter of days to recover. What you do during the recovery period will impact how well and how comfortably your child heals. Follow the aftercare instructions provided to you and you’ll both be well on your way to a smooth healing process.
Your baby relies on you to take good care of their teeth and mouth. Click here for tips from Maccaro Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry on how to provide good dental care for your baby!
