Causes of pain
Pain is a completely nonspecific symptom of a huge number of diseases. Problems can occur in both men and young children. The sooner the source of the unpleasant condition is found, the sooner you can restore your quality of life by consulting a doctor in a timely manner.
In clinical practice, if the frenulum on the head hurts, it is necessary to look for one (or more) of the following reasons:
Organic pathology | Risk factors | Psychogenic problems |
• anomalies of intrauterine development: short frenulum of the penis; • injuries (damage or complete separation); • diseases of the foreskin: phimosis, paraphimosis; • infectious and inflammatory pathology: balanitis, posthitis; • allergic dermatitis; • sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): syphilis, gonorrhea; • viral neoplasms (papillomas, condylomas, herpetic rash); • pathogenic fungi; • head cancer; • prolonged ischemia of soft tissues (impaired blood flow); • early postoperative period. | • incorrectly selected intimate hygiene products; • presence of concomitant diseases: diabetes mellitus, connective tissue dysplasia, vascular pathology; • excess body weight; • failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules; • hypothermia; • overheating (saunas, steam baths, hot baths) • bad habits: smoking, frequent drinking; • immunodeficiencies of any origin; • wearing tight underwear and clothing (especially synthetic); • indiscriminate choice of sexual partners; • sex without a condom; • insufficient amount of natural lubricant or lubricant; • excessively active or prolonged sexual intercourse; • frequent use of potentially traumatic or low-quality intimate toys. | • stress; • mental disorders; • neurosis; • sexual incompatibility with a sexual partner. |
Most often, the head hurts when touched due to the development of an inflammatory process or injury. The skin is also involved, so they talk about balanoposthitis. A short frenulum can accompany phimosis (pathological narrowing of the opening of the foreskin) or occur independently.
Why does inflammation develop under the tongue, and what methods should be treated?
What are the causes of inflammation under the tongue?
Inflammation under the tongue can develop as an independent pathology or be a consequence of disorders in other parts of the body. Depending on the origin, the inflammatory process manifests itself in different symptoms, but almost always there is pain and discomfort during speech and eating. What could it be, which doctor should I contact and what should I do if I have inflammation under my tongue? Read about this in today's material.
Why does the inflammatory process develop?
The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is very delicate and quickly reacts to any external influence, as well as to changes in the internal environment of the body. Therefore, the development of inflammation under the tongue can be triggered by a variety of reasons.
Mechanical injury to the mucous membrane
Injuries to the mucous membrane on the lower surface of the tongue are a common cause of pain under the organ. Damage can be caused by a bone, a blow, biting, and so on. In rare cases, the inflammatory process is caused by incorrect actions of the surgeon during surgical intervention on the frenulum of the tongue. Mechanical damage is complicated by the free penetration of pathogenic microbes and dust particles into the oral cavity, and the aggressive effects of hot and spicy food.
“I somehow damaged the mucous membrane under my tongue with a toothpick... It fell off the tooth and pierced deeply. It was very painful, it took a long time to heal...”
Svetlana R., from a message on the dental forum stomatologclub.ru
Pathologies of the frenulum
Between the tongue and the bottom of the mouth there is a mucous membrane - the frenulum, the inflammation of which can cause pain. Provoking factors in this case are congenital insufficient length of the membrane (during eating and speaking it becomes overstrained and inflamed), thermal or chemical effects, excessively active activity of the tongue (work associated, for example, with singing).
Pathology of the frenulum can cause inflammation
Salivary gland diseases
The salivary gland, located under the tongue, quickly reacts to the presence of a bacterial or viral infection in the mouth, especially against the background of reduced immunity, for example, with a sore throat. Inflammation can also be caused by allergies, dental diseases, and insufficient oral care.
Infections in the parotid gland
Inflammatory symptoms under the tongue may be the result of a pathological process in the parotid gland - mumps or mumps, as this disease is popularly called (see photo below). Viruses are believed to contribute to the spread of the disease. The pathology is more typical for children 9-11 years old.
The photo shows mumps
Pathologies of the submandibular lymph nodes
Pathologies of the submandibular lymph nodes bring serious discomfort
Normally, the submandibular lymph nodes are not visible, but when inflamed, they enlarge and bring serious discomfort, deterioration of well-being, up to a significant increase in temperature and bed rest. Lymph nodes can become inflamed as a response to allergens, with an insufficiently active lifestyle (lymph stagnation occurs), with many diseases (autoimmune, oncology, viral colds, ENT diseases, and so on).
Vitamin deficiency in the body
The integrity of the oral mucosa and its resistance to stress depends on how fully the body is provided with vitamins, especially such as E, A, B, C. With vitamin deficiency, any microdamage in the mouth will cause an inflammatory process and will take a long time to heal. Vitamin deficiency creates excellent conditions for the introduction and reproduction of pathogenic microbes, fungi, and viruses on the mucous membrane.
Allergic reaction
Inflammation under the tongue can occur due to allergies to foods or medications. As a rule, such a reaction is not limited only to the sublingual space, but extends to the larynx, tongue, gums, nasopharynx, face, and so on. In particularly difficult cases, suffocation may occur due to severe swelling of the larynx.
Abscess and phlegmon
Abscess and phlegmon of the oral cavity are formations in deep tissues containing pus. Most often they arise due to dental problems (cyst, unsuccessful tooth extraction, etc.). They are a source of infection, leading to pain, swelling, and red mucous membranes. In this case, the inflammation spreads under the tongue.
Other provoking factors
Viral cold infections can cause inflammation
What else can cause the inflammatory process in the sublingual space? The following factors lead to pathology:
- insufficient quality of oral care (little time spent brushing teeth),
- taking medications that irritate the mucous membrane, destroying beneficial microflora in the mouth,
- smoking and alcohol abuse (has a negative thermal and chemical effect on the delicate epithelium),
- viral cold infections (weaken local immunity and are a source of microbes),
- oncological pathologies of the oral cavity (sharply reduce the protective functions of the mucous membrane).
Other possible symptoms
Congenital anomalies are visible to the naked eye during examinations of a child in the first year of life. Adult men may suspect the development of the disease when there is not just a headache when pressing, but there are the following symptoms:
- bleeding (with a tear);
- swelling and redness (hyperemia) of the foreskin, surface of the head;
- erosion;
- ulcers;
- purulent discharge when touching, pressing or pulling the foreskin;
- itching;
- discomfort when attempting sexual intercourse;
- painful erection;
- narrowing of the foreskin due to inflammation and swelling;
- the appearance of red stripes on the dorsal surface of the penis (lymphangitis);
- enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
- severe intoxication (headache, weakness);
- increased body temperature;
- the appearance of neoplasms of a round, flat or pointed shape;
- change in the normal color of the tissues of the penis;
- the formation of a cheesy discharge behind the foreskin (usually indicates a fungus);
- urinary disturbance;
- premature ejaculation;
- formation of abscesses;
- deviation of the penis during erection, its deformation;
- problems achieving orgasm and ejaculation.
As the inflammatory process progresses, the redness becomes continuous, often with a dark purple tint. Against this background, the symptoms of intoxication and fever intensify, which may indicate the development of gangrene (necrosis) or urosepsis (the body’s systemic response to infection).
Symptoms of inflammation of the frenulum under the tongue
Regardless of the reasons that provoked the development of inflammation of the frenulum, the same symptoms are observed:
- Severe pain that can spread not only in the oral cavity, but also reach the ear. The pain is shooting in nature.
- Increased body temperature.
- Swelling. The appearance of swelling causes discomfort in the oral cavity.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing.
The cause of pain is varicose veins at the bottom of the tongue
The presence of one or more symptoms is a signal that it is necessary to visit a doctor to determine the cause of the disease and choose an effective method of eliminating it.
Cancer of the frenulum of the tongue causes very severe pain
Diagnostics
The diagnostic stage begins at the moment when the man suspects something is wrong. Pain when touched and at rest, as well as other clinical signs indicate pathology, so there is simply no point in ignoring the problem - you need to immediately consult a doctor.
Considering the superficial location of the frenulum, there can be no problems with making a diagnosis. To confirm it, the following activities and studies may be required:
- Collection of complaints (preferably clearly formulated with a time frame).
- Questioning, examination: general and genital organs.
- History data: bad habits, concomitant diseases, fact of injury (!), information about sexual life and partners, the presence of allergies or intolerances.
- If any discharge is present, it should be examined for pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi (+ smear from the urethra).
- General blood and urine analysis.
At his discretion, the doctor has the right to prescribe additional tests to exclude sexually transmitted infections (tests for HIV, human papillomavirus, Wasserman reaction - syphilis) and refer for consultation to other specialists. It is very important to honestly and directly describe the mechanism of injury, if any.
Glossalgia
Often, the causes of pain in the frenulum under the tongue are associated with glossalgia - a feeling of a burn that occurs without visible tissue changes. The disease is a secondary disease or a side effect of injury.
© shutterstock
Experts have identified a number of factors and diseases that contribute to the occurrence of this pathology. These include :
- Problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- Neuroses;
- Endocrine system disorders;
- Poor liver function;
- Ischemia;
- Hemorrhagic stroke;
- Incorrect dental procedures;
- Chips on teeth;
- Various operations in the oral cavity.
Glossalgia, which causes pain in the frenulum of the tongue, is often caused by neuroses and is diagnosed in the female half of the population. But the male sex is not immune from this disease.
Signs of glossalgia
Symptoms of this disease appear:
- Constant burning of the frenulum under the tongue;
- Dry mouth;
- Discomfort and pain, both on the frenulum and in the area of the entire tongue;
- Swelling of the organ;
- The appearance of a white coating;
- Depressive state;
- Disturbed sleep.
Treatment methods
The choice of treatment method is determined by the causally significant condition/disease, so in each case the volume of prescriptions will be different. In case of acute injury, it is necessary to quickly find your bearings and provide first aid to the victim, and then immediately go to a medical facility.
First aid algorithm for a frenulum tear
In addition, any open wound is an entry point for secondary infection. Therefore, you need to quickly and clearly follow this algorithm:
- If the injury occurred during sex, do not try to finish what you started through the pain.
- Wash your hands with soap (it is also advisable to use antiseptics).
- If there is bleeding, even slight, rinse the head under running water.
- Press the torn frenulum firmly against the head with clean fingers for 10-15 minutes (but not too hard) - this will help stop minor bleeding.
- Treat the injury site with an antiseptic - "Chlorhexidine", "Miramistin", then apply a moderately tight bandage, placing a sponge or gauze cloth, also soaked in a disinfectant solution, on the wound.
As soon as the main activities are completed, you must immediately go to the hospital. Try to avoid strong shaking or excessive compression of the wound, and it is advisable to wear underwear made of natural materials (linen, cotton).
Conservative methods
The choice of medications and treatment tactics for inflammatory diseases depend on the etiology (causative agent), severity of the condition and individual characteristics of the patient (comorbidities, antibiotic resistance). Adequate therapy must be comprehensive, so preference is given to the following measures:
- Use of pharmaceuticals:
- systemic antibiotics according to the pathogen.
- antiviral.
- antifungal - Miconazole (ointment), Fluconazole (tablets).
- ointments for local treatment - "Akriderm" (gentamicin, beta-methasone and clotrimazole), "Levomekol", "Fucidin" several times a day;
- antihistamines (desensitizing therapy - elimination of itching, swelling, allergic manifestations) - “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”.
- baths or rinses with antiseptic solutions - “Chlorhexidine”, “Potassium Permanganate” (pale pink solution), chamomile decoction;
- after a bath and hygiene procedures - “Miramistin” on the area of inflammation or wound (do not inject into the urethra!);
- At night, you can lubricate the foreskin and frenulum with “Synthomycin ointment.”
- Physiotherapy: UHF, electrophoresis with medicinal substances, galvanization, magnet, laser treatment.
- Reflexology.
- Consultation with a psychoneurologist.
conclusions
The appearance of inflammatory diseases is often associated with uncleanliness. The fact is that between the foreskin and the head there is normally a small amount of sebaceous lubricant - smegma (gland secretion). It provides an excellent nutrient medium for the development of any microorganisms, including pathogenic ones. However, regular and thorough intimate hygiene can avoid this.
The prepuce, or foreskin, protects the head of the penis from damage and unnecessary touching. Closing and opening of the glans can be impaired due to disease of the frenulum - a too short fold of skin that is located on the border between the head of the penis and the foreskin.
Injury
Often, pain in the frenulum under the tongue is associated with various injuries that arise due to mechanical, chemical or physical damage.
© shutterstock
Mechanical damage includes:
- Accidentally bitten tongue;
- Incorrect filling or other manipulation of teeth;
- Cutting with cutlery;
- Eating hard, stabbing foods.
Chemical injuries include potent, concentrated substances that enter the oral cavity. For example, ethyl alcohol can cause the most painful burns. Chemical injuries take a very long time to heal, so they are the most painful.
Physical damage to the frenulum under the tongue occurs when hot substances come into contact with it.
The frenulum is a thin strip of mucous tissue that holds the tongue. Every day she is exposed to numerous external irritants, resulting in microtraumas. Thanks to good regeneration, mucous tissues quickly return to normal. But sometimes severe cases occur, causing acute or chronic inflammation.
Signs of illness
When the frenulum of the tongue is injured, the following signs appear::
- Acute pain when swallowing, chewing;
- Impaired jaw mobility;
- Complication of speech;
- Increased salivation.
Failure to contact the clinic in a timely manner will lead to complications, which will manifest as high fever, loss of appetite and sleep.
Treatment options
To eliminate pain on the frenulum of the tongue, the doctor must conduct a diagnosis to identify the true cause of the pain. Based on the results, treatment is prescribed individually for each patient.
Reasons for the development of pathology
In the vast majority of cases, a short frenulum is a consequence of a developmental abnormality and is combined with phimosis - a narrowing of the foreskin with the impossibility of exposing the head of the penis. According to statistics, up to 5% of uncircumcised men suffer from insufficient extensibility of the folds of skin on the penis. This anomaly is accompanied by a number of painful and unpleasant symptoms:
- curvature of the penis in an erect state;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- premature ejaculation;
With normal development, the frenulum is of sufficient length and can stretch significantly, providing comfortable and painless movement of the foreskin. A fold of skin that is too short causes a lot of trouble and can cause serious complications.
Possible triggers
Other possible causes of pathology are:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the penis
. Balanitis and balanoposthitis, in most cases occurring with the presence of pathogenic microflora, lead to structural tissue changes in the area of the head of the penis.
Most often, the pathology is diagnosed when a man begins to have an active sexual life. That's when the real problems begin. Especially if the disease is not detected and treated in time.
Causes of pathology in children
It is not possible to identify a pathological condition in a small child. The main symptoms appear only during puberty. Indirect indications of the presence of an anomaly are:
- Phimosis
. Although physiological phimosis is present in almost all newborns, by the 3rd year of life in 90% of boys the head opens completely. Only in 1-5% of children the pathology persists until adulthood - and, as a rule, is accompanied by a short frenulum.
It is possible to detect the presence of a pathological condition of the frenulum of the penis in a boy only by indirect signs, since the child prefers to endure discomfort. However, if you regularly cry while urinating, a thorough examination of the penis is necessary. Possible signs of pathology are:
- redness or swelling in the foreskin area;
- the presence of phimosis - the inability to expose the head;
- the appearance of bloody discharge during water procedures;
- accumulation of smegma (preputial lubricant), causing pain and burning.
All these symptoms indicate the possible presence of pathology in the genitals. The presence of alarming signs requires mandatory medical consultation. And in case of diagnosing a pathology - timely treatment.
Causes of pathology in adolescents
At the age of 13-18 years, rapid development of the genital organs occurs and the reproductive system is formed. This period is characterized by the possible occurrence of hormonal imbalances, as well as disruption of the normal functionality of certain systems and organs.
It is during puberty that there is a high probability of a discrepancy between the growth rate of skin tissue and the rapidly developing cavernous bodies in the penis.
As a result of the rapid onset of puberty, the frenulum of the penis becomes short in comparison with the size of the organ itself and is unable to painlessly perform its functions - to help the foreskin cover the glans.
If a teenager in this state begins to have sex (masturbation), there is a high probability that the skin fold will rupture or cracks will appear on it. Mini-damages of this kind must be treated with an antiseptic and consult a doctor.
Otherwise, not only mechanical damage, but also psycho-emotional discomfort may occur.
In the long term, this can lead to a decrease in confidence in one's sexual capabilities. And even cause impotence. During adolescence, not only puberty occurs, but also psychological foundations are formed. Therefore, the young person is especially vulnerable.
Functions of the frenulum of the upper lip
There are 3 frenulums in the human mouth, one is located under the tongue, 2 connect the upper and lower lips with the oral cavity.
These are small mucous formations that affect the anatomy of the smile, bite, pronunciation of sounds, and they help babies latch onto the breast. If a newborn has a short or thick frenulum of the upper lip, he cannot latch onto the nipple correctly and as a result will refuse breastfeeding in favor of bottle feeding. In this case, it is trimmed in the maternity hospital, eliminating the problem. A short frenulum of the upper lip affects the beauty of the smile; it is possible to form a diastema (trema) - a gap between the upper front teeth, which will cause complexes and complicate life in adolescence.
The bridge between the lips and palate influences the formation of the child’s bite. Due to its deformation or irregular structure, defects in the dentition occur: protrusion of the front incisors forward. Such a nuisance is likely in rare cases, if the baby has permanent teeth rather than baby teeth. The problem is severe and requires long-term, expensive orthodontic treatment.
A short frenulum during chewing and talking pulls back the gums, which exposes the neck of the front teeth, creating conditions for the development of caries, periodontal disease and other pathological processes, complicating oral hygiene. This defect is diagnosed and eliminated. The anatomical position of the bridge is characterized by its base at a level of 0.5-0.8 cm from the neck of the incisors; if it is localized below, observation and treatment are required to eliminate the possibility of it breaking.
Trimming is carried out only when the front incisors are erupting, so that the pressure from other permanent teeth naturally closes the diastema. A short bridge between them increases the likelihood of injury; it has happened that a child’s frenulum of the upper lip has torn due to excessive tension due to a blow.
Injury to the frenulum of the upper lip
Rupture of the labrum in children is a fairly common occurrence that can occur for a number of reasons. If a child is bleeding from the mouth and it has been discovered that the frenulum has ruptured, then you should contact a dentist rather than a pediatrician. The specialist, first of all, will treat the wound (in severe cases, stitches may be applied), after which he will prescribe treatment, recommend medications, and also provide a prognosis for the subsequent formation of teeth.
In some cases, after a rupture of the frenulum, it is necessary to go for an x-ray, since if the part of the jaw where the mucous cords are located is bruised, injury to the rudiments of the developing permanent teeth may also occur. If any problems are identified after the x-ray examination, an in-depth study will be required.
You cannot leave the healing of the frenulum to chance. As mentioned above, if its treatment is not carried out on time and it grows on its own, this can lead to serious consequences: speech defects, high sensitivity of teeth, crooked teeth.
Symptoms of frenulum defects
Parents should independently check that the child's upper bridle is attached correctly. To do this, you need to pull back the lip and identify the level of attachment of this mucous cord. The normal condition is at a distance of 5-7 mm from the neck of the incisors. In situations where the area of attachment of the tie cannot be determined, the pediatrician can diagnose short frenulum. If the upper frenulum of the lip has any defects, this can lead to the following inconveniences and consequences:
- discomfort while breastfeeding;
- formation of defective gaps between teeth;
- development of malocclusion;
- the occurrence of inflammatory processes on the gums;
- the appearance of pockets on the gums;
- increased sensitivity of teeth;
- the formation of all kinds of speech defects.
For example, if the frenulum of the upper lip is attached too low, this can cause serious difficulties in the process of attaching the baby to the breast. That is why, in some cases, frenulum trimming is performed even in newborns. Problems with the frenulum in older age can cause gaps to form between the teeth.
A short frenulum of the upper lip leads not only to aesthetic problems. Considering that it connects the upper lip and the alveolar process, the front teeth will be pulled behind it while eating and speaking. Because of this, the incisors move forward against the background of pressure. This problem usually begins to arise only when permanent teeth grow in.
Due to too frequent and strong pressure and tension on the frenulum, the child may often experience inflammatory processes, which may well be the cause of gingivitis or periodontitis. In such cases, inflammation will almost always involve the necks of the teeth, which will lead to the occurrence of cervical caries, because plaque will accumulate near them.
The presence of any defects in the oral mucosa can be detected by a dentist. It is this specialist that young children need to visit at the recommended frequency. Moreover, you need to go for preventive examinations, and not only in case of dental disease. Correction of defects is also carried out by a dentist.
In most cases, to trim the screed, local anesthesia is given and a special biomaterial is applied, which dissolves over time.
Methods of treating the pathological condition
Although a short frenulum is not an independent disease, such an anomaly requires qualified help and drug treatment. As a method of correcting the situation, traditional medicine offers exclusively surgical intervention.
It is emphasized that the earlier the pathology is identified, the less traumatic the treatment will be: the volume of surgical intervention in childhood is minimal, and the psyche adapts much better than in a mature man.
For adult men, the main sign by which an anomaly can be suspected is pain and discomfort of the penis during an erection.
Indications
A short frenulum of the tongue leads to disruption of the sucking process in infants, as well as to inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, as well as problems with diction. In infancy, the pathology is diagnosed by a pediatrician, and in preschool age by a speech therapist.
Pathology can lead to the following consequences:
- problems ;
- problems with organizing breastfeeding due to difficulties with sucking;
- development of malocclusion;
- difficulty eating;
- violation of diction;
- problems with wearing dentures.
Plastic surgery may also be required for orthodontic reasons to avoid excessive growth of the lower jaw, which can cause the incisors to tilt inward. In addition, a short frenulum is one of the causes of problems with the installation of orthodontic structures.
Plastic surgery is most often performed in children, but is also prescribed for adult patients. As a rule, it is recommended at the stage of orthopedic treatment. Plastic surgery of the frenulum is necessary at the stage of prosthetics on implants.
Also recommended for periodontitis caused by frenulum abnormalities. In this case, pathological pockets appear in the anterior part of the lower jaw, as well as excessive tooth mobility. In this case, surgery is the best prevention of periodontal diseases.
Non-surgical methods
Traditional medicine categorically denies the effectiveness of such techniques. However, if there are contraindications to surgical treatment, it is worth trying home methods for stretching the skin fold. There are several of them:
- The thumbs are carefully inserted into the prepuncial sac and begin to slightly stretch the skin. In this case, the feeling of discomfort should not develop into pain.
Like any unconventional methods, such treatment will only work if used for a long time - more than 3 months minimum. The effectiveness will also depend on the individual characteristics of the organism. Such as age, physiology, regularity and correctness of execution.
Periandibular abscess
When a person suffers from pain in the area of the frenulum under the tongue caused by a perimandibular abscess, he observes a purulent inflammatory process. If timely treatment is not started, purulent decay of adjacent tissues will occur.
A perimaxillary abscess becomes the cause of illnesses suffered, which include:
- Tonsillitis;
- All kinds of dental diseases;
- Angina;
- Furunculosis;
- Various injuries;
- Infectious diseases.
To the sensations of pain in the frenulum under the tongue is added:
- Painful palpation;
- Swelling;
- Facial asymmetry;
- Lack of appetite;
- Lethargy;
- Heat;
- Excessive salivation;
- Hyperemia and infiltration on the frenulum of the tongue.
If such signs appear, you should immediately go to the hospital to prescribe appropriate therapy.
The doctor prescribes treatment for the abscess, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the course of the disease.
Conservative methods include:
- Antibiotics;
- Analgesics;
- Vitamin therapy;
- Immunostimulants;
- Detoxification therapy;
- Soda mouth rinses.
If positive results do not appear after conservative treatment, doctors resort to surgery.
What to do if the frenulum of the foreskin is torn?
As a result of careless movements or sudden entry into the vagina, injuries or tears in the skin fold are possible. If there is pain near the frenulum or there is a rupture, do not panic. The actions should be as follows:
- First of all, stop the bleeding. To do this, it is enough to press the gap with your fingers for at least 15 minutes. At the same time, try to fix only the damaged area, without completely pinching the vessels of the penis.
- The second step is treatment with an antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide is most suitable, since alcohol can burn delicate skin.
- Seek advice from a specialist who will assess the extent of the damage and give recommendations on further actions.
In most cases, if the frenulum is torn, the doctor will refer you for surgery. Anyone who has torn it once may be injured in the future. And with consequences of varying complexity.
When should surgery be performed?
The optimal age for surgery is considered to be 5-6 years. Despite the difficulties that arise during breastfeeding, children under 4 years of age are not subject to correction. If the doctor suggests performing a full surgical procedure on an infant, you should go to another clinic, since early intervention in this area can have a number of consequences.
Trimming the frenulum of the upper lip in children before and after
Trimming of the mucous membrane should begin when the permanent central teeth have already fully erupted, and the second incisors are just at the eruption stage. This is why most doctors try to prescribe surgery at school age.
What complications can arise from correction or removal of the frenulum of the upper lip under the age of 5 years:
- jaw formation continues after surgery, which may necessitate repeat surgery in the future;
- the upper lip of a baby performs only a third of its intended functions (the baby does not speak, does not bite through solid food, etc.), and changes in the structure of the mucous membrane can cause scarring of the tissue, which can subsequently pull the lip and cause discomfort just like a regular frenulum;
- surgery in the mouth without permanent teeth is carried out almost “blindly”, so the doctor can touch the rudiments of the molars, disrupt their nutrition, and provoke inflammatory and pathological processes in the oral cavity.
This is interesting: A child has a toothache: causes, treatment, how to help a child with severe toothache at night
If the frenulum of the upper lip is wide enough for a longitudinal incision with a scalpel, then a dissection is made lengthwise. The surgeon applies sutures perpendicular to the line of movement of the knife.
Cut across if the child has a narrow frenulum of the lip. The upper jaw is given a normal appearance by releasing the facial part. The tissue between the teeth is removed using a scalpel using the excision method.
The gap can be closed using dental methods. After surgery, the bite is corrected by installing braces for a long time. Another way is to close the canal with veneers - this is a filling made of ceramics or white composite materials.
Laser
Laser frenulum removal is an innovative method. It has a lot of positive reviews not only from doctors, but also from patients.
Laser advantages:
- it is silent, thanks to which the child is calm, because children are often frightened by the sounds of medical equipment,
- suitable for removing large frenulums,
- does not cause bleeding,
- instantly seals tissues,
- does not require stitches.
Scalpel
There are methods that have proven themselves to be positive over the years:
Procedure | Description |
Frenotomy | The frenulum is cut vertically and sutured horizontally. |
Frenectomy | The method is most suitable for large strands. It is cut along its entire length, and then the interdental papilla and all excess tissue are removed. |
Frenuloplasty I | The frenulum is cut with a scalpel or scissors. A diamond-shaped defect remains. For mobilization, the edges close to the incision of the mucous membrane are excised and, using a raspator, brought closer to the periosteum, closer to the formed vestibule. Then everything is sutured. |
Frenuloplasty II (according to Limberg) | A vertical incision and two oblique ones are made in the center of the frenulum. Triangular flaps are formed and mobilized. Then they are fixed taking into account that the central cut is located horizontally. It is sutured with interrupted sutures. |
Why have surgery?
Some men live happily with a short frenulum all their lives because they do not experience discomfort. However, the appearance of pain, especially at an early age, is an alarming signal.
Indeed, in the future, discomfort during sex can become a trigger mechanism for the development of impotence. If the anomaly is acquired (due to balanoposthitis or other inflammatory diseases), then surgical treatment is the only way to avoid further injuries.
Causes of pain and inflammation of the frenulum
If the frenulum hurts in men, then among the reasons for this pathological process it is worth mentioning the following:
- failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules;
- various mechanical damage and injuries to the frenulum;
- genital viral infections (herpes, papillomavirus).
The most common cause of inflammation of the frenulum of the penis is pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and fungi). Provoking factors for the onset of the disease are:
- wearing tight and tight underwear, which injures the delicate tissues of the organ;
- allergic dermatitis that appears as a result of the use of certain intimate hygiene products;
- an anatomically short frenulum will often be injured during sexual intercourse, as a result of which infectious agents can penetrate microcracks;
- sometimes the frenulum hurts due to diabetes mellitus (in this case, there is an increased concentration of sugar in the urine, which serves as a favorable environment for the development of infection);
- Obesity causes problems with metabolism, which causes a decrease in immunity;
- stress, overwork and hypothermia, chronic diseases, smoking and alcohol - all this leads to a weakening of the defenses and the development of the inflammatory process.
How to treat frenulum pain
In most cases, medical attention will be required to solve this problem, unless the problem began after loud screaming or singing, when the pain goes away on its own. If there are problems when the frenulum of the tongue hurts, you need to seek help from a therapist. If the disease is the result of an injury, you will need to consult a dentist. When a visit to the doctor is postponed for some reason, it is necessary to pay attention to oral hygiene during this period and rinse with antiseptics or soda solution.
A salivary gland cyst can cause inflammation of the frenulum
You need to rinse your mouth after every meal, as well as in the morning and evening. Such simple measures will prevent the mucous tissues from becoming inflamed. But you shouldn’t put off visiting a doctor for too long, because if frenulum pain is a manifestation of some concomitant disease, untimely and incorrect treatment can lead to an exacerbation of the disease. The doctor will conduct an examination and be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis received, the optimal treatment for a particular patient will be selected.
What happens during inflammation?
Externally, inflammation of the frenulum manifests itself in the form of redness of the skin, the formation of loose or dense whitish nodules or pale red formations. White or purulent discharge appears from under the foreskin.
The inflammatory process leads to the fact that during urination a man is bothered by:
- itching and burning in the head of the penis;
- pain;
- difficulty urinating.
Redness of the head and irritation of the frenulum are not the only symptoms of the pathology. When erosive processes appear, the organ will hurt more severely. Against the background of irritation, arousal increases, premature ejaculation occurs and erections become more frequent.
Sometimes inflammation of the frenulum of the foreskin leads to continuous swelling of the organ, inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes and the formation of cracks and phimosis. In especially severe cases, necrosis of organ tissue occurs, accompanied by gangrene and general intoxication.
Consequences
There are many factors that can lead to a child's labral frenulum rupture. As a rule, this happens during brushing your teeth or eating.
This is interesting: A white coating has formed on the tongue of a 3-year-old child, what should I do?
Such an injury can be determined by slight bleeding in the mucous membrane and the child’s reluctance to open his mouth and talk so as not to cause pain.
Rupture of the frenulum entails a number of possible negative consequences:
- If the frenulum of the upper lip is torn, it can cause a number of problems with eating. A breastfed baby will not be able to grasp the nipple tightly, which will affect the quality of his nutrition. This may cause a child to refuse breastfeeding in favor of a nipple, since it is much easier to consume milk with its help.
- If a child has torn the frenulum on the upper lip before learning to speak, this may affect his diction and the quality of pronunciation of certain sounds, primarily vowels.
- At a more mature age, children with a damaged frenulum will begin to chew solid food less thoroughly, as this leads to painful sensations. Swallowing large pieces can cause severe damage to their digestive system. If the gums are severely damaged as a result of injury, this can affect the condition of the dentition and create a noticeable gap between the front incisors.
- The main danger with such an injury is inflammatory processes. An open wound in the mouth, in a place previously difficult to reach due to a short frenulum, is open to many infections, which will increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
We suggest you read: Is it possible to do massage during teething?
Often minor damage does not cause any unpleasant consequences. The same thing applies if the mucous membrane has been restored to its normal state. If medical correction has not been carried out, the tissues have grown together incorrectly, this can cause problems as a person grows and in his later adult life:
- problems with pronouncing certain sounds, especially if the injury occurred before the baby first spoke;
- susceptibility to infections of the oral cavity, if the tissues have grown together crookedly, there is no normal oral hygiene;
- Gastrointestinal problems can occur due to the fact that children do not chew food well after gum injuries.
Kids are active and curious, they require the attention and responsible attitude of adults. Childhood injuries happen everywhere; the frenulum can tear even from excessive efforts when brushing teeth or a minor bruise; only the doctor decides whether to stitch it up or not. Many speech therapists do not see a connection between such damage and poor diction.
A child's correct speech and acceptable appearance depends on the development of an inconspicuous formation, such as the frenulum of the upper lip, located in the gingival area. The future bite of the child depends on it.
Pathology in development can affect breastfeeding and cause it in the mother. The future health of the child depends on the correct identification of the cause of its occurrence. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to identify problems on your own; often the defect is discovered much later.
Discomfort sometimes results in oral diseases such as:
- periodontitis;
- gingivitis;
- gum loss.
Gingivitis, in turn, can cause exposure of the neck of the tooth. The loss of gums provokes the development of other dental diseases: bleeding, inflammation of the tissues around the tooth, or leads to its final loss. External defects appear when smiling: plaque forms in the cervical space, suppuration, roots are visible. Inflammatory processes affect the gum itself. The formation of a so-called pocket leads to loosening of the tooth.
A short frenulum of the upper lip results in an unpleasant symptom - increased tooth sensitivity. Drinking hot tea or cold milk is accompanied by pain.
Pathology in the development of the lip leads the child to a speech therapist, since problems arise in the pronunciation of certain sounds. The frenulum interferes with the free movement of the tongue, stretching when trying to produce a guttural tone.
- If the frenulum of the upper lip is torn, it can cause a number of problems with eating. A breastfed baby will not be able to grasp the nipple tightly, which will affect the quality of his nutrition. This may cause a child to refuse breastfeeding in favor of a nipple, since it is much easier to consume milk with its help.
- If a child has torn the frenulum on the upper lip before learning to speak, this may affect his diction and the quality of pronunciation of certain sounds, primarily vowels.
- At a more mature age, children with a damaged frenulum will begin to chew solid food less thoroughly, as this leads to painful sensations. Swallowing large pieces can cause severe damage to their digestive system. If the gums are severely damaged as a result of injury, this can affect the condition of the dentition and create a noticeable gap between the front incisors.
- The main danger with such an injury is inflammatory processes. An open wound in the mouth, in a place previously difficult to reach due to a short frenulum, is open to many infections, which will increase the risk of such inflammatory diseases as and.
Frenulotomy is a fairly popular method of treating short frenulum.
Recovery after plastic surgery or surgery takes several days.
Recovery after plastic surgery or surgery takes several days
- monitor regular and high-quality oral hygiene of the baby;
- prepare special dishes (liquid, slimy, mushy, soufflé, minced meat) for several days, as well as serve food and drinks only at room temperature;
- in a few days, go to the doctor for an examination;
- perform myogymnastics with your baby, which allows you to develop chewing and facial muscles.
The first days after the procedure, the child will feel disorientated due to the emergence of a new amplitude and strength of tongue movement. His diction will also change, so you should practice with your baby the correct pronunciation of sounds.
On average, rehabilitation lasts up to a week. In 4-5 days, the wounds heal and discomfort during chewing goes away.
Sources
- https://ProGuby.ru/bolezni/rebenok-porval-uzdechku
- https://imdent.ru/bolit-uzdechka-verkhney-guboy/
- https://MikDent.ru/rebenok/polost-rta/rebenok-porval-uzdechku-na-verhnej-gube.html
- https://spacream.ru/stomatologiya/chto-delat-esli-rebenok-porval-uzdechku-mezhdu-desnoj-i-verhnej-guboj-k-kakomu-vrachu-obrashhatsya
[collapse]
Drug treatment of inflammation
If the frenulum on the head is inflamed, drug treatment is selected depending on the cause of the disease:
- If there are papillomas on the organ, Podophyllin ointment is prescribed to remove them. It is applied twice to the affected areas for three days. Then they take a break for four days and apply the ointment again. The duration of therapy is no more than 1.5 months.
- To treat candidiasis balanoposthitis, Clotrimazole, Miconazole or Econazole ointments are prescribed. The products are applied to the affected areas twice a day for three days. In case of severe inflammation, the hormonal hydrocortisone is additionally prescribed.
- For diabetes mellitus and chronic pathology, the antifungal drug Fluconazole must be used in complex therapy.
- If a man not only has a red frenulum on the head, but also erosive processes have begun, the doctor will prescribe Metronidazole or Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. They are taken three times a day. This treatment is continued for a week. Clindamycin ointment is applied topically until symptoms disappear.
- When determining the sensitivity of the infection that provoked the disease to certain antibacterial agents, other drugs, for example, Erythromycin, may be prescribed.
Important! A good effect in the treatment of this pathology is achieved by using complex drugs. One of them is Akriderm ointment. It contains an antifungal component, an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. The ointment has an anti-inflammatory effect and is effective in the fight against staphylococci, streptococci and trichomonas.
Why do ulcers appear under the tongue?
An ulcer under the tongue occurs due to an inflammatory process of an erosive nature. An abscess can be caused by various factors. It is very important to identify the cause that provoked the disease. After all, this is the only way the doctor will be able to prescribe effective treatment to the patient.
The most common causes of mouth ulcers include:
Leukoplakia under the tongue - the spot cannot be removed
Development of stomatitis
It can be of three types, namely candidal, aphthous and herpetic. The second option is more common. This stomatitis is chronic, so it cannot be completely cured. Therefore, from time to time the patient will experience a sore under the tongue and in other parts of the oral cavity.
Mechanical damage to the oral mucosa
This reason is often explained by the appearance of ulcers on the frenulum of the tongue in a child. He may get hurt on cutlery or scratched by candy. Simply biting your tongue is enough to create a wound on it.
Just one microcrack can cause serious inflammation in the mouth. It develops into an abscess due to the active activity of bacteria. Within a few hours, the first symptoms of the disease will begin to appear in a child or adult. If you do not provide first aid to the patient, the infection will spread throughout the entire oral cavity.
READ ALSO: Itchy skin and itchy back in older people, causes
Hematoma on the frenulum after trimming
Somatic disease
Often a white sore is one of the symptoms of a dangerous disease that affects the human immune system. These diseases include tuberculosis and HIV. Ulcers will begin to appear due to poor personal hygiene, as well as decreased immunity.
Varicose veins under the tongue with inflammation
To find out why ulcers appeared under the tongue in an adult or child, you need to ask the patient about his health and find out if he was injured several hours before the onset of the inflammatory process.
Physiotherapy
If a man’s frenulum hurts, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapeutic treatment methods. They have a general strengthening effect, eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and have an anti-inflammatory effect. For this pathology, the following procedures are used:
- UHF on the scrotum and genital area;
- electrophoresis with antibacterial agents;
- ozone therapy (in which the ozone-oxygen mixture is administered rectally);
- galvanization on the urethral area;
- surface heating using magnetic therapy;
- laser treatment with simultaneous use of local drugs.
Thanks to physiotherapeutic procedures, it is possible to sanitize foci of chronic infection, improve blood microcirculation and relieve tissue swelling.
Phytotherapy
At home, a man can treat this disease with the help of medicinal herbs and teas:
- Fresh, washed and crushed plantain leaves are applied to the affected areas for ½ hour. Such compresses are repeated every four hours for a week.
- A good anti-inflammatory agent is a decoction of oak bark. 30 grams of bark are poured with boiling water and boiled over fire for 1/3 hour, then it is left for an hour and filtered. The resulting product is used for baths and rinsing of the organ.
- Peel the fleshy aloe leaves and apply them to the affected areas. It is advisable to take old leaves of the plant, since they contain the most healing components. Before use, the cut leaf should lie in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Such compresses are done several times a day.
- A compress made from a mixture of St. John's wort, chamomile and sage helps well with balanoposthitis. The listed herbs are mixed in equal quantities. 30 grams of the mixture is poured with half a liter of boiling water. After filtration, a compress is prepared and applied to the organ for a quarter of an hour.
- A compress of olive oil and calendula helps with erosive processes. To prepare it, 30-40 grams of the plant are poured with olive oil and left in the dark for a couple of weeks.
Advice! If you eat garlic, onions, ginger, and cayenne pepper, you will achieve the effect of natural antibiotics. However, they can be used only in the absence of contraindications from the gastrointestinal tract.