Tongue Tie

How do I know my child needs treatment for tongue tie?

A consultation is the best first step in assessing whether or not your child is a candidate for a frenectomy. Our doctors are experts in assessing the proper growth, development, and anatomy of children at each stage of growth, from infancy into adulthood. During the consultation, your child’s doctor will do an examination of the oral tissues. After reviewing you child’s symptoms, and the child’s mouth, the doctor will let you know if a frenectomy is recommended.

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What is a Frenectomy?

During a frenectomy (tongue-tie release or lip-tie release as they are sometimes called), the doctor uses a laser to make a small incision in the frenum, allowing for greater movement of the lips or tongue. This simple procedure can be done in-office with a local anesthetic, and is virtually pain-free. The incision site usually heals in two weeks with little to no discomfort.

What is the Frenum?

A frenum is a small piece of tissue that attaches either the upper lip to the gum tissue or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

What causes tongue tie?

In some children, this frenum is attached too tightly and can pull on the lips or tongue causing tongue-tie, problems nursing, speech issues, trouble eating or drinking, or cause pulling on the gums around teeth that can create a periodontal issue as the child ages. Sometimes this condition is called a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie, Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), or a Restricted Lip or Tongue.

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