Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie: What Parents Need to Know

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Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Babies and Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you’re a parent struggling with breastfeeding challenges or noticing speech difficulties in your child, you may have heard of tongue-tie and lip-tie. These conditions occur when the frenulum, the small band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip, is too tight, restricting movement.

While tongue-tie and lip-tie are common, they often go undiagnosed, leading to feeding difficulties, speech problems, and oral development issues. The good news is that these conditions are easily treatable with a simple and effective procedure called a frenectomy.

At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we specialize in gentle laser frenectomy treatments to help babies, children, and even adults experience better oral function and improved quality of life. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and long-term benefits of tongue-tie and lip-tie procedures.

What Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie?

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue under the tongue, is too tight or short, limiting tongue mobility. This restriction can interfere with:

  • Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
  • Speech development
  • Oral hygiene and swallowing
  • Jaw and airway development

Lip-Tie

A lip-tie happens when the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, is too thick or tight. This can cause:

  • Difficulty flanging the lips outward for a proper latch
  • Gassiness, reflux, and excessive air swallowing
  • Gaps between the front teeth
  • Challenges with brushing and flossing

While some babies have both tongue-tie and lip-tie, others may experience only one condition. An evaluation with a trained provider can determine whether treatment is necessary.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie

Symptoms in Babies:

  • Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
  • Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
  • Excessive drooling or choking during feeds
  • Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding
  • Frustration, fussiness, or colic symptoms
  • Gassiness or reflux from swallowing air
  • Prolonged or painful breastfeeding sessions
  • Nipple pain, cracking, or mastitis in mothers

Symptoms in Toddlers and Children:

  • Delayed speech development or difficulty articulating certain sounds
  • Trouble swallowing or chewing solid foods
  • Persistent drooling
  • Dental problems, including a gap between the front teeth
  • Increased risk of cavities due to food buildup
  • TMJ or oral tension

If you recognize any of these signs, early intervention is key to ensuring proper feeding, speech, and dental development.

How Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treated?

The best treatment for tongue-tie and lip-tie is a frenectomy, a quick and minimally invasive procedure that releases the restricted tissue to restore natural movement.

At Hansen Dentistry, we use an advanced laser technique for frenectomies, which offers:

  • Minimized discomfort with little to no bleeding
  • Faster healing with reduced swelling and infection risk
  • Improved latch and feeding for babies
  • Better speech and oral development
  • Precise and gentle treatment with no need for sutures

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and babies typically experience immediate improvement in their ability to feed properly.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie

Correcting tongue-tie and lip-tie early leads to significant long-term benefits, including:

  • Better breastfeeding and nutrition, ensuring that babies receive adequate milk
  • Speech and language development with improved articulation
  • Improved oral health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Healthy jaw and dental alignment by preventing bite issues and airway problems
  • Prevention of TMJ and sleep issues by reducing chronic jaw tension and improving airway function

By choosing a safe, effective, and fast laser frenectomy, you’re giving your child the best foundation for a lifetime of better health.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment in Apex, NC?

At Hansen Dentistry, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our team are committed to helping babies and children thrive with expert, compassionate care. We offer:

  • Precise and painless laser treatment with no scalpels or stitches
  • Same-day frenectomy appointments with minimal downtime
  • Experienced pediatric and family dental care in a kid-friendly environment
  • Post-treatment support, including aftercare guidance and follow-up visits

If your baby is struggling with feeding or if you suspect your child has tongue-tie or lip-tie, we are here to help.

Schedule an evaluation today. Call our office or submit our online form to request an appointment to learn more about our laser tongue-tie and lip-tie treatments in Apex, NC.

Understanding Tongue-Tie in Babies from Our Apex NC Dentist

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What Are the Causes, Treatment, and Long-Term Benefits of Tongue-Tie

As parents, ensuring your baby’s health and well-being is a top priority, and feeding is one of the first challenges you may face. If your infant struggles with breastfeeding, has difficulty latching, or experiences slow weight gain, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) may be the culprit. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective treatment options to correct tongue-tie and improve feeding, speech, and overall oral development.

At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we provide professional and compassionate care for infants experiencing tongue-tie. Let’s explore the issue, the available solutions, and the long-term benefits of treatment.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie is a condition where the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short, restricting tongue movement. This condition can impact an infant’s ability to breastfeed, swallow, and even affect speech development as they grow.

Signs Your Baby May Have Tongue-Tie:

  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Frequent, prolonged, or painful nursing sessions
  • Clicking sounds while feeding
  • Inadequate weight gain despite regular feeding
  • Frustration or fussiness during feeding
  • Reflux or excessive gas from swallowing air
  • Difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower lip

If you notice these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant for an evaluation.

How Is Tongue-Tie Corrected?

The most effective solution for tongue-tie is a frenectomy, a simple, quick, and minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight tissue restricting tongue movement.

At Hansen Dentistry, we use laser frenectomy, an advanced and gentle technique that offers several benefits over traditional surgical methods.

Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy?

  • Minimally Invasive – No need for scalpels or stitches.
  • Quick Healing – The laser cauterizes as it works, reducing bleeding and swelling.
  • Less Discomfort – Babies experience minimal discomfort and often resume feeding immediately.
  • Reduced Risk of Infection – The laser sterilizes the area, lowering infection risk.
  • Precise and Effective – Targets only the affected tissue without harming surrounding areas.

The procedure typically takes just a few minutes, and parents can hold and soothe their baby immediately afterward. Most infants show immediate improvement in their ability to latch and feed comfortably.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie

Correcting tongue-tie early can have lasting advantages beyond infancy. Here’s how a frenectomy benefits your child’s health and development:

1. Improved Breastfeeding and Nutrition

Breastfeeding success significantly increases when tongue mobility is restored, ensuring better milk transfer, improved weight gain, and reduced stress for both baby and mother.

2. Speech Development

Tongue mobility plays a crucial role in speech formation. Children with untreated tongue-tie may develop speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Early intervention supports proper speech development.

3. Better Oral Hygiene

A restricted tongue can make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Treatment helps improve oral function, making dental hygiene easier as your child grows.

4. Proper Jaw and Dental Development

A restricted tongue may contribute to improper jaw development, leading to issues like an overbite, crowded teeth, or airway problems. A frenectomy helps support natural oral growth.

5. Prevention of Future Complications

If left untreated, tongue-tie can lead to issues in adulthood, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, sleep apnea, and chronic neck or jaw tension. Treating it early prevents these potential concerns.

Is Your Baby a Candidate for a Frenectomy?

If you suspect your infant has tongue-tie, it’s best to have them evaluated by a qualified dentist or pediatric specialist. At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our experienced team provide thorough evaluations and gentle laser frenectomies to improve your baby’s oral function and overall well-being.

Schedule a Consultation Today to Speak with Our Apex NC Dentist Who Specializes in Tongue-Tie Procedures

Early intervention can make all the difference in your baby’s feeding, speech, and oral health. If you’re concerned about tongue-tie, contact Hansen Dentistry for a consultation. Our friendly team is here to help you and your baby achieve a healthier, happier start.