Breastfeeding is meant to be a natural process, but for many new parents, it’s anything but easy. If your baby is struggling to latch, feeds for long periods without seeming satisfied, or leaves you in pain after nursing, there may be an underlying issue. One commonly overlooked cause? A tongue or lip tie.
Tongue and lip ties—known medically as ankyloglossia and labial frenulum restriction—can significantly interfere with infant oral health and proper feeding. Thankfully, early diagnosis and treatment, especially using laser technology, can quickly resolve the issue and set your child up for healthier development.
What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie happens when the thin band of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is too tight, short, or thick, limiting tongue movement. A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum—the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums—is too tight, restricting normal oral movement and function.
These conditions are more common than many people realize and often go undiagnosed—especially if you’re not seeing a pediatric dentist or children’s dentist trained to spot early signs of oral restrictions.
How Ties Impact Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding success relies on an infant’s ability to move their tongue and lips freely. A baby experiencing a lip or tongue tie might:
- Have difficulty latching or staying latched
- Make clicking noises while feeding
- Feed for long stretches but still seem hungry
- Gulp air and become gassy or colicky
- Gain weight slowly
- Cause pain or cracked nipples for the mother
These challenges can be frustrating, emotionally draining, and may even lead some parents to stop breastfeeding earlier than planned.
It’s important to remember: it’s not your fault. And more importantly, there’s a solution.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If not treated, tongue and lip ties can lead to more issues than just difficulties with feeding. Over time, they may contribute to:
- Delayed speech development
- Mouth breathing and sleep issues
- Problems with chewing and swallowing
- Misaligned teeth or the need for future orthodontic work
- There is an increased risk of cavities due to inadequate oral hygiene.
This is why infant oral health should be monitored early—not just by your pediatrician, but by a qualified children’s dentist who understands how oral structures affect growth and function from day one.
Laser Treatment: A Safe, Quick Fix
The good news? Tongue and lip ties can often be corrected with a quick, minimally invasive procedure called a frenectomy—and laser technology has revolutionized how it’s done.
A pediatric dentist can perform the procedure in just minutes, with minimal bleeding and little to no discomfort. The laser gently removes or reshapes the restrictive tissue, freeing the tongue or lip for proper movement.
Benefits of laser frenectomy include:
- Faster healing and reduced risk of infection
- Minimal discomfort for the infant
- Immediate improvement in feeding for many babies
Signs Your Baby Might Have a Tongue or Lip Tie
If you suspect something isn’t right with your baby’s feeding, it’s worth getting an evaluation. Some red flags include:
- Persistent latch problems
- Shallow latch or constant breaking of suction
- Prolonged feeding sessions with poor weight gain
- Clicking, choking, or gulping during feeds
- Maternal nipple pain or trauma
These issues should prompt a visit to a pediatric dentist who addresses infant oral health. They can assess your child’s oral anatomy and determine whether a tie release is appropriate.
What to Expect During a Frenectomy
After confirming the diagnosis, your children’s dentist will walk you through the laser frenectomy procedure. You’ll usually be present for the treatment, which takes just a few minutes.
Post-procedure, you’ll be guided through gentle stretching exercises to help the tissues heal properly and prevent reattachment. Some mild fussiness or feeding changes are normal, but most babies adjust quickly.
Lactation consultants or feeding specialists often work in tandem with pediatric dentists to support families through the process and ensure optimal results.
Final Thoughts
If breastfeeding isn’t going smoothly, don’t wait it out. Trust your instincts. Tongue and lip ties are treatable, and the earlier they’re addressed, the better for your baby’s oral health and overall development.
By connecting with a qualified pediatric dentist early on, you can identify and correct these issues before they cause long-term problems. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, every child deserves the best possible start—and that includes a healthy, pain-free feeding experience.
Need Support?
If you’re noticing signs of feeding difficulty or suspect your baby may have a tongue or lip tie, reach out to a children’s dentist experienced in infant oral health. A quick consultation can lead to big improvements for both you and your baby.
Connect with Woodlawn Kids Dental for more information on laser tongue and lip tie release!
