Understanding Lip Tie and Tongue Tie

At Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand how early oral function impacts your child’s overall development—from feeding and speech to airway and facial growth. Lip and tongue ties, when present, can interfere with these key areas.

What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?

Lip Tie
A lip tie occurs when the frenum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum) is too tight, thick, or extends too far down. This can limit the lip’s natural movement, especially during feeding and facial expression.

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenum (the tissue under the tongue) is too tight or short. This restriction can affect a child’s ability to move their tongue freely, which impacts feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.

How Lip and Tongue Ties Affect Children

In Infancy:

Trouble latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
Clicking noises, leaking milk, or frequent breaks during feeds
Maternal nipple pain or damaged nipples
Slow weight gain or failure to thrive
Colic, reflux, or excessive gas due to air swallowing
Frequent or prolonged nursing sessions

In Toddlers & Older Children:

Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing sounds like t, d, l, r, s, z
Messy eating or difficulty with certain food textures
Challenges cleaning the mouth with the tongue
Mouth breathing or sleep-disordered breathing
Jaw or dental development issues
Self-esteem concerns related to speech or appearance

Benefits of a Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a gentle, precise procedure that releases the tight tissue, allowing natural movement and function of the lip or tongue.

✨ Benefits include:

Better latch and feeding efficiency
Reduced discomfort for breastfeeding mothers
Improved speech clarity and articulation
Easier oral hygiene and tongue mobility
Enhanced jaw and facial development
Improved airway and breathing
Lower risk of future orthodontic or sleep issues

What to Expect During a Frenectomy

Quick Procedure – Usually completed in just a few minutes
Technology Options – We use sterile scissors, electrocautery, or CO₂ laser for precision and minimal discomfort
Minimal Bleeding & Discomfort – Especially with laser treatment
⏳ Fast Recovery – Most children heal within a few days

Post-Procedure Care

Gentle stretching exercises will be demonstrated to prevent reattachment
Follow-up visits ensure healing and functional progress
Most children adapt quickly to their new range of motion

When Is Intervention Recommended?

We may recommend a frenectomy when:

Feeding, speech, or breathing is clearly affected
There’s a risk of future developmental complications
Previous therapies have not resolved the problem
The benefits outweigh the minimal risks

Our Approach at Descanso Smiles

We take a comprehensive, individualized approach, always considering:

The severity of the restriction
Your child’s current symptoms and challenges
Potential long-term developmental impacts
Collaboration with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists when needed

‍‍ We partner closely with families to ensure the best outcome for each child—supporting their ability to eat, speak, breathe, and thrive.

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