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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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