Little Ties, Big Impact: Recognizing and Releasing Tongue and Lip Ties in Infants

As a parent, you want the best for your little one. Sometimes, seemingly small issues can have a significant impact on their health and development. One such issue is tongue, lip, and buccal ties. As an airway dentist and mom, Dr. Jafari understands firsthand how these restrictions can affect infants, particularly in breastfeeding and overall oral health.

Understanding Tongue and Lip Ties:

A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight. A lip-tie involves a restricted labial frenulum, connecting the upper lip to the gums. Buccal ties, involve the buccal frenula, which are the folds of tissue connecting the cheeks to the gums. A buccal tie occurs when these frenula are excessively tight, short, or restrictive, limiting the movement of the cheeks and they can occur on one or both sides of the mouth.

Signs and Symptoms in Infants:

Recognizing tongue and lip ties early is crucial. There are common symptoms to look for including:

• Breastfeeding Difficulties:

• Poor latch or shallow latch.

• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing.

• Frequent feedings or prolonged feeding times.

• Colic or reflux symptoms.

• Maternal nipple pain or damage.

• Poor weight gain.

• Other Oral Issues:

• Difficulty lifting or moving the tongue.

• A heart-shaped or notched tongue tip.

• Gaps between the upper front teeth (lip-tie).

• Open mouthed breathing

• Excessive drooling.

• Sleep and Breathing Issues:

• Noisy breathing.

• Difficulty with nasal breathing.

• Restless sleep.

There are many symptoms of ties and not everyone will have the same symptoms! Addressing tongue and lip ties early can prevent future complications and support your baby's optimal development.

At Integrative Family Dentistry, Dr. Jafari performs lip, tongue & buccal-tie releases using LightScalpel CO2 laser, offering a gentle and effective solution. Using the laser makes these procedures minimally invasive, helping to minimize discomfort for your baby, and promotes faster healing with less infection risk.

The Infant Frenectomy Procedure:

The procedure is quick and performed in the office. The laser is used to gently release the restricted frenulum. Many infants breastfeed immediately after the procedure. Following the release, we will provide a detailed post-op guide and visual instructions on gentle stretches to prevent reattachment.

If you suspect your infant has a tongue or lip tie, don't hesitate to seek professional evaluation. A laser frenectomy can provide gentle and effective relief, allowing your baby to thrive. Schedule a consultation with us today!