Infant Tongue Tie

Infant tongue tie occurs when the tongue’s motion is restricted because the band that connects it to the bottom of the mouth (known as the frenum) is too long or thick. The correct medical term for this condition is ankyloglossia. This condition can make it difficult for the baby to feed and if not corrected can lead to issues with speech.

There are many signs that your baby may be experiencing infant tongue tie. These include:

  • Trouble with the mobility of the tongue
  • A heart-shaped tongue
  • Dribbling of milk while feeding

Additionally, the mother may experience symptoms as well:

  • Cracked, sore, and bloody nipples
  • Pain while breastfeeding
  • Issues with milk supply
  • Frequent infections

When a baby is diagnosed with infant tongue tie, the frenum can be surgically removed to help improve the function of the mouth and tongue. This procedure is called a frenectomy. It is a low-risk surgery that is often performed on both children and adults.

Laser technology is used when performing a frenectomy. The laser minimizes pain and bleeding and removes part or all of the frenums from the mouth. With a laser, a frenectomy can be performed in just a few seconds. This will correct problems related to tongue tie almost instantly.

If not corrected, tongue tie can sometimes cause serious health issues. In some cases, untreated tongue tie can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This can lead to gum disease and sometimes even teeth loss.

If your baby has been diagnosed with infant tongue tie, or if these side effects sound familiar to you, come see us today. Our laser technology will help correct your child’s mouth mobility almost instantly and prevent any speech issues as they grow older.