Laser Therapy

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the frenulum, the thin membrane beneath the tongue, restricts its movement. This can affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding, speech development, oral hygiene, and your child's ability to eat and swallow solid foods.

What is a lip tie?

Like a tongue tie, a lip tie is characterized by an abnormally tight frenulum that connects the upper lip to the gums. This can interfere with proper latching during breastfeeding and may contribute to other oral health issues as your child develops.

How can lip and tongue ties affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding?

Lip and tongue ties can lead to significant challenges during breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Newborns with tongue or lip ties may struggle to latch correctly, causing discomfort for both mother and child. Consequently, this can result in insufficient weight gain, a decreased milk supply, and maternal nipple pain, making early intervention essential.

What are the signs and symptoms of lip and tongue ties?

Identifying lip and tongue ties early is crucial for prompt treatment. The following signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of a tongue tie:

• Difficulty latching: Your baby may have difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
• Shallow latch: Your child's latch may be shallow or weak, causing discomfort during feeding
• Nipple pain: Maternal nipple pain and damage can be a sign of an underlying issue
• Inadequate weight gain: Infants with ties may struggle to gain weight
• Speech issues: As your child grows, speech development may be affected, leading to articulation problems

Because of these difficulties, newborns with tongue ties may also experience lip blisters, gas pain, and audible breathing sounds while asleep. They're also more likely to pop on and off the breast or make noticeable sucking or clicking sounds while feeding. 

If you have questions about your child's oral posture or development, schedule a consultation at Dr. Cat & the Tooth Pediatric Dental Office.

How can laser therapy help revise lip and tongue ties?

At Dr. Cat & the Tooth Pediatric Dental Office, the team offers state-of-the-art laser therapy, or laser frenectomy, for tongue tie and lip tie release. A laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized laser to precisely and painlessly remove the restrictive frenulum. 

Today, laser frenectomies are often the preferred course of treatment for a variety of reasons. These reasons include:

• Precision: Laser therapy ensures precise and accurate tissue removal, reducing the risk of complications
• Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is virtually painless, and healing is quicker compared to traditional methods
• Faster Recovery: With minimal bleeding and swelling, your child can return to feeding and normal activities sooner
• Effective: Laser frenectomy effectively resolves lip and tongue ties, improving feeding and speech development