Infant Laser Frenectomy

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Ties

Some babies with tongue ties and lip ties are able to attach to the breast and suck well. However, many of these infants have breastfeeding problems. The following signs are common amongst infants with tongue and lip ties and their mothers. However, it is important to note that these signs can be linked to other breastfeeding problems and are not solely related to ties.

Infants may exhibit:

  • noisy suckling or clicking

  • popping on and off the breast

  • leaking on the sides of the mouth

  • poor weight gain

  • coughing or gagging

  • lip blisters

  • gas pain

  • noisy breathing/snoring sounds when sleeping

  • reflux or colic symptoms

Mothers may experience:

  • flattened nipples after breastfeeding

  • nipple pain and damage

  • prolonged feedings

  • poor breast drainage

  • decreased milk production

How and why do ties affect breastfeeding?

An infant’s inability to breastfeed often results in the mother giving up breastfeeding entirely, while being told that the problem is her fault. In reality, the problems may actually result from restricted tongue and upper lip attachments – making normal function, mobility and breastfeeding difficult or impossible.

How are tongue and lip ties diagnosed?

Tongues and lips are only considered to be tied if their movement is restricted, impairing mobility. Correct examination of infants requires the infant be placed on the examiner’s lap with the infant’s head facing the same direction as the person evaluating the infant.

It is important to note that not all ties cause problems and require correction. Each case needs to be assessed by an educated and trained practitioner on an individual basis.

Tongue tie is a diagnosis based upon function, so what your baby’s tongue looks like can sometimes be less important than how it can move.

Treatment for tongue ties and lip ties

Tie revisions (called frenectomies) remove the tissue or tight frenulum under the tongue or upper lip. Dr. Skow uses a state of the art LightScalpel CO2 laser for a safe and quick procedure that allows for greater tongue and lip mobility. In some instances, frenectomies can aid in the prevention of other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech difficulties, and digestive issues.

Dr. Skow is laser certified by The Academy of Laser Dentistry to perform frenectomies.

While the procedure can be done with a laser or scissors, advantages of revising ties with a laser include:

  • Minimal discomfort

  • Minimal bleeding during and after the procedure – the laser aids in hemostasis

  • Faster healing

  • Bactericidal properties

  • Increased precision and complete removal of a tie