Lip and tongue ties are common oral conditions in infants that can affect feeding, comfort, and early development. Po Dentistry offers professional evaluation and gentle lip and tongue tie releases to help babies feed more effectively and comfortably.
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue beneath the tongue restricts movement. A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight, limiting proper lip movement during feeding. While not all ties require treatment, some can interfere with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Parents may notice:
A functional evaluation—not just visual appearance—is essential to determine if treatment is needed.
A frenectomy, or tie release, is a quick and gentle procedure that frees restricted tissue. Modern dental techniques allow for:
Parents are guided through aftercare and follow-up to support proper healing and improved function.
When a restrictive tie is treated early, many families experience:
At Po Dentistry, infant tie care is approached with education, compassion, and collaboration. Working alongside pediatricians and lactation professionals when needed ensures each baby receives individualized care based on function—not just anatomy.
Early evaluation and treatment of lip and tongue ties can make feeding easier for both babies and parents. With gentle care and expert guidance, families can move forward with confidence during this important stage of development.
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue is too tight or short, limiting tongue movement. This restriction can interfere with feeding, especially breastfeeding, by making it difficult for a baby to latch or transfer milk effectively.
A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums restricts normal lip movement. This can prevent the upper lip from flanging outward properly during feeding, which may lead to poor latch and air intake.
Common signs include difficulty latching, long or frequent feeding sessions, clicking sounds while feeding, excessive gas, reflux-like symptoms, or slow weight gain. A professional evaluation is the best way to confirm whether a tie is affecting function.
No. Some ties do not interfere with feeding or development and do not require treatment. A dentist trained in infant oral function will assess whether the tie is causing functional issues before recommending a release.
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases the restricted tissue causing a lip or tongue tie. It allows for improved oral movement and function, helping babies feed more comfortably and efficiently.
Yes. When performed by an experienced provider, a lip or tongue tie release is considered safe and gentle. The procedure is brief, and most babies tolerate it very well.
The procedure causes minimal discomfort and is completed quickly. Many babies are able to feed immediately afterward, which often helps soothe them.
Healing is typically fast. Most infants recover within a few days, and parents are given simple aftercare instructions to support proper healing and optimal results.
Some parents notice improvements right away, while others see gradual progress over days or weeks as the baby adapts to increased mobility and strength.
If left untreated and functionally restrictive, ties may contribute to feeding difficulties, speech challenges, or oral development concerns. Early evaluation helps determine the best course of action.
Yes. Collaborative care with lactation consultants, pediatricians, or feeding specialists is often recommended to ensure the best outcomes for both baby and parent.
Parents can contact PoDentistry to schedule a gentle infant evaluation and discuss whether a lip or tongue tie release may be beneficial.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
