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Many parents discover their child has a tongue tie when they notice feeding difficulties or speech concerns. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin piece of tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) restricts normal tongue movement. This condition can range from mild to severe and may affect a child’s ability to breastfeed, eat, speak clearly, or even maintain good oral hygiene as they grow. At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we understand learning about tongue tie release procedures can feel overwhelming for parents. Undergoing any procedure can seem daunting, especially when your child is involved. We understand this concern deeply, which is why our experienced team provides gentle, comprehensive care, ensuring both parents and children feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment process.

What Exactly Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie happens when the lingual frenulum—the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short, tight, or thick. In normal development, this tissue allows free tongue movement in all directions. When restricted, it can limit the tongue’s ability to lift, extend, or move from side to side. Tongue ties are classified into four types based on where the restriction occurs and how severely it limits movement. Type 1 is attached near the tongue tip, Type 2 is attached a bit farther back, Type 3 is attached to the mid-tongue, and Type 4 is a submucosal tie that’s harder to see but still restricts movement. According to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, tongue ties occur in about 4-11% of newborns, with some studies suggesting higher rates that often go undiagnosed until feeding or speech issues arise.

Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue Tie

Recognizing tongue tie symptoms helps parents seek appropriate care early, potentially preventing more significant issues later. In infants, common signs include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, making clicking sounds while nursing, frequent breaking of suction, excessive gassiness, and poor weight gain. Mothers may experience painful nursing, damaged nipples, or insufficient milk supply due to poor stimulation from ineffective suckling. In older children, symptoms might include speech difficulties, especially with sounds requiring tongue elevation like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.” Other signs include trouble moving food around the mouth, messy eating, difficulty licking ice cream or popsicles, problems with oral hygiene, and noticeable restrictions when trying to stick out the tongue. Some children may also experience social anxiety or frustration from their communication challenges, which can affect their confidence and social development.

The Tongue Tie Release Procedure Explained

A tongue tie release, also called a frenectomy, is a relatively quick procedure that snips or uses laser technology to release the restrictive tissue. For infants, it often takes just a few minutes and can be performed with minimal discomfort. Older children might require a small amount of local anesthetic to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. At our practice, we use modern laser technology for most frenectomies, which offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods. Laser procedures typically result in less bleeding, faster healing times, reduced post-procedure discomfort, and a lower risk of infection. The procedure itself is precise and quick, allowing us to target exactly the amount of tissue needed for optimal tongue function. Afterward, we provide detailed aftercare instructions, including stretching exercises that help prevent reattachment of the tissue during healing.

Partner With All Kids Pediatric Dentistry for Compassionate Tongue Tie Care

At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve provided specialized pediatric dental care, including tongue tie releases, to children throughout Charlotte since 2014. Our team offers a welcoming, kid-friendly environment where we take the time to thoroughly evaluate each child’s specific needs. Our multilingual staff speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese, allowing us to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds. We understand any procedure involving your child can cause concern, which is why we pride ourselves on being supremely patient and gentle with our young patients. We accept virtually all insurance plans and offer an in-house payment plan for families without insurance coverage. If you’re concerned about a possible tongue tie in your child, contact our team today at (980) 263-2330 or through our contact form to schedule an evaluation.