Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment Dublin

Freedom for Your Baby’s Smile

Lip and tongue ties are conditions that affect the movement of your baby’s oral structures. Without timely treatment, they can lead to some serious complications! Fortunately, addressing these issues is relatively easy via a procedure known as a frenectomy. Here at Waterford Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Dublin, our team uses an advanced soft tissue laser to make this treatment as comfortable as possible for your precious child. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.

How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Develop?

Mother playing with her baby

Lip and tongue ties involve restrictions of the movement of your baby’s oral tissues, which can affect feeding, growth, and even long-term oral health.

Lip ties occur when the tissue connecting the lip to the gums (called a frenum or frenulum) is too short or thick, which limits the movement of the lips. Tongue ties refer to a similar issue with the tissue under the tongue, which may also be too short, thick, or malformed. These conditions are present at birth and may result from genetic factors or developmental issues during pregnancy.

We encourage you to watch for these signs, which may indicate that your baby has a lip or tongue tie:

  • Your baby finds it difficult to latch during breastfeeding.
  • Feedings are frequent but seem incomplete or short.
  • Your baby struggles to hold a pacifier in their mouth.
  • Your baby is slow to gain weight or seems fussy more often than usual.
  • You, as a breastfeeding mother, experience sore nipples or clogged milk ducts.

Why Is It Important to Treat Lip and Tongue Tie?

Fussy baby in their mother’s arms

Untreated lip and tongue ties may lead to significant challenges beyond infancy. As your child grows, these conditions can result in:

  • Speech difficulties due to restricted tongue movement.
  • Improper alignment of teeth caused by limited tongue positioning.
  • Aversion to certain food textures, leading to picky eating behaviors.
  • An increased risk of dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, because the tongue cannot adequately clean certain areas of the mouth.
  • Chronic mouth breathing or sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Behavioral issues or poor academic performance that stem from dental discomfort or poor-quality sleep.

Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment

Happy baby sticking their tongue out

At our pediatric dental practice in Dublin, CA, we take a compassionate and effective approach to treating lip and tongue ties. The procedure we perform, called a frenectomy, is straightforward and minimally invasive. We use a soft tissue laser to ensure precision, reduce discomfort, and promote faster healing. This advanced technology allows your baby to resume breastfeeding almost immediately after the procedure.

A frenectomy takes only a few minutes but can provide a lifetime of benefits. By addressing the issue early, we can help your child to enjoy improved feeding, better oral health, and optimal development. Together, we can give your baby the freedom to smile, speak, and thrive.