Early Awareness Can Prevent Future Challenges
Tongue-ties and lip-ties are more common than many parents realize — and they can significantly impact your child’s oral development, feeding, speech, and sleep. At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry, we help families recognize these conditions early and provide gentle, appropriate treatment.
What Is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. It can cause problems with:
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Speech articulation
- Swallowing or chewing
- Oral hygiene
- Sleep due to poor tongue posture
What Is a Lip-Tie?
This occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is too thick or tight, leading to:
- Difficulty latching during nursing
- Gassiness or reflux
- Tooth decay from milk pooling
- Gaps between front teeth
- Gum irritation
Common Signs Parents Should Watch For
In infants:
- Difficulty latching
- Clicking while nursing
- Slow weight gain
- Excessive drooling
- Reflux or colic
- Fussiness during/after feeding
In toddlers/children:
- Delayed speech
- Mouth breathing/snoring
- Difficulty chewing/swallowing
- Gagging/choking
- Avoiding certain foods
- Trouble brushing teeth
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Untreated ties may lead to speech and oral function issues, mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, and jaw development concerns. Early diagnosis by a pediatric dental expert can prevent these long-term effects.
How We Treat Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties
We perform frenectomies using advanced laser technology for:
- Minimal discomfort
- Reduced bleeding
- Quick recovery
- No stitches or sedation
We also guide you through aftercare and refer to specialists as needed.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
- Review of feeding, speech, and developmental history
- Oral exam
- Discussion of symptoms
- Personalized treatment plan
Why Families Choose Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry
- Pediatric focus from infancy through adolescence
- Gentle, age-appropriate care
- Clear communication
- Same-day emergency availability
Schedule a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Evaluation Today
Early evaluation can prevent long-term challenges. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of the top pediatric dental teams in Southborough.
