A tongue-tie or lip-tie can make feeding, eating and speaking harder than it should be. At Malbis Parkway Pediatric Dentistry in Spanish Fort, AL, our board-certified pediatric dentists evaluate and treat tongue-ties and lip-ties in infants and children, with a quick in-office procedure when treatment is needed. Request an appointment or call (251) 626-9924.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
Everyone has small bands of tissue called frenums. One connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and another connects the upper lip to the gums. In some children these bands are unusually short, thick or tight. When the tongue band limits movement, it is called a tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia. When the upper lip band is tight enough to restrict the lip, it is called a lip-tie.
A tie is about function, not just appearance. Some children have a visible band that causes no trouble at all, while others have a tie that is hard to see but still limits how the tongue or lip moves. That is why a careful evaluation matters more than a quick look.
Signs of a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
In Babies
- Trouble latching, or slipping off the breast or bottle
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Long, frequent feeds, fussiness at feeding time or slow weight gain
- Excess gas or reflux-like symptoms from swallowing air
- Painful nursing, cracked nipples or low milk supply for mom
In Toddlers and Older Children
- Trouble with certain speech sounds, such as “l,” “r,” “t,” “d” or “th”
- Difficulty moving food around the mouth, gagging or picky eating
- Trouble sticking the tongue out past the lips or lifting it to the roof of the mouth
- A heart-shaped tongue tip when the tongue is extended
- A gap between the upper front teeth or trouble keeping the upper front teeth clean, sometimes linked to a lip-tie
These signs can have other causes too, which is another reason an evaluation by a pediatric dentist is the right first step.
How We Evaluate Your Child
At your visit, one of our pediatric dentists will talk with you about feeding, eating or speech concerns, then gently examine how your child’s tongue and lip move, not just how the tissue looks. For babies, we ask about latch, feeding length and weight gain. For older children, we look at tongue range of motion and how it affects eating and speech. If a tie is not the cause of the problem, we will tell you. If it is, we explain your options clearly before anything is done.
Many families come to us after a lactation consultant, pediatrician or speech therapist raises the question. We are happy to work alongside the professionals already caring for your child.
Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment (Frenectomy)
When a tie is limiting function, the usual treatment is a frenectomy, also called a release. The doctor releases the tight band so the tongue or lip can move freely. The procedure is quick and done right here in our office, for infants and older children alike. Your doctor will explain the release method, what your child will feel and how comfort is managed before the procedure begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
Aftercare and Healing
Healing after a release is usually fast, and most babies feed soon after the procedure. Your child may be a little fussy or sore for a few days. The most important part of aftercare is following the stretching or exercise routine your doctor shows you, because it helps the area heal without the tissue tightening again. We will send you home with clear instructions and are available if you have questions while your child heals.
For some children, especially older kids with speech or feeding habits already in place, working with a feeding specialist or speech therapist after the release helps them get the full benefit.
Why Families Choose Malbis Parkway Pediatric Dentistry
- Board-certified pediatric dentists. Dr. Kelly Jones, Dr. Kristin Correa and Dr. Elizabeth Clay chose pediatric dentistry because they love working with kids. Meet our doctors.
- Care from infancy through the teen years, including children with special healthcare needs.
- An office built for kids, from the nautical-themed waiting room to treatment areas designed around children.
- Families trust us, with a 4.9-star rating and more than 460 Google reviews.
Serving Spanish Fort and the Eastern Shore
Our office is at 9807 McSara Ct., Spanish Fort, AL 36527, and is easy to reach from Daphne, Fairhope, Bay Minette and across the bay from Mobile. We are open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. See our Spanish Fort office and our full list of pediatric dental services.
Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie FAQs
At what age can a tongue-tie be treated?
Tongue-ties and lip-ties can be evaluated and treated in infants as well as older children. The right timing depends on the symptoms your child is having.
Does every tongue-tie need treatment?
No. If a tie is not causing feeding, eating or speech problems, it may not need treatment at all. Our dentists recommend a release only when it will help.
Is a frenectomy painful for babies?
The procedure is quick, and your doctor will explain how comfort is managed before it begins. Some soreness or fussiness for a few days afterward is normal.
Can a tongue-tie affect speech?
It can. A tongue that cannot lift or extend fully may make some sounds harder to form. An evaluation helps sort out whether a tie is part of the picture.
Can a tie come back?
The tissue can reattach or tighten as it heals, which is why following the aftercare stretches your doctor recommends is so important.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation
If you are worried about your baby’s latch or your child’s eating or speech, we are here to help. Request an appointment online or call (251) 626-9924 to schedule a visit at our Spanish Fort office.