What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth—is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This restricts the movement of the tongue, which can lead to a variety of challenges, particularly in infancy and early childhood. While tongue ties may sound intimidating, they’re relatively common, and we can address them when identified early.
Tongue ties can impact much more than tongue movement. It might interfere with breastfeeding for an infant, as a baby may have trouble latching properly or efficiently transferring milk. For toddlers or older kids, tongue ties might contribute to speech development hurdles, difficulty eating certain foods, or even oral hygiene challenges.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Ties
Recognizing the signs of a tongue tie early can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and health. While every child’s experience is unique, some common signs include:
- Breastfeeding Difficulties: Babies with tongue ties may struggle with latching, make a clicking sound while nursing, or seem fussy and unsatisfied after feedings.
- Limited Tongue Mobility: If you notice your child has trouble sticking their tongue out, lifting it to the roof of their mouth, or moving it from side to side, it could indicate a tongue tie.
- Speech Delays or Impairments: For older children, tongue-ties may cause difficulty forming certain sounds (like “t,” “d,” “r,” and “l”).
- Feeding Challenges: Toddlers and children may find eating certain foods difficult, particularly those requiring chewing or tongue movement.
- Gum, Teeth, and Jaw Issues: Because tongue ties can make oral hygiene more difficult, they sometimes lead to gum disease, tooth decay, or jaw alignment problems.
We’re here if you’re unsure whether your child is experiencing these signs or just want professional guidance. We train our team to assess for tongue ties and provide tailored recommendations for your child’s care.
What Is a Frenotomy?
A frenotomy is a quick and gentle procedure to release the tight tissue restricting the tongue’s movement. Our office uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure the process is as precise and comfortable as possible. For most infants and young children, the procedure is brief — often lasting only a few minutes — and typically doesn’t require anesthesia.
Following the frenotomy, most children experience a significant improvement in their ability to nurse, eat, and speak. The recovery process is typically very smooth, with minimal discomfort. We’ll guide you on post-procedure care to ensure your child’s healing is quick and effective.
How We Approach Treatment
At Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, we understand that any procedure involving your child can feel intimidating, even when it’s straightforward. We create a warm, reassuring space where you feel informed and confident in your decisions. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the procedure, answer all your questions, and provide continuous support throughout recovery.
Tongue Ties in Hermiston
If you suspect your child may have a tongue tie or want to be evaluated for oral health concerns, we’re ready to help. At Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, we combine our expertise with modern technology and a compassionate touch to provide your little one with the highest care. Contact us today to schedule treatment for tongue ties in Hermiston with Dr. Shane Schmidt. We also provide preventative and restorative dentistry as part of our quality pediatric dental care.
Your child’s health and happiness matter deeply to us, and we’re committed to ensuring every smile in Hermiston shines bright — now and into the future.