What is a tongue-tie or lip tie?

A tongue tied baby or lip tie is a common, but often overlooked condition that is seen at birth and can cause a wide range of difficulties that can affect the sufferer in many different ways if left untreated. The frenulum is a fibrous attachment that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the lips to the gums. When the frenulum is too short, it can restrict the movement of the tongue and lips, and can interfere in normal swallow function, and overall dental and craniofacial development.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Typically a tongue-tie or a lip tie can be diagnosed as early as the first few days post birth. This is especially true when a poor nursing latch, or painful breastfeeding are involved. However, sometimes the signs are not so obvious, and other symptoms arise, including speech delays, sleep disordered breathing, or improper swallow.

How is it treated?

At the office of Dr. Kimmy, your child’s health and wellbeing is our primary concern. By utilizing a Diode Laser, we can assure a quick and minimally invasive procedure, with nominal soft tissue damage and scar tissue. The Diode laser is used for the most intricate and delicate surgeries, and is the most gentle to the tissues when compared to other lasers and scalpels or blades. The procedure itself takes a matter of seconds, with minimal to no bleeding, and no sutures.

If you suspect that your baby or child is suffering from either a lip tie or tongue tie, please do not hesitate to call our office at 516-365-4-KID.