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Tongue Tie & Frenectomies

Real Talk from a Pediatric Dentist (and a Fellow Mama)

Let’s talk about tongue-tie—because it’s more common than people think, and it can have a big impact on your child’s feeding, speech, and development.

And here’s the thing: Dr. Mueller isn’t just a Board-certified pediatric dentist—she’s also a mom who’s been in your shoes. Her own kids had lip and tongue ties, so this isn’t just professional… it’s personal. She’s passionate about helping families navigate this early hurdle with clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of support (and maybe a little humor too).

Whether your baby is struggling to latch, your toddler isn’t eating solids well, or your older child is having speech concerns, let’s figure it out together. With a calm approach, the latest technology, and a team that cares, we make tongue-tie evaluations and treatment easier than you think.

Call us to schedule your consultation and learn more about our Solea laser treatment for tongue- and lip-tie.

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Tongue-tie happens when a little piece of skin under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, making it hard for the tongue to move freely. This can affect an infant’s ability to feed and breathe properly. Dr. Christina Mueller and our pediatric team at Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental are skilled in providing treatments for tongue-tie to improve your child’s oral health and overall well-being.

Contact us today to learn more!

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Early Detection and Symptoms of Lip and Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie significantly affects infants’ breathing and feeding, with potential long-term risks to oral and overall health. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference. That’s why Dr. Christina Mueller encourages regular checkups. 

Early treatment can lead to better feeding and speech patterns and can help prevent dental issues down the line. Beyond oral health, addressing ties early contributes to better nutrition, reduced risk of tooth decay, and supports general health and well-being.

Plus, treating tongue-tie early often means simpler and more effective solutions.

Symptoms of Lip and/or Tongue Ties

The most telling signs of lip and tongue-tie often manifest during infancy, particularly through feeding difficulties. Observing these symptoms in infants and nursing mothers can help identify potential lip or tongue-tie issues early on:

Symptoms in Infants:

  • Nursing ulcers or chapped lips
  • Clicking or gulping sounds while nursing
  • Difficulty latching, leading to gumming or chewing on nipples
  • Frequent choking or gagging
  • Milk dribbling from the mouth
  • Repeatedly releasing and relatching during feeding
  • Shallow latch onto the breast
  • Unusually long or short nursing sessions
  • Tendency to fall asleep mid-feed
  • Engaging in cluster feeding
  • Signs of colic, gas, or reflux
  • Not gaining weight adequately or losing weight
  • Struggling to maintain grip on a pacifier

Symptoms in Nursing Mothers:

  • Experiencing a painful, ineffective latch
  • Developing thrush or mastitis
  • Noticing a decrease in milk supply
  • Suffering from cracked, blistered, or bleeding nipples
  • Feeling that breasts aren’t fully emptying after feeding

Recognizing these symptoms can lead to timely consultations and the appropriate interventions, paving the way for improved health and comfort for both mother and child.

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Laser Frenectomies for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie

Dr. Christina Mueller utilizes advanced dental lasers for precise, quick, and comfortable frenectomies, correcting tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants as young as three months—and void of any known complications. The use of a dental laser in this treatment can dramatically improve children’s lives. 

Dental lasers offer a number of benefits for frenectomies including:

  • Precision and Safety: Advanced dental lasers target only the necessary tissue, making frenectomies safe and minimizing damage to surrounding areas. There is minimal bleeding and discomfort caused by the procedure. No anesthesia is required in most cases which allows your baby to breastfeed immediately after the procedure. 
  • Reduced Recovery Time: Laser frenectomies take less time than traditional methods, and your child’s ability to eat, speak, and sleep can be enhanced in as little as 10 minutes!
  • Wide Application: Dental laser treatment can be used on infants, children, teens, and adults. It’s never too early or too late to improve quality of life by releasing tethered oral tissue with a dental laser.

By choosing Dr. Christina Mueller’s laser frenectomy treatment, you’re opting for the gold standard in addressing tongue-tie and lip-tie, ensuring the best possible start for your child’s oral health and development. 

Choose Dr. Christina Mueller for Specialized Pediatric Care

Dr. Christina Mueller is a Lip and Tongue Release Specialist. She is Laser Certified to provide this service to all ages, including infants. Laser Frenectomies take less than can dramatically improve patient’s lives. Their ability to eat, speak, and sleep can all be enhanced in as little as 10 minutes!

Dr. Mueller understands the special challenges that come with tethered tissue, such as lip and tongue ties, and works in partnership with other providers such as pediatricians, speech pathologist, midwives, and lactation specialists to make sure you and your child have the support you need to be successful.

Call Today to Schedule Your Tongue-Tie Treatment

If you and your loved ones live in the San Antonio area, call Dr. Christina Mueller and our team at Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental in Live Oak. 

There’s no need to wait another day for your tongue-tie treatment. Call today to schedule your child’s oral exam.t. Call today and schedule your consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can It Be Treated? And When?

Tongue-tie (aka ankyloglossia) happens when the thin band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight. This limits tongue movement and can make things like nursing, bottle feeding, and even speech development more complicated than they should be.

What Exactly is Tongue-Tie?

Absolutely. Tongue-tie can be safely treated at just a few days old—or later in life if needed. But earlier is usually better, especially when feeding is a struggle. Many babies can benefit from treatment as young as 3 months, and it’s a straightforward, in-office procedure.

So... What’s a Laser Frenectomy?

It sounds fancy, but it’s quick, gentle, and nearly painless. We use the Solea® all-tissue laser, one of the most advanced, kid-friendly lasers available today. Unlike older lasers or traditional methods, Solea is ultra-precise, incredibly fast, and virtually painless.

Here’s what sets Solea apart:

  • No bleeding, no stitches – The laser gently vaporizes tissue with pinpoint accuracy and seals as it works.
  • No anesthesia required – Most babies don’t need any numbing or sedation. The laser is that gentle.
  • Faster healing, less discomfort – With minimal inflammation and trauma to surrounding tissue, babies bounce back quickly.
  • Less fuss, less stress – The procedure is quiet, calm, and usually done in under 10 minutes—start to finish.

The result? A smoother experience for baby, less anxiety for you, and quicker results.

Will It Affect My Baby’s Speech?

If untreated, tongue-tie can make certain sounds tough to pronounce—like “l,” “r,” “th,” and “s.” Catching it early often helps avoid speech delays altogether. If your child is older and already has speech challenges, a combination of treatment and speech therapy may be recommended.

Is This Genetic?

Yes! Tongue- and lip-ties often run in families. If a parent or sibling has had one, your child may be more likely to have it too. (It’s no surprise both of Dr. Mueller’s children needed treatment.) It’s one more reason we do early oral screenings at our office.

Will It Go Away On Its Own?

Mild restrictions may stretch or recede over time, but more often, tongue-tie sticks around. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic feeding challenges, slow weight gain, speech delays, and more. If you’re unsure, come in for a quick evaluation—we’re happy to walk you through what’s going on.

Anterior vs. Posterior Tongue-Tie: What’s the Difference?

Anterior tongue-tie is easier to spot—it’s usually near the tip of the tongue and might even give the tongue a little heart-shaped dip when lifted. Posterior tongue-tie hides further back and is trickier to see, but it can be just as limiting when it comes to movement and function. We screen for both types during our evaluation.

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