Feeding your baby should be a time of connection and comfort, but when something doesn’t feel right, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. If your baby struggles to latch, seems fussy during feedings, or isn’t gaining weight as expected, tongue-tie may be the cause. This common condition occurs when a small piece of tissue under the tongue is too tight, limiting movement and making breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficult. Thankfully, there are gentle and effective solutions that can help. With the right care, your baby can feed more easily, grow comfortably, and thrive.
Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental provides compassionate, expert care for infants with tongue-tie, helping families navigate feeding difficulties, speech concerns, and oral development. Dr. Christina Mueller, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, uses advanced laser technology to perform precise, gentle tongue-tie releases with minimal discomfort. With specialized training in infant oral health, she evaluates and treats newborns, ensuring optimal function and comfort. Families trust Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental for their dedication to personalized, effective care tailored to every child’s needs.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too tight or short. This restriction can limit tongue movement, making it difficult for infants to breastfeed properly and, in some cases, causing speech and oral health challenges as they grow older.
The severity of tongue-tie can vary. Some infants have mild restrictions that cause no issues, while others experience significant difficulties. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent feeding struggles and long-term complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
Recognizing the signs of tongue-tie early can help parents seek the right treatment. Some infants show immediate symptoms, while others may not exhibit issues until they start speaking.
Signs of tongue-tie in infants:
- Many infants with tongue-tie have difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Poor weight gain may occur due to ineffective sucking
- Clicking sounds while nursing can indicate trouble maintaining suction
- Excessive drooling and difficulty moving the tongue are common signs
- Some babies experience gassiness or reflux-like symptoms from swallowing air while feeding
Infants with these symptoms may benefit from an evaluation by a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant.
Signs in older babies and children:
- Difficulty eating solid foods
- Trouble making certain speech sounds, like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r,”.
- An increased risk of dental issues, such as gaps between front teeth.
- Difficulty trying to lick ice cream, play wind instruments or perform simple tongue movements.
A professional evaluation can help determine the best course of action for children with these symptoms.
Expert Treatment With Dr. Christina Mueller
If your child is experiencing feeding difficulties due to tongue-tie, seeking care from a specialist can make all the difference. Dr. Christina Mueller at Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental offers expert diagnosis and treatment for infants struggling with tongue-tie. With advanced laser technology, Dr. Mueller performs precise and gentle frenectomies, ensuring a quick and comfortable experience for your child.
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
Some cases of tongue-tie do not require treatment. If an infant is feeding well and showing no developmental delays, intervention may not be necessary. However, intervention may be needed if tongue-tie affects feeding, speech, or oral health. Treatment options include:
- Frenotomy: This quick, in-office procedure involves a specialist snipping the frenulum with sterile scissors or a laser. Many infants experience immediate improvement in tongue movement. Dr. Mueller uses advanced laser technology for a precise and minimally invasive approach, reducing discomfort and healing time.
- Frenuloplasty: A more advanced procedure may be required for severe cases. This involves sutures and is usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Speech and Feeding Therapy: Some children benefit from therapy to strengthen tongue movement and improve speech development, particularly if they have adapted compensatory habits.
After treatment, many babies show immediate improvement in feeding, while others may take a few days to adjust. Follow-up care, such as gentle tongue exercises, can help ensure the best results.
Expert Care for Your Baby’s Feeding and Speech Development
At Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental, we understand how challenging feeding difficulties can be for parents. If tongue-tie is making nursing or bottle-feeding stressful, we’re here to help. Dr. Christina Mueller, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, uses advanced laser technology to perform gentle, precise tongue-tie releases. Our approach minimizes discomfort and promotes fast healing, so your baby can latch more effectively and feed with ease.
Early intervention can prevent future speech and oral health challenges, ensuring your child develops comfortably. If you suspect your baby has tongue-tie, contact Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental today for a consultation. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care tailored to your child’s needs. Call us at (210) 441-3360 or visit our contact form.