Pediatric Dentist For Tongue Tie In Broomfield, CO
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the strip of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, called the lingual frenulum, is shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual. This restriction can limit how far the tongue can move, which may affect breastfeeding, eating, and in some cases, speech development.
The severity of tongue ties varies widely. Some children have a visible tongue tie that causes no functional problems at all. Others may have a restriction that significantly affects their ability to latch during breastfeeding, move food around their mouth, or produce certain speech sounds as they get older.
A lip tie is a related condition in which the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is unusually tight or thick. Lip ties can sometimes occur alongside tongue ties and may contribute to difficulties with breastfeeding or the appearance of the upper teeth. Dr. Grover evaluates for both tongue ties and lip ties during assessments at Mini Miners.
It is important for parents to understand that the presence of a tongue tie does not automatically mean treatment is needed. What matters is whether the tongue tie is causing a measurable functional problem for the child.
Signs Your Baby or Child May Need a Tongue Tie Evaluation
Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your baby or child in for a tongue tie and airway evaluation if you notice signs that suggest restricted tongue movement may be affecting their feeding, development, or comfort. Dr. Grover evaluates each child individually to determine whether a tongue tie is the source of the concern.
Signs in your baby that may indicate a tongue tie:
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Poor or shallow latch during breastfeeding
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Slow weight gain or prolonged feeding times
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Clicking or smacking noises while nursing or bottle feeding
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Excessive reflux, gassiness, or irritability related to swallowing air during feedings
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Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth during feeding
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Difficulty maintaining suction on a bottle or pacifier
Signs in the nursing mother that may be related to a tongue tie:
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Persistent nipple pain during breastfeeding
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Cracked, blistered, or damaged nipples that do not improve with proper latch guidance from a lactation consultant
Signs in older children:
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Difficulty with certain speech sounds, particularly sounds that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth
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Trouble moving food around the mouth while chewing
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A visible notch or heart shape at the tip of the tongue when extended
Our Conservative, Evidence-Based Approach to Tongue Ties
Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry follows the evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry when evaluating and treating tongue ties. Dr. Grover believes that a careful, conservative approach serves children and families better than rushing toward surgical intervention.
Here is what that means in practice:
Not all tongue ties require treatment.
A visible tongue tie does not automatically mean your child needs a procedure. Many children with tongue ties experience no functional limitations and develop normally without any intervention. Dr. Grover's evaluation focuses on whether the tongue tie is actually causing a problem, not just whether it is present.
Function matters more than appearance.
Dr. Grover evaluates your child's tongue based on its ability to elevate, or lift upward toward the roof of the mouth. Elevation is the movement most critical for successful breastfeeding, feeding, and speech development. A tongue that protrudes, or sticks out, normally but cannot elevate well may still have a functional restriction worth addressing. Conversely, a tongue that looks restricted but functions well may not need treatment.
Non-surgical options are explored first.
Before recommending any procedure, Dr. Grover considers whether the issue can be addressed through alternative supportive measures. This may include working with a lactation consultant to improve latch technique, speech therapy for older children, or simply monitoring the situation as the child grows, since the frenulum can naturally become less restrictive over time.
Surgery is recommended only when clearly justified.
If Dr. Grover does recommend a tongue tie release, it is because there is documented functional limitation, non-surgical approaches have not resolved the issue, and the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
This conservative philosophy is central to how Mini Miners serves Broomfield families. Parents can trust that any recommendation from Dr. Grover is rooted in evidence and in their child's best interest, not in a one-size-fits-all approach to tongue tie treatment.
What to Expect at Your Tongue Tie and Airway Evaluation
A tongue tie evaluation at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is thorough, unhurried, and designed to give you a complete picture of your child's oral health and function. Dr. Grover performs every evaluation herself, bringing her Board-Certified Diplomate expertise to each assessment.
Comprehensive oral exam
Dr. Grover will examine your child's tongue, frenulum, palate, and overall oral structure. She assesses tongue mobility, appearance, tissue thickness, and the tongue's ability to elevate, lateralize, and extend.
Detailed discussion with parents
Dr. Grover will ask about your child's feeding patterns, any symptoms you have observed, and the history of the concern. If your baby is breastfeeding, she will want to know about latch quality, feeding duration, weight gain, and any maternal symptoms.
Functional assessment
Dr. Grover observes how your child's tongue moves during feeding or other activities to evaluate whether the frenulum is genuinely restricting function or whether the symptoms may have a different cause.
Airway screenin
As part of the evaluation, Dr. Grover also screens for airway-related issues that can sometimes overlap with or be mistaken for tongue tie symptoms. Airway concerns can contribute to feeding difficulties, reflux, and disrupted sleep patterns in babies and children.
Team collaboration
When appropriate, Dr. Grover works alongside lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists to ensure your child receives well-rounded care. If she believes your child would benefit from a referral to another provider before or instead of a tongue tie procedure, she will make that recommendation.
When Tongue Tie Surgery May Be Recommended
Dr. Grover may recommend a tongue tie release procedure when there is clear, documented evidence that the restriction is causing a functional problem that cannot be resolved through other means. Surgery is never the default recommendation at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Grover may recommend surgical intervention when:
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There is clear evidence of functional limitation that affects feeding, speech, or oral development
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Non-surgical interventions, such as lactation support or speech therapy, have been attempted and have not resolved the issue
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The potential benefits of the procedure clearly outweigh the risks
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The child's symptoms are directly attributable to the tongue tie rather than to another cause
If surgery is not warranted, Dr. Grover will explain why and outline an alternative plan. This may include monitoring the situation over time, referring to a lactation consultant, or recommending speech therapy. Some tongue ties become less restrictive as a child grows and the frenulum naturally recedes.
Parents always have the final say. Dr. Grover will never pressure you into a decision. Her role is to provide you with clear, honest information so you can make the choice that feels right for your child.
Post-Procedure Care After a Tongue Tie Release
After your child's tongue tie procedure at Mini Miners, Dr. Grover and her team will provide you with detailed guidance to support healing and help your child get the most benefit from the release.
Post-procedure care typically includes:
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Wound care instructions to keep the treatment area clean and healing properly
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Age-appropriate pain management strategies to keep your child comfortable during recovery
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Feeding guidance, including techniques to help your baby adapt to their improved tongue mobility
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Stretching or exercise instructions, if applicable, to help prevent the tissue from reattaching
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A clear timeline for follow-up visits so Dr. Grover can monitor healing and assess progress
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Information about signs that would warrant an earlier call to the office
The initial healing period after a frenotomy or frenectomy typically takes one to two weeks. Most babies are able to breastfeed immediately after the procedure, though some may need a short adjustment period as they learn to use their tongue's new range of motion.
Tongue Tie Treatment Options at Mini Miners
When a tongue tie release is recommended, Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers several treatment options depending on the severity of the restriction, the age of the child, and the clinical situation. Dr. Grover will explain each option in detail and help you choose the approach that is best for your child.
Frenotomy (Frenulotomy)
This is the simplest and most common tongue tie procedure. Dr. Grover makes a small incision in the frenulum to release the restriction. For young infants, this is typically a quick procedure with minimal discomfort. Most babies can breastfeed immediately afterward.
Frenectomy (Frenulectomy)
A frenectomy involves the complete removal of the frenulum tissue. This option may be recommended when the frenulum is thicker or when a more complete release is needed to restore full tongue mobility.
Frenuloplasty
This is a more extensive procedure that involves repositioning the tissues around the frenulum. It may be recommended for older children or in cases where the anatomy requires a more detailed surgical approach.
Palate Expansion
In some cases, airway issues related to tongue tie may benefit from palate expansion using Invisalign or other orthodontic appliances. Widening the palate can improve the airway and support better tongue posture and function. This option is unique to practices like Mini Miners that offer both pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services.
Laser and Traditional Surgical Methods
Mini Miners offers both laser technology and traditional surgical techniques for tongue tie procedures. Laser treatment can reduce bleeding and promote faster healing. Dr. Grover will recommend the technique that is most appropriate for your child's specific needs and the type of procedure being performed.
Informed Consent: Partnering with Parents on Every Decision
Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry believes that parents should be fully informed about every aspect of their child's tongue tie care. Dr. Grover takes the time to make sure you understand the diagnosis, your options, and the reasoning behind any recommendation before moving forward.
Before any tongue tie procedure, Dr. Grover will discuss:
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The specific diagnosis and the rationale for why treatment is being recommended
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All available treatment options, including the option of no treatment at all
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The potential benefits and risks of each approach
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What to expect during and after the procedure
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The expected recovery timeline and outcomes
This informed consent process is not a formality at Mini Miners. It is a genuine conversation between Dr. Grover and your family. She welcomes your questions, respects your concerns, and supports your right to make the decision that feels best for your child. If you decide not to proceed with treatment, she will outline a monitoring plan and remain available for future evaluation if concerns develop.
Your child deserves a thorough, honest tongue tie evaluation from a Board-Certified specialist. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry serves families in Broomfield, CO, Erie, Lafayette, Superior, Westminster, and the surrounding communities. Call (303) 500-3202 or text (720) 734-5890 to schedule your child's appointment with Dr. Grover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Ties
How common are tongue ties in babies?
Studies show that tongue ties affect approximately 4 to 10 percent of babies, though rates vary widely due to differences in diagnostic criteria and assessment methods. Not every baby with a visible tongue tie experiences functional problems.
Can a tongue tie resolve on its own without treatment?
The frenulum naturally recedes as a child grows. In some cases, a mild tongue tie may become less restrictive over time without intervention. However, if functional issues are present and affecting feeding or development, waiting for natural changes may not be appropriate.
Will a tongue tie affect my baby's speech development?
Not all children with tongue ties develop speech problems. Many can compensate naturally as they grow. Speech difficulties are more commonly associated with more severe tongue restrictions. If concerns arise as your child develops, evaluation by a speech pathologist is recommended.
Is the procedure painful for my baby?
The frenulum contains few nerve endings, so discomfort during the procedure is typically minimal. We use techniques to ensure your baby's comfort both during and after treatment. Most babies can feed immediately afterward.
How long does recovery take after a frenectomy?
Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks. Most babies can breastfeed immediately after the procedure. Some temporary discomfort may occur, but this can usually be managed with appropriate pain relief measures recommended by our team.
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Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry
61 Erie Pkwy, Ste 101
Erie, CO 80516
Phone: (303) 500-3202
Text: (720) 734-5890
Email: MiniMinersPD@gmail.com
Fax: (303) 552-3700
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