Tongue Ties and AIRWAY EVALUATION & TREATMENT
At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that concerns about tongue ties (ankyloglossia) and airway issues can create anxiety for parents, especially when it affects breastfeeding or other aspects of your baby or child's development.
We take a thoughtful, conservative approach to evaluating and treating tongue ties, following the evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
What are Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie occurs when the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts normal tongue movement.
The severity and impact of tongue ties can vary greatly from child to child. Some children with visible tongue ties experience no functional limitations, while others may have significant difficulties.
Signs Your Baby Needs a Tongue Tie AND AIRWAY Evaluation
We recommend you bring your baby or child in for an evaluation for potential tongue tie or airway issue if you notice any of these signs:
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Breastfeeding difficulties: poor or shallow latch, slow weight gain, prolonged feeding times, or clicking/smacking noises when nursing
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Maternal symptoms: painful nursing or damaged nipples that don't improve with lactation support
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Excessive reflux or irritability: if your baby is has a poor seal during feedings they could be swallowing excessive air
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Milk leaking from the mouth: this can happen when your baby can’t create a proper seal
It's important to note that these symptoms can have multiple possible causes. And, more often than not, tongue ties are not the cause of these symptoms. This is why we take a comprehensive approach to evaluation to avoid unnecessary surgeries.
What to Expect at your Tongue Tie & Airway Evaluation
Your child’s tongue tie evaluation with our board-certified diplomate pediatric dentists will include:
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Comprehensive oral exam: assessing tongue mobility, appearance, and function
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Detailed discussion: understanding feeding patterns, symptoms, and concerns
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Functional assessment: observing how the tongue moves during various activities
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Team collaboration: when appropriate, we work with lactation consultants, speech pathologists, and other specialists
When Surgery May Be Recommended
If we identify that your child has a tongue tie, keep in mind that not all tongue ties require intervention. We focus on the tongue's ability to elevate (lift up) rather than just protrude (stick out), as elevation is most important for successful nursing, feeding, and speech development.
We explore alternative supportive measures before considering surgical intervention.
We may recommend surgery (surgical release of the tongue tie) when:
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There is clear evidence of functional limitation
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Non-surgical interventions have not resolved the issues
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The potential benefits outweigh the risks
Our Treatment Options
Depending on your child’s tongue tie, we may recommend one of the following procedures:
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Frenotomy or Frenulotomy: A simple procedure involving the incision of the frenulum
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Frenectomy or Frenulectomy: Frenectomy/Frenulectomy: The complete removal of the frenum
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Frenuloplasty: A more extensive procedure involving repositioning of tissues
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Palate Expansion: A palate expansion with Invisalign may improve the airway for kids
These procedures can be performed using traditional surgical methods or laser technology. At Mini Miners, we use advanced techniques to minimize discomfort and promote rapid healing.
Post-Procedure Care
After your child’s procedure, we’ll provide comprehensive guidance on:
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Pain management strategies
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Wound care instructions
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Feeding techniques
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When to return for follow-up
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Signs of potential complications
Informed Consent and Decision Making
We believe parents should be fully informed about all aspects of their child's care. Our goal is to partner with you in making the best decision for your child's specific needs. Before any tongue tie procedure, we will discuss:
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The diagnosis and rationale for treatment
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Alternative treatment options, including no treatment
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Potential benefits and risks of each option
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Expected outcomes and recovery process
FAQS: Tongue ties
How common are tongue ties in babies? Studies show that tongue ties affect approximately 4-10% of babies, though these rates vary widely due to differences in diagnostic criteria and assessment methods.
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, 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. Speech difficulties are more commonly associated with more severe tongue restrictions, but evaluation by a speech pathologist is recommended if concerns arise as your child develops.
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 the procedure. Most babies can feed immediately afterward.
How long does recovery take after a frenectomy? The initial healing typically takes 1-2 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.
Will my insurance cover tongue tie treatment? Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. Our insurance experts will work with you to determine coverage and provide necessary documentation. Treatment may be covered when there is documented medical necessity.
What happens if we choose not to treat a tongue tie? If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and not experiencing significant symptoms, observation may be the appropriate choice. We can monitor the situation over time and reevaluate if functional concerns develop.
At what age should a tongue tie be addressed? If intervention is needed, earlier treatment is often beneficial for establishing successful breastfeeding. However, the decision should be based on functional impact rather than age alone. We evaluate each situation individually.