Feeding your newborn should be a bonding experience filled with comfort and connection. But for some families, challenges arise early when a condition known as a tongue tie makes feeding difficult. Tongue ties are common in infants, and while not always problematic, they can interfere with nursing, bottle-feeding, and sometimes even early development.
Fortunately, a simple procedure called tongue tie surgery can often provide relief. Understanding what tongue ties are, how they affect infants, and how surgery can help may give parents peace of mind and clarity.
What Is a Tongue Tie in Infants?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth — called the lingual frenulum — is too tight, thick, or short. This restriction limits how freely the tongue can move.
For infants, that limited mobility can interfere with essential functions like latching, sucking, and swallowing. Not every tongue tie needs intervention, but in cases where feeding is impacted, treatment may be necessary.
Signs a Tongue Tie May Be Affecting Your Baby
Parents often notice feeding challenges first. Some of the most common signs of tongue tie in infants include:
- Trouble latching properly during breastfeeding
- Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
- Frequent or very long feeding sessions without satisfaction
- Fussiness or frustration at the breast or bottle
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Painful nursing for mothers, including cracked or sore nipples
These struggles can create stress for both parents and infants. If these symptoms persist despite lactation support, a tongue tie evaluation may be helpful.
How Tongue Ties Affect Infant Feeding and Development
Feeding difficulties are the most immediate concern, but untreated tongue ties may also have longer-term impacts. Restricted tongue movement can:
- Limit the baby’s ability to transfer milk effectively, leading to poor nutrition
- Cause maternal discomfort that makes breastfeeding harder to continue
- Affect oral development and swallowing patterns
- Potentially influence early speech sounds later in childhood
While some babies adapt, many benefit from treatment to remove the restriction and allow normal oral function.
What Is Tongue Tie Surgery?
Tongue tie surgery, also known as a frenectomy, is a quick, simple procedure that releases the tight frenulum under the tongue. This allows the tongue to move more freely and function normally.
The procedure can be performed using sterile scissors or, more commonly, a dental laser. Both methods are safe, but laser surgery has additional benefits such as less bleeding, reduced risk of infection, and faster healing.
What Parents Can Expect During the Procedure
Parents are often reassured to learn that tongue tie surgery for infants is brief and straightforward. Here’s what typically happens:
- The baby is gently swaddled to keep them secure.
- The dentist or surgeon applies a numbing agent, if necessary, for comfort.
- The frenulum is carefully released with sterile instruments or a laser.
- The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- Babies can usually nurse or bottle-feed immediately afterward.
The quick recovery and almost immediate feeding improvement are some of the reasons many families choose to move forward with treatment.
Benefits of Tongue Tie Surgery for Infants
For infants struggling with feeding, a frenectomy can be life-changing. Benefits often include:
- Improved latch and stronger suction during breastfeeding
- More efficient, shorter feeding sessions
- Increased milk transfer and better weight gain
- Greater comfort for mothers during nursing
- Reduced frustration for both baby and parent
- Support for proper oral development as the child grows
Some parents notice improvements right away, while others see gradual progress as feeding patterns adjust.
Is Tongue Tie Surgery Safe?
Yes — when performed by a trained professional, tongue tie surgery is safe and effective. The procedure has been used for decades and is supported by research as a reliable way to address feeding issues caused by restricted tongue movement.
Risks are minimal, and modern techniques such as laser frenectomy make healing faster and more comfortable. Parents may be given simple aftercare instructions, like gentle stretching exercises, to ensure the tissue heals properly.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
If feeding challenges persist despite working with a lactation consultant, or if your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, it’s a good idea to ask about tongue tie evaluation. Early treatment can prevent complications, reduce stress for parents, and set the stage for healthy growth and development.
Tongue Tie Surgery for Infants in Lafayette
Feeding struggles can be overwhelming, but solutions are available. Tongue tie surgery is a safe, effective way to support your baby’s ability to nurse, grow, and thrive. At Park Pediatric Dentistry in Lafayette, Dr. Hannah B. Noto and her compassionate team provide gentle evaluations and modern treatment options designed with infantsโ comfort in mind.
Schedule your baby’s tongue tie consultation today and take the first step toward easier feedings and healthier development.