Is your baby struggling to feed or your child unable to lift their tongue? Learn the signs of tongue-tie and lip-tie and when a frenectomy is needed.
A tongue-tie happens when the small band of tissue under the tongue (the frenum) is too short or tight, limiting how the tongue moves. A lip-tie is a similar tight band between the upper lip and gum.
Signs of Tongue-Tie in Babies
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Long, frequent feeds and poor weight gain
- Painful breastfeeding for the mother
- A heart-shaped tongue tip when the baby cries
Signs in Older Children and Adults
- Trouble sticking the tongue out past the lips or lifting it to the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty with sounds like t, d, l, r and th
- Problems licking an ice cream or playing wind instruments
- A gap between the lower front teeth
Signs of Lip-Tie
- A gap between the upper front teeth
- The upper lip doesn't curl up easily
- Gum pulling or recession near the front teeth
- Food collecting between the lip and gum
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick, minor procedure that releases or reshapes the tight frenum. It is done under local anaesthesia and usually takes only a few minutes. Healing is quick, typically within one to two weeks.
Does Every Tongue-Tie Need Treatment?
No. Many mild tongue-ties cause no problems at all. Treatment is recommended only when it affects feeding, speech, oral hygiene, gum health or teeth alignment. A careful examination helps decide.
After the Procedure
Simple stretching or tongue exercises may be advised to prevent the tissue from reattaching and to help the tongue move freely. For gaps between the front teeth, a frenectomy is often combined with braces.
Related treatment: read more about Frenectomy in Mohali at Urja Dental Clinic.
Book a Visit at Urja Dental Clinic, Mohali
If you have any of these concerns, book a consultation at Urja Dental Clinic, S.S.S. (Bay Shop) 74, Sector 60, Phase 3B2, Mohali. We are easy to reach from Phase 3B1, Phase 5, Phase 7, Kharar and Chandigarh. Call +91 86999 69619 or +91 78890 93147, or book online.
