Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment in Naples
Lip and tongue ties are common conditions that can affect your child’s ability to feed, speak, and develop healthy oral function. At Morning Star Children's Dentistry in Naples, FL , Dr. Rose Gedeon offers careful evaluation and gentle frenectomy treatment to help babies and children move, eat, and grow comfortably.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Everyone has small bands of tissue called frenula. One connects the upper lip to the gums, and another connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When these bands are unusually short, thick, or tight, they can restrict movement. A restricted upper lip frenum is called a lip tie, and a restricted lingual frenum is called a tongue tie (ankyloglossia).
Signs Your Child May Have a Lip or Tongue Tie
In infants, signs often show up during feeding. In older children, they may appear in speech or eating habits. Watch for:
- Difficulty latching, shallow latch, or clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
- Long, frequent feedings, fussiness, or poor weight gain
- Painful nursing, cracked nipples, or low milk supply for the nursing parent
- Limited ability to lift the tongue or stick it out past the lips
- A heart-shaped tongue tip when extended
- Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Trouble with solid foods, gagging, or food pocketing
- A gap between the upper front teeth or difficulty cleaning the upper gums
Why Early Evaluation Matters
When left untreated, lip and tongue ties can contribute to long-term challenges such as feeding difficulties, speech concerns, dental misalignment, and trouble keeping teeth clean, which may raise the risk of cavities. Early detection allows us to address restrictions before they affect your child’s development. We often evaluate ties during your baby’s first dental visit, or anytime you or your lactation consultant or pediatrician notice concerns.
Gentle Frenectomy Treatment
If treatment is recommended, Dr. Rose Gedeon performs a frenectomy, a quick procedure that releases the tight tissue to restore normal movement. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and most babies are able to feed right afterward. We provide clear aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises that help the area heal properly. For older children who are anxious, nitrous oxide may be available to help them relax.
A Team Approach to Your Child’s Care
The best results often come from working together with your child’s pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech therapist, or feeding specialist. We are happy to coordinate care so your child receives complete support before and after treatment.
To learn more about treatment options for lip and tongue ties, call (239) 920-7827 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rose Gedeon at Morning Star Children's Dentistry.
Lip and Tongue Tie FAQs
How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?
Common signs include trouble latching, clicking while feeding, long or frequent feedings, poor weight gain, and limited tongue movement. A pediatric dental evaluation can confirm it.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases a tight lip or tongue frenum so the lip or tongue can move more freely.
Is a frenectomy painful for babies?
The procedure is very quick and the area is numbed. Most babies experience mild, short-lived discomfort and can feed soon afterward.
How long does healing take after a frenectomy?
Most children heal within one to two weeks. Following the recommended stretching exercises helps prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Do all lip and tongue ties need treatment?
No. Treatment is only recommended when the tie causes problems with feeding, speech, oral hygiene, or development.
Can tongue ties affect speech?
Yes. A restricted tongue can make certain sounds difficult to pronounce. Working with a speech therapist alongside treatment often helps.
Can older children be treated for lip or tongue ties?
Yes. Frenectomy can be performed at any age when a tie is causing problems, and we tailor comfort options to your child’s needs.