LET’S TALK ABOUT TONGUE TIES
Tongue ties have become a hot topic among parents, healthcare providers, and local communities. We’ve seen a growing number of parents of newborns, toddlers, and even older children come into our office with questions about tongue tie surgery, also known as a frenectomy.
From lactation consultants and speech therapists to pediatric dentists who specialize in this area, there’s been a surge in recommendations for frenectomies as a solution for a wide range of concerns: breastfeeding difficulties, speech delays, sleep disturbances, symptoms that mimic ADHD, and more.
At our practice, we take a conservative approach to tongue tie evaluations and treatments. While we recognize that a tongue tie can sometimes contribute to issues like feeding difficulties or speech delays, we also believe it's important to approach this diagnosis—and especially surgical treatment—with caution.
A recent article from The New York Times (Dec 2023) echoes our concerns, noting that evaluations for tongue ties have become overly aggressive with procedures being done prematurely or unnecessarily. A frenectomy can be traumatic for young children, is often not covered by insurance, and is frequently marketed as a quick fix without sufficient clinical evidence.
Our Approach
At our office, we do not perform frenectomies on infants. Instead, we prioritize a thorough assessment of feeding and oral function with our professional partners. We coach parents on alternative approaches that can often resolve the issue without surgery. If necessary, we refer families to ENTs or pediatric dentists with expertise in laser or traditional frenectomy techniques—but only after a comprehensive evaluation.
We perform tongue frenectomies on older children when there is a clear need. These cases are carefully assessed in partnership with speech-language pathologists and myofunctional therapists, who may first try non-invasive therapies to improve tongue mobility and positioning. If surgery is recommended, we ensure that both the child and parents are fully prepared for the challenging healing process.
We also evaluate and perform lip frenectomies when necessary—but typically wait until a child is ready for orthodontic treatment. As permanent teeth erupt and bring bone with them, the need for a lip frenectomy is often self-resolved. Our orthodontists and pediatric dentists work closely together to determine the appropriate timing and necessity for this procedure.
What Sets Us Apart
Our team is experienced in both the diagnostic and surgical aspects of tongue and lip frenectomies. However, we are also fully aware of the risks involved, and we believe that surgery should not be the first or only solution considered. Every child is different, and many concerns attributed to tongue ties may be better addressed through therapy, time, or simple adjustments in feeding and speech strategies. We’re here to answer questions and guide parents through the decision-making process, not to jump straight to surgical interventions.
