What is the Best Age for Tongue-Tie Surgery?

Tongue ties are a common condition that can affect people of all ages. This condition occurs when the lingual frenum, the thin tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, causing problems with feeding, speech, and dental health. The good news is that tongue-tie surgery, also known as a frenectomy, can be performed safely on infants, toddlers, and older children.

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to clip or remove the frenums that connect your lips, cheeks, and tongue to your gums. It is commonly done to improve mouth mobility and reduce the risk of gum recession. The procedure is low-risk, quick, and easy, and a numbing gel is typically applied before the procedure begins. If desired, a local anesthetic or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may also be administered. The frenum is clipped or removed during the procedure using a scalpel, laser, or electrosurgery.

Frenectomies can treat tongue-tied children, making it easier for them to swallow and speak. This procedure can also reduce the risk of gum recession and make breastfeeding easier for the mother and child.

In general, infants with tongue ties are recommended for frenectomy as early as possible after delivery, mainly if the tongue tie is caused by difficulty latching onto the mother's breast. Frenectomy can help to improve a baby's breastfeeding ability, gain weight, and eat comfortably. The procedure can be performed quickly and with little discomfort, usually just a few weeks after delivery.

A new option for frenectomy uses a diode laser to gently release the frenum from its attachment to the lip or tongue. This procedure takes under 10 minutes and offers various benefits over traditional treatment procedures. It also does not require an operating room or sedation.

Tongue-tie can also affect older children, causing problems with speaking, eating, and breathing. Frenectomy can help correct these issues and improve gum recession and tooth decay. Newborns with lip and tongue ties may have trouble latching onto the breast while nursing or make a clicking sound when sucking. This could indicate that they need surgery to help them breastfeed better.

Frenectomies are now an option for patients of all ages, thanks to new technologies that make the procedure safe and convenient. In older children, frenectomies can also correct lip-tie conditions that restrict movement and prevent proper latching during breastfeeding. The diagnosis of ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, may be mild and go away independently in some cases, but it can cause abnormal swallowing and speech patterns in more severe cases.

Regardless of age, tongue-tie surgery can be a safe and effective way to improve baby feeding, speech, and dental health. An early diagnosis and timely intervention can help ensure that children receive the care they need to thrive.