Bringing a new baby home should be a joyful—if exhausting—experience. But for many parents, feeding difficulties can turn those early days into a stressful struggle. If your baby won’t latch, eats poorly, or seems unusually gassy, there may be an underlying reason: a tongue tie.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
Beneath the tongue is a small string of tissue called the frenum. When this frenum is too tight, the tongue cannot move freely. During breastfeeding, a baby’s tongue must perform a coordinated “dance” to extract milk—pressing down to create suction, lifting to guide the milk back, and coordinating with the lips to maintain a strong latch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNJr-EyEq1E&t=4s
If the tongue cannot move properly, this dance falls apart. Feeding becomes difficult, often painful for the mother, and frustrating for the baby. In many cases, parents switch to bottle feeding because it requires less tongue movement. However, this doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
The Hidden Types of Tongue Ties
Tongue ties are more complex than they may appear. There are two main components:
(Picture by Richard Baxter, DDS; https://tonguetie.com/tongue-tie-scale-needs-calibrating)
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Anterior Tongue Tie – The front portion, made of fascia, is the most commonly identified. This is the part that may be “snipped” in the hospital.
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Posterior Tongue Tie – The back portion, made of mucosal or muscular tissue, is harder to detect and often goes undiagnosed unless evaluated by a specialist.
An undiagnosed posterior tongue tie can continue to affect feeding, even if the anterior portion has been released.
The Role of Lip and Cheek Ties
Feeding isn’t just about the tongue. The upper lip also needs to move freely to latch correctly. A tight upper lip frenum—or even frenums in the cheeks (buccal ties)—can restrict movement, making breastfeeding difficult or impossible. These ties may also need to be released to restore proper function.
How We Help at Associates of Dental Arts
At Associates of Dental Arts, Dr. Nick Moore performs a comprehensive functional evaluation to assess how your baby’s tongue and lips move. If restricted mobility is found, a tongue or lip tie release (frenectomy) may be recommended. Using the advanced Periolase MVP-7 laser, we can release the ties with precision, minimal discomfort, and faster healing.
Because ties often create tension throughout the body, we may also recommend chiropractic care or lactation consultation as part of a complete care plan.
Why Treat Tongue and Lip Ties Early?
Untreated tongue and lip ties don’t just affect feeding. They can lead to long-term issues, including:
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Speech difficulties
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Poor sleep quality
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Postural problems
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Facial development concerns
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Even pelvic floor dysfunction
Early evaluation and treatment can help your baby eat, grow, and thrive—while also preventing future complications.
Ready to Help Your Baby Thrive?
If you suspect your baby has a tongue or lip tie, don’t wait. Contact Associates of Dental Arts today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Moore. Together, we’ll create a plan to support your baby’s health and development.
