Northeast Lip and Tongue Tie Center Blog

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. While it may not directly cause tooth decay, it can create conditions that increase a child’s risk of developing cavities over time.

Understanding this connection can help parents recognize potential oral health challenges early and take steps to support better hygiene and overall dental development.

Lip tie and tongue tie are defects that develop when a baby is still in the womb; they occur when an overly thick band of tissue, known as a frenulum or frenum, restricts proper movement of the oral tissues. Many practitioners have noticed that these issues are becoming significantly more common! What is the reason behind the uptick in diagnoses that has occurred in recent years? How can you tell if your baby may need treatment for lip or tongue tie? This blog post provides valuable information.

As a parent, you want to make sure your child can eat, speak, and grow comfortably. Sometimes, a small piece of tissue in the mouth called a frenum can interfere with normal oral development. The frenum connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums and jaw. When this tissue is too tight or thick, it can restrict movement and lead to functional problems. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases this restrictive tissue.

Here are 5 common signs your child may benefit from one.

If your child is scheduled for a frenectomy, it’s natural to wonder what recovery will look like and how long it will take. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a tight frenum—the small band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip—to improve speech, feeding, or oral function. The good news is that recovery is usually quick and manageable for most children.