Tongue-Tie Center Specialist
Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentists & Special Needs Dentists located in Austin, TX
Tongue Tie Center Q&A
Is your baby having a hard time latching?
It could be linked to a Frenum issue, such as tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Whats a Frenum anyway?
A Frenum or Frenulum is the fleshy piece of soft tissue, attached between the lips and gums. It is present on the top and bottom of the mouth and underside of the tongue, connecting to the bottom of the mouth.
How does this work?
Our doctors perform frenectomies with a laser, which vaporizes the tissue. Frenectomies are common in our office, with low risk of infection and quick healing due to the nature of the laser.
What are the symptoms?
In Children:
- Not able to extend tongue past lips, list the tongue fully upwards or move it side to side
- Speech problems, delay and/or lisp
- Choking, gagging and/or vomiting on liquids and/or foods
- Dribbling and/or mouth-breathing
- Digestive problems, constipation, reflux
- Dental + Oral Health problems including cavities, gum disease and/or bad breath
- Food may fall out of mouth, gagging, food trapping in palate and/or cheeks/next to gums
- Sleep apnea and/or sinus problems
- Heart-shaped tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble eating certain foods
In Babies:
- Colic and/or irritability
- Coughing, choking, or gulping during feeds
- Difficulty latching
- Excessive droolig
- Gassy
- Gradual sliding of the breast
- Gumming, chewing, or clamping of the nipple
- Makes clicking noise while sucking(poor suction)
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Reflux
- Gags on milk or pops off breast frequently to gasp for air
In Mothers:
- Cracked, blistered, bleeding nipples
- Nipples look pinched, creased, bruised, or abraded after feeds
- White stripe at end of nipple
- Discomfort while nursing
- Low milk supply
- Plugged ducts
- Thrush and/or mastitis
- Frustration, disappointment, and discouragement with breastfeeding
- Creased or blanched nipples after feeding