AUBURN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Tongue Tie Treatment

Big smiles start here. When feeding, speech, or comfort milestones feel harder than they should, it is natural to want clear answers. We provide supportive evaluation and treatment for tongue ties and lip ties so parents feel confident and little ones can thrive.

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Helping Little Ones Thrive

Tongue ties and lip ties can affect infants, toddlers, and older children in different ways. Our approach is parent-forward and education-first because little teeth, big smiles, and ocean-sized care are what we are all about. We listen to your concerns, evaluate function, and explain findings in plain language so you know exactly what is happening and what options are available.

Supportive Evaluation
Starts Here

Every child’s situation is unique, and some ties may not cause symptoms, while others can contribute to challenges at home. If treatment is recommended, we will walk you through the plan step by step and answer all your questions before moving forward.

Signs a tongue tie or lip tie may be impacting your child:

  • Difficulty latching or staying latched during feeding
  • Clicking sounds, milk leakage, or prolonged feeds
  • Reflux-like symptoms, gassiness, or frustration during feeds
  • Poor weight gain or slow feeding progress
  • Nipple pain for nursing parents
  • Limited tongue movement (can’t lift, extend, or move side-to-side well)
  • Speech concerns as your child grows
  • Trouble with certain foods, gagging, or picky textures
  • Mouth breathing or difficulty keeping lips sealed
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Dental professional treating young child while parent holds child’s hand, showing supportive pediatric dental care.
Young girl wearing pink bunny ears and colorful beads smiles, showing playful fun in a welcoming setting.
Dental professional cleaning young boy’s teeth while he lies calmly in dental chair, showing supportive pediatric care.
Toddler holding plush fish toy and smiling, showing comfort in a friendly dental office setting.
Girl wearing glasses and a dental nose mask smiles while lying back in dental chair, showing comfort during treatment.

Benefits Of Treatment

Why Treatment Can Make a Difference

When a restrictive tie is truly impacting function, treating it can help improve comfort and support healthier development. We’ll always explain the “why” behind our recommendations and what realistic outcomes are for your child.

Improved Feeding,
Comfort, and Efficiency

For infants, reducing restriction may improve latch and suction and reduce frustration during feeding—making mealtimes calmer for everyone.

Young boy in superhero costume flexes arms, posing confidently at a party.
Child in dental chair wearing star-shaped glasses and pink tiara gives thumbs up, showing comfort at visit.

Support for Speech
and Oral Development

For older children, improved tongue mobility may support clearer speech, healthier oral function, and easier transitions during eating and swallowing.

Better Oral Hygiene and Growth

In some cases, improved mobility can make it easier to clear food debris, manage saliva, and support healthy development as your child grows.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tongue Tie
Treatment FAQs

We want to provide quick answers for parents so you feel prepared and supported. A welcoming dental home where kids feel brave, parents feel confident, and smiles grow strong means you always have the answers you need.

A visual tie is not always the full story. We focus on function, such as how your child feeds, how they move their tongue and lips, and whether symptoms are present. We will carefully evaluate and explain what we see in simple terms.

A frenectomy is a procedure that releases restrictive tissue under the tongue or upper lip. If recommended, we will review the process, comfort measures, and aftercare so you know exactly what to expect.

Not always, because some ties do not cause problems and may only need monitoring. If symptoms are significant, earlier treatment can be helpful, especially for feeding concerns. We will guide you based on your child’s specific needs.

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Clear Answers, Gentle Care,
and a Plan You Understand

Parents often arrive feeling worried and overwhelmed, especially when feeding is stressful. Our goal is to bring calm and clarity, so you leave feeling confident. That means:

  • A thorough evaluation and clear explanation of findings
  • A discussion of options (including monitoring when appropriate)
  • A step-by-step overview of what treatment and aftercare may involve
  • Time to ask questions without feeling rushed

Schedule a Tongue Tie
Evaluation Today

If you suspect a tongue tie or lip tie may be affecting your child, we are here to help. Dr. Derrow is a kid at heart and an expert in treating children from infancy to their teens. The first step is a visit focused on listening, evaluating function, and making a plan that supports your family.

Young girl smiling and lying on dental chair, showing comfort and positivity during visit.

Parents Share Their Experience

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