When breastfeeding is painful, the latch never seems right, and your baby is fussy or hungry shortly after every feeding, the cause may be structural rather than behavioral. Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition in which the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or too tight, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. Because the tongue plays such a central role in feeding, breathing, and early oral development, this restriction can have meaningful consequences when left unaddressed.
At Airway Dental and More, we work with parents to identify and treat tongue and lip ties in a gentle, thorough, and family-centered way. Dr. Neil Stevenson understands both the feeding mechanics and the longer-term developmental implications of restricted oral tissue, and our team provides evaluations and treatment options designed to give your child the best possible foundation from the start.
What Tongue Tie Is and Why It Matters
Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin tissue anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth, fails to loosen as it normally should before birth. The result is a tongue that cannot move freely in the directions needed for effective feeding and proper oral rest posture. Severity varies considerably, with some infants experiencing mild limitations and others having significant restriction of tongue mobility.
This condition is more common than many parents expect. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the overall prevalence of tongue tie in infants under one year of age is approximately 8%, with many cases going undiagnosed or only recognized once feeding problems have already become significant. Beyond feeding, tongue tie can affect breathing, oral development, and the tongue’s ability to maintain its natural rest posture against the roof of the mouth, which supports proper jaw and facial growth over time.
Signs That May Indicate Tongue Tie
Feeding difficulties are often the first thing parents notice. These may include difficulty latching or maintaining a consistent latch, clicking sounds during nursing, prolonged feeding sessions followed by apparent hunger shortly after, and poor weight gain despite frequent feedings. Gassiness and colic-like symptoms sometimes occur because infants with restricted tongue movement take in more air during feeds.
On the maternal side, nipple pain, damage, or persistent soreness that does not resolve with lactation support can also signal a latch problem rooted in tongue restriction. A visual indicator many parents notice is the shape of the tongue when the infant cries or attempts to extend it: instead of reaching forward or lifting toward the palate, the tongue may dip into a heart or notched shape at the tip, or it may simply not move far beyond the lower gum line.
How Tongue Tie Is Evaluated
Diagnosis involves a thorough oral examination of the frenulum, its attachment points, and the functional range of tongue movement. At Airway Dental and More, Dr. Stevenson assesses both the appearance and mobility of the tongue to determine the degree of restriction and its impact on feeding and oral development. Structured tools such as the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function provide a standardized framework for evaluating both form and function.
Comprehensive evaluation often involves input from lactation consultants and other feeding specialists to ensure the full picture is understood before any treatment decision is made.
Treatment Options
Laser frenectomy
We offer laser-assisted frenectomy procedures using advanced laser technology that allows precise tissue release with minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and faster healing compared to conventional methods. Infants can typically nurse immediately following the procedure, and many families notice improved latch and feeding efficiency right away. The precision of laser treatment is particularly beneficial for more significant restrictions or cases where accuracy is especially important.
Post-procedure care
Healing exercises are an important part of recovery. Active wound care stretches performed several times daily help prevent reattachment of the tissue and support the full range of tongue motion as your baby develops. We provide detailed guidance on these exercises and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing. In some cases, we recommend continued support from a lactation consultant to refine feeding technique as the tongue learns to move more freely.
Airway Dental and More | Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Stevenson earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and brings both clinical expertise and a genuine commitment to patient comfort to every evaluation. Our practice combines state-of-the-art laser technology with a thorough, unhurried approach to ensure that both infants and their parents feel well-supported throughout the process.
If you suspect your baby may have a tongue tie, early evaluation gives you the most options and the best chance of a smooth path forward. Contact Airway Dental and More online or call our Jacksonville office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stevenson.
