Gentle, Effective Tongue-Tie Treatment
If feedings feel like a struggle, sleep is restless or your child just seems frustrated — there could be a simple reason. And an even simpler solution.
Tongue and lip ties can affect everything from feeding and speech to sleep and development. That’s why we created Goodbye Tongue Tie, a caring, modern service dedicated to helping little ones (and their parents) find relief.
With over six years of experience and the latest in laser technology, Dr. Ben makes treatment quick, gentle and easy to understand.
Fast, gentle laser treatment for tongue and lip ties—so your child can eat, sleep, and smile more easily.
Understanding Tongue and Lip Ties
What Are They?
A tongue or lip tie happens when the small tissue (called a frenulum) under the tongue or lip is tighter or thicker than it should be. This can make it harder for babies to feed or for older kids to speak, chew and even sleep comfortably.
Potential Impacts:
- Challenges with breastfeeding
- Delays in speech development
- Feeding issues in infants and children
- Trouble keeping teeth clean and healthy
- Restless sleep or snoring
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Ties
If You Have an Infant:
- Trouble latching while nursing
- Gassiness, fussiness, or frequent spitting up
- Clicking or smacking noises during feeds
- Long or stressful feeding sessions
- Not gaining weight as expected
If You Have an Older Child:
- Difficulty saying certain sounds clearly
- Struggles with chewing or swallowing food
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
- Gaps between the front teeth or other dental concerns
If any of these are familiar, it’s normal to have more questions. We can answer your questions.
Why Choose Hello! Pediatric Dentistry?
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Ben has spent more than six years helping families navigate tongue and lip tie challenges. With advanced training and hands-on experience, he is skilled at making the process smooth and stress-free for both children and parents.
Training:
- The Southern Maryland Dental Society: Pediatric Tongue- and Lip- Ties and Laser Frenectomies
- Tongue-Tied Academy
Our Staff is With You Every Step
Treatment doesn’t end when the laser turns off. We’ll support you through aftercare, exercise and healing. If you ever have a question or concern, our staff and Dr. Ben are quick to respond.
A Child-First Practice That Feels Welcoming and Fun
Our office is designed with kids in mind. It’s fun and welcoming — just the way we think a dental visit should feel. You’re not just getting expert tongue or lip tie treatment — you’re gaining a team that truly cares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tongue and Lip Ties
What are some signs my baby has a lip or tongue tie?
You might notice your baby:
- Has trouble latching
- Isn’t gaining weight well
- Spits up often or has reflux
- Seems gassy or fussy during feeds
- Makes clicking or smacking noises while eating
- Dribbles milk out of their mouth
- Gets frustrated while feeding
- Can’t hold a pacifier
- Takes a long time to nurse or bottle-feed
Moms might also experience:
- Painful nursing
- Flattened, creased, or damaged nipples
- Incomplete breast drainage
- Plugged ducts or mastitis
- Needing to use a nipple shield to nurse
- Low milk supply
What are some signs my toddler or older child has a lip or tongue tie?
For older kids, signs can include:
- Difficulty saying certain sounds like L, R, T, D, N, TH, SH, and Z
- Grinding teeth at night
- Snoring or other sleep-related breathing issues
Does the procedure hurt?
We use a gentle anesthetic to keep your child comfortable. Most little ones are surprised at how fast and easy it is — and feel just fine afterward.
How do you release the tongue or lip tie?
We use a gentle, high-tech dental laser to release the tie. The procedure takes less than 30 seconds, with little to no bleeding and no stitches.
Will I see improvement right away?
Sometimes, yes! Many parents notice feeding improves right away. But in other cases, it takes time. Like any muscle, the tongue must learn how to move differently after being restricted. That might mean a short adjustment period or the help of a therapist to fully retrain your child’s tongue or lip for effective use.
It’s totally normal if there’s a little regression in sucking for a day or two. We’ll guide you through what to expect and how to help your child adapt.
What is recovery like?
Healing is usually quick and smooth. We’ll teach you simple stretches for your child and walk you through what to expect, so you’re never left guessing.
What if I’m just not sure?
You don’t have to be. Some cases of tongue or lip tie are obvious; however, others are not. We’re happy to listen, answer your questions and help you decide if the procedure makes sense for your child.
Schedule an Appointment
Wondering whether a tongue or lip tie might be affecting your child? Looking for an expert to perform your child’s procedure? You’re in the right place.
