What is a Frenectomy and Why It Matters for Your Child?
At Kid World Pediatric Dentistry in San Antonio, we’re dedicated to ensuring your child’s smile grows healthy and strong. One procedure that often raises questions among parents is a frenectomy. If you’ve noticed your newborn struggling to nurse or your older child facing speech or eating challenges, a frenectomy might be the solution. Led by our expert pediatric dentist, Dr. Torres, we’re here to explain what a frenectomy is, the signs to watch for, the consequences of delaying treatment, and the benefits of addressing it early—while reassuring you that it’s never too late to help your child thrive.
Understanding a Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that removes or modifies a frenum, a small band of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. The two most common types are:
Lingual frenectomy: Addresses a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), where the frenum under the tongue is too short or tight, restricting movement.
Labial frenectomy: Treats a lip tie, where the frenum connecting the upper lip to the gums limits lip mobility.
At Kid World Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Torres uses advanced laser technology for precise, comfortable frenectomies, often completed in minutes with minimal discomfort and fast recovery.
Signs to Watch for in Newborns vs. Older Children
Tongue and lip ties can present differently depending on your child’s age. Recognizing these signs early can make a big difference in their development.
In Newborns
For new parents in San Antonio, breastfeeding challenges are often the first clue. Look for:
Difficulty latching: Baby struggles to stay attached or makes clicking sounds while nursing.
Poor weight gain: Inadequate milk transfer due to limited tongue or lip movement.
Prolonged feedings: Sessions lasting over 30-40 minutes or frequent feedings due to inefficient nursing.
Maternal discomfort: Painful nursing, cracked nipples, or low milk supply from ineffective suckling.
Gassiness or reflux: Baby swallows air, leading to fussiness or spitting up.
These issues can stem from a tight frenum restricting the tongue’s ability to form a proper seal or move milk effectively.
In Older Children
For toddlers and older kids, untreated ties may show up as:
Speech difficulties: Trouble pronouncing sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r” due to limited tongue mobility.
Eating challenges: Difficulty chewing solid foods, gagging, or preferring soft foods.
Dental issues: Gaps between front teeth, receding gums, or crowding caused by a tight lip tie.
Mouth breathing or snoring: Restricted tongue positioning can affect airway development.
Social struggles: Frustration from speech delays or self-consciousness about appearance.
San Antonio’s diverse community sees many kids active in school and sports, where these issues can impact confidence and performance.
Consequences of Delayed Treatment
Ignoring a tongue or lip tie can lead to long-term challenges:
Newborns: Persistent feeding issues may cause malnutrition, slow growth, or maternal stress, impacting bonding. Untreated ties can also lead to speech delays as the child grows.
Older Children: Speech impediments may require intensive therapy, while dental misalignment could necessitate costly orthodontics. Chronic mouth breathing raises risks of sleep apnea or sinus issues, common in Texas’s allergy-prone climate.
Overall Development: Frustration from communication or eating difficulties can affect social skills and self-esteem, especially in school settings like Alamo Heights or Northside ISD.
Delaying treatment doesn’t just prolong discomfort—it can escalate into more complex health and developmental concerns.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Addressing a tongue or lip tie early offers significant advantages:
Improved Feeding: For newborns, a frenectomy enhances latch and milk transfer, promoting healthy weight gain and reducing maternal pain. This fosters better bonding and less stress for San Antonio families.
Speech Development: Early correction supports proper tongue movement, preventing speech delays and reducing the need for therapy later.
Dental Health: Releasing a tight lip tie prevents gaps, gum recession, or crowding, setting the stage for a confident smile.
Comfort and Confidence: Kids eat, speak, and breathe easier, boosting their ability to thrive in school and play, from soccer fields to playgrounds in San Antonio.
Dr. Torres’s laser frenectomies are gentle, with minimal bleeding and quick healing—often just a few days for infants and a week for older kids. Early intervention means less invasive treatment and faster results.
It’s Never Too Late to Treat a Lip or Tongue Tie
Even if your child is past infancy, it’s not too late to address a tongue or lip tie. Older children and even teens can benefit from a frenectomy to correct speech issues, improve dental alignment, or enhance overall oral function. At Kid World Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Torres tailors treatments to each child’s age and needs, using state-of-the-art lasers for precision and comfort. Whether your toddler is struggling with articulation or your preteen needs help before braces, we can make a difference.
Trust Dr. Torres at Kid World Pediatric Dentistry
San Antonio parents deserve a trusted partner for their kids’ oral health. Dr. Torres and our team at Kid World Pediatric Dentistry are committed to creating a warm, kid-friendly environment where families feel supported. With years of experience and a focus on gentle, effective care, we’re here to guide you through every step of a frenectomy—from evaluation to recovery.
Don’t let a tongue or lip tie hold your child back. Visit Kid World Pediatric Dentistry in San Antonio for a free consultation with Dr. Torres. Call us today or book online today to learn how we can help your child smile, eat, and speak with confidence. At Kid World, we’re all about happy, healthy kids!
