Small Ties, Big Challenges & Unlocking Breastfeeding Success
Discover the key to your baby’s oral function at Kids World Pediatric Dentistry. Sometimes, a tiny band of tissue known as the frenum can interfere with normal mouth movement—affecting around 10–20% of infants. When this happens, Dr. Torres is here to help, offering expert diagnosis and treatment of lip and tongue ties with a fast, gentle laser procedure called a frenectomy.
Why Choose Dr. Torres, DDS?
Finding the right dental care provider for your child is essential, and Dr. Torres brings unmatched experience and dedication to the table. With specialized training in laser dentistry, she has successfully completed numerous frenectomies.
Her commitment to excellence shines through in her continuous pursuit of education and training in the latest techniques.
Dr. Torres also supports a conservative approach—prioritizing non-surgical solutions before exploring procedural options for infants. This patient-centered philosophy empowers families with knowledge and options to meet their feeding goals confidently and safely.
Spotting Tongue and Lip Ties: A Guide for New Parents
Lip and tongue ties can create real challenges for breastfeeding, often disrupting the special bond between a mother and her newborn.
When a baby’s tongue or lip movement is restricted, latching becomes difficult. This can lead to painful nursing, issues with milk transfer and production, and even complications like cracked nipples, infections, or engorgement. Babies might struggle with weight gain, act colicky, chew on the nipple, or refuse to nurse consistently.
Lip and tongue ties can prevent a proper seal and full tongue elevation—key components for effective breastfeeding. In these cases, a warm, thoughtful discussion with your provider about frenectomy (also known as a tongue- or lip-tie release) can make a world of difference.
Common Breastfeeding Indicators
Keep in mind that a diagnosis of oral restriction requires a comprehensive structural and functional evaluation—it’s not based on symptoms or photos alone.
Signs Mom Might Notice:
- Pain while nursing
- Flattened or creased nipples
- Cracks or blisters on nipples
- Incomplete milk drainage
- Frequent plugged ducts or mastitis
- Reliance on nipple shields
- Lowered milk supply
Signs in Baby Might Include:
- Shallow latch or unlatching frequently
- Inadequate weight gain
- Reflux or frequent spit-up
- Gassy, fussy behavior
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Milk leaking from the mouth
- Frustration at the breast
- Difficulty keeping a pacifier in
- Lengthy feeding sessions
- Breathing through the mouth
Why Early Treatment Matters
If left unaddressed, lip and tongue ties may cause long-term problems as your child grows and develops.
Potential issues may include:
- Speech development challenges
- Misaligned teeth or gaps
- Gum recession
- Trouble with brushing and flossing
- Food buildup in the mouth
- Increased risk of cavities
- Difficulty chewing solid foods
- Mouth Breathing
The Benefits of a Frenectomy
This simple procedure can bring substantial relief and improvement for both infants and children experiencing oral challenges.
Some benefits include:
- More effective breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Better weight gain and milk production
- Relief from colic symptoms
- Reduced reflux
- Improved nasal breathing
- Better sleep quality
- Less tension in the head and neck
Timely intervention can help your little one thrive—setting the stage for a smoother, healthier future.
Your Baby’s Tongue Tie Appointment: What to Expect
We know how frustrating it can be when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned. That’s why our schedule includes dedicated time for evaluating tongue and lip ties in babies.
When you visit us, you’ll meet a compassionate and skilled team ready to evaluate your child and answer your questions. Dr. Torres will gently assess your baby’s oral anatomy and explain her findings in detail, along with any recommendations.
If you’re comfortable with post-procedure care and have a strong support system in place, a frenectomy might even be performed on the same day. We aim to make this process as smooth and reassuring as possible for you and your baby.
Understanding the Frenectomy Procedure
Choosing to proceed with a frenectomy is a big decision, and we’re here to provide the guidance and care you need.
At Kids World Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Torres ensures a safe and comforting experience. During the procedure, your baby will be swaddled for comfort, with a dental assistant close by throughout. The entire process typically lasts just 5 to 10 minutes.
After the procedure we encourage nursing, nursing pillows are available so you can breastfeed comfortably if desired.
Call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better feeding and a brighter future.
Symptoms & Treatment in More Detail:
- Tongue Tie Symptoms:
- Mothers: Painful nursing, creased/flattened nipples, blistered/cut nipples, incomplete drainage, plugged ducts, mastitis, decreased milk supply, reliance on nipple shields.
- Babies: Poor latch, weight gain issues, reflux, gassiness, clicking noises, dribbling milk, frustration, inability to hold pacifiers, prolonged sessions, mouth breathing.
- Long-Term Effects if Untreated:
- Speech impediments (e.g., articulation issues due to limited tongue movement).
- Dental consequences (e.g., cavities on incisors, gum recession near midline, chewing surface cavities on molars).
- Sleep implications (e.g., disordered breathing, sleep apnea, snoring, exhaustion, behavioral issues linked to airway restriction).
- Frenectomy Benefits:
- Improved breastfeeding (better latch, milk transfer).
- Enhanced bottle feeding if needed.
- Reduced colic, acid reflux, and head/neck tension.
- Better weight gain, breathing, sleep quality, and prevention of future speech/dental issues.
- Procedure Summary:
- Quick procedure (5–10 minutes) using diode laser, minimizing bleeding and need for sutures.
- Infants swaddled, back in parents’ arms shortly after, with parents able to use nursing pillows during recovery.
- Post-care involves parental proficiency and support from lactation consultants.
- Vitamin K Considerations:
- Essential for clotting; newborns have low levels, increasing VKDB risk.
- Routine post-birth injection recommended; if not given, discuss with dentist for delay or precautions.
- Kids World Pediatric Dentistry ensures informed consent, referrals for Vitamin K if needed.
Reputation and Community Engagement
Kids World Pediatric Dentistry, led by Dr. Torres, emphasizes non-surgical options first, reflecting a commitment to patient well-being. Their approach, with over 1,000 + Google reviews implied from community trust, builds lasting relationships, ensuring parents feel supported. The focus on education and safety, especially with Vitamin K, aligns with pediatric dentistry standards,
Table: Comparison of Tongue Tie Symptoms and Benefits
Aspect | Symptoms (Mothers) | Symptoms (Babies) | Frenectomy Benefits |
Feeding Issues | Painful nursing, creased nipples, mastitis | Poor latch, weight gain issues, clicking noises | Improved breastfeeding, better milk transfer |
Health Impacts | Decreased milk supply, plugged ducts | Reflux, gassiness, frustration | Reduced colic, alleviated acid reflux |
Long-Term Effects | – | Speech impediments, dental issues | Prevention of speech/dental problems, better sleep |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a referral for my baby to see Dr. Torres DDS?
To ensure we deliver the most thorough and precise assessment and recommendations, we require infants older than two weeks to undergo a functional feeding evaluation prior to booking an appointment with Dr. Torres DDS.
Is it possible for my baby to have the procedure on the same day as the evaluation?
If you show confidence in managing post-procedure care and have a dependable support team to help achieve your oral and feeding objectives, a frenectomy might be performed on the same day as your evaluation. We aim to make this experience as smooth and supportive as possible for you and your baby. Collaborating with a lactation consultant or feeding therapist beforehand can significantly reduce the chances of feeding and lactation issues, such as re-attachment, oral aversion, low milk supply, or breast refusal.
Is Vitamin K necessary before my baby’s frenectomy?
For babies under 8 weeks old, Vitamin K is required prior to a frenectomy to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding and ensure your baby’s safety.
How long does the frenectomy procedure take?
The procedure itself is quick, lasting only a few minutes.
What should I expect during my baby’s tongue/lip tie evaluation with Dr. Torres DDS?
Dr. Torres DDS will assess your baby and develop a personalized care plan, discussing the risks and benefits of the recommended approach. You’ll also receive hands-on guidance on post-procedure care to help prevent re-attachment. If appropriate, the frenectomy can be performed the same day, and we strongly recommend breastfeeding immediately afterward.
Will my baby receive anesthesia for the procedure?
We do not use local anesthesia for infants (less than 8 weeks). Topical anesthetics, however, will be applied. The procedure is brief—typically under a few minutes, including time for before-and-after photos—and you can feed your baby as soon as it’s complete.
How much discomfort will my baby feel after the frenectomy?
Adult patients compare the post-procedure sensation to a mild pizza burn, which typically subsides within 48-72 hours.
Do you accept insurance?
We’re happy to submit a dental insurance claim on your behalf. However, it’s important to understand your dental insurance benefits to avoid unexpected costs. The Dental codes are: D7961 for Buccal/labial frenectomy and D7962 for Lingual frenectomy.
Before scheduling, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm whether Kids World Pediatric Dentistry is in-network. Even if we’re out of network, we can still file a claim for you. For a seamless experience, please submit all intake forms, including insurance details, prior to your appointment. If you have questions about our insurance process, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
