Tongue tie, or tethered oral tissue, occurs when the thin membrane under the baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) restricts the movement of the tongue.

All babies are born with some of this tissue, but for approximately 5% of newborns, it is so tight that they cannot move their tongues freely. This can affect their ability to breastfeed and lead to poor latch, nipple pain and trauma, decreased milk intake and a decline in milk supply over time. The medical term for tongue tie is “ankyloglossia” and studies show the defect is likely hereditary.

Dr. Jacobson is a skilled dentist and infant tongue tie specialist at Dakota Dental. As a laser-trained dentist, Dr. Jacobson offers in-office laser frenotomy treatment for assisting babies to latch on to the breast. In addition to feeding challenges, tongue ties can cause infants to have difficulties such as airway issues, malocclusions (altered bite) as well as speech issues. Dr. Jacobson is proud to offer a comprehensive approach in her treatment modality, including breastfeeding support to best address tongue function and how it impacts the rest of the body.

Meet Dakota Dental’s Lactation Consultant: Brittany (Britt) Clayton

Brittany (Britt) Clayton, MSN, RN, IBCLC, is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She began her career as a registered nurse caring for premature and sick infants, where she quickly discovered her passion for helping moms and babies with breastfeeding.

After experiencing breastfeeding difficulties of her own due to an undiagnosed tongue tie in her first child and having her second child diagnosed with tongue tie and treated, she has developed a special interest in helping moms and babies who are struggling with breastfeeding due to tethered oral tissue. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside in the sunshine with her husband and two young daughters.

Children and Adults with a Tongue or Lip Tie

When is a Tongue or Lip Tie Release Needed?

Though tongue tie release is typically performed during infancy, it is also common for patients to struggle with tongue tie as adolescents and adults. In fact, doctors may recommend that parents allow their child’s tongue tie to release naturally, though this may cause other oral health issues.

For children and adults, tongue tie symptoms may include

Difficulties pronouncing certain consonants (e.g. t, d. z, s, etc.)
Tooth decay
Unnatural spacing of teeth
Restricted tongue extension

Treatment for Tongue Ties and Lip Ties

Tongue or lip tie releases, called frenectomy, remove the tissue or tight frenulum under the tongue or upper lip. Dr. Jacobson uses a state-of-the-art co2 light scalpel laser for a safe and quick procedure that allows for greater tongue and lip mobility. In some instances, a frenectomy can aid in prevention of other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech difficulties and digestive issues.

While the procedure can be done with a laser or scissors, advantages of revising ties with a laser include:

Minimal discomfort
Minimal bleeding during and after the procedure – the laser aids in hemostasis
Faster healing
Bactericidal properties
Increased precision and complete removal of a tie

Frenuloplasty Treatment in the Twin Cities

Dr. Jacobson is trained in infant and adult tongue and lip lie releases by premier institutes, The Breathe Institute and AOMT. If you have questions about tongue tie release or lip tie release for infants or adults, contact Dakota Dental today. We’ll help you schedule a consultation, so you can meet with our team, discuss your concerns, and find the best treatment for you or your child.

Infant Tongue Tie