Can a Dentist Fix a Tongue Tie? Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Who to See

Do you think your child, or you, might have a tongue tie? You may wonder if a dentist can help. In this guide, I break down everything you need to know about tongue tie—what it is, what symptoms to look for, how dentists treat it, and what to expect afterward. If you’re worried about problems with eating, speech, or breastfeeding, keep reading. This article gives you real answers you can trust.

Table of Contents

What Is a Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)?

A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, happens when a short or tight band of tissue ties the bottom of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. This band is called the lingual frenum. If it’s too tight, your tongue can’t move well. That can cause trouble with breastfeeding in babies, speech trouble in kids, and even jaw or sleep problems in adults.

Why should you care? Tongue tie can happen at any age. Many people think it’s just a problem for babies, but it can show up in kids and adults too. If you’re having trouble with eating, talking, or sleeping, tongue tie might be the reason.

Can a Dentist Really Fix a Tongue Tie?

Here’s the big question: Can a dentist fix a tongue tie? Yes, many dentists can. Pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and even some general dentists can do a frenectomy to help with tongue tie. Some use lasers, others use simple tools like scissors or a blade.

But not all dentists handle tongue tie. Find one with extra training for frenectomy for babies, kids, or adults—whoever needs help. That way, you get someone who knows how to check, treat, and help you recover.

What Are the Signs of Tongue Tie in Babies, Kids, and Adults?

Spotting tongue tie early helps you get help faster. What should you watch for? Here’s a quick list:

In Babies

• Trouble breastfeeding – Baby can’t latch right; mom’s nipples hurt and baby might not gain enough weight
• Clicking sounds, reflux, or gassiness – You may hear clicking when baby feeds, or see lots of spit-up and gas
• Crying a lot – Baby cries and fusses, making you both very tired

In Children

• Speech problems – Hard to say some sounds (like “l” or “r”) or a lisp
• Messy eating – Can’t chew food well, or makes a mess at meals
• Mouth troubles – Crowded teeth, hard to keep teeth clean, or trouble cleaning their mouth

In Adults

• Talking and eating problems – Trouble saying words right, swallowing, or moving food around your mouth
• Jaw pain or headaches – Jaw hurts, neck’s tight, or you keep getting headaches
• Snoring or mouth breathing – Breathing with mouth open, or snoring a lot
• Gum problems – Hard to keep teeth clean or gums healthy

Don’t ignore these signs. If this sounds familiar, talk to your dentist or doctor.

How Do Dentists Diagnose Tongue Tie?

How do dentists spot tongue tie? It’s not just looking under your tongue. Yes, they look, but there’s more.

A good dentist or specialist will:

Front vs. back tongue tie:

You can have a “hidden” or back tongue tie too. It’s harder to see, but it can still cause problems with talking and eating.

Which Dental Specialists Can Treat Tongue Tie?

Not every dentist treats tongue tie. So, who does?

• Pediatric Dentists: Best for babies and kids. They know little mouths and how to keep kids calm.
• General Dentists: Many now learn to do tongue tie releases, often for older children or adults.
• Oral Surgeons: For harder cases or adults needing more care.

Don’t forget ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors). They handle tough tongue tie cases, especially if there are breathing problems.

For more about general dental fixes, check out dentist for advice on dental problems.

What Is a Frenectomy and How Is It Done?

So, what’s the solution for tongue tie? Dentists call it a frenectomy or sometimes a frenotomy.

Laser Frenectomy: The New Way

Many dentists now use a laser. It’s quick, almost painless, and clean:

• Hardly ever needs stitches
• Stops bleeding fast
• Heals fast
• Often takes only a few minutes

Lasers work well for babies, often done right in the dental office. It’s less scary, too—many times, the parent is more anxious than the child!

Scissors or Blade: The Old Way

Some still use scissors or a scalpel. It works, but you might need stitches. Bleeding is a little more, and getting better takes a bit longer.

Will It Hurt?

Don’t worry—numbing medicine is the norm for older kids and adults. Babies usually just get numbing gel. Rarely, some need to be put fully to sleep, but that’s rare.

Curious about dental tech like lasers and modern labs? Take a peek at digital dental lab for more on new dental care.

What Does Aftercare Look Like?

It’s not just the treatment—it’s what you do next that matters. Here’s what to remember:

Taking Care of the Area & Doing Exercises

• Exercises: For a week or two, you do simple mouth stretches to stop the tongue from sticking again. Yes, even if your child complains, it matters!
• Pain Care: Some soreness is normal. Tylenol or ibuprofen usually helps. Babies feel better after feeding.
• Eating and Drinking: Soft foods for a couple of days. For babies, feeding continues like normal, just with extra hugs.

Tips for Healing

• Keep it clean: Gentle rinsing helps keep away germs.
• Watch for problems: If you see lots of bleeding, swelling, or something just looks wrong, call your dentist!

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Tongue Tie Release?

Why treat tongue tie? It makes life easier.

Benefits

• For babies: Breastfeeding is easier, they gain weight, less gassy and fussy, happy parents.
• For kids: Clearer speech, better eating, cleaner teeth, less crowding.
• For adults: Less jaw pain, fewer headaches, or breathing better at night if you mouth breathe.

A frenectomy can change things, making meals and sleep normal again.

Risks

• Most problems are rare. You might see a bit of bleeding, some swelling, or mild pain.
• Sometimes, the tissue can heal back down (reattach). That’s why mouth stretches matter.
• Infection is rare—just keep up with cleaning.

Small risks, but big improvements for most people!

Who Else Should Be Part of Your Tongue Tie Care Team?

Fixing tongue tie sometimes takes a group. Here’s who can help:

• Lactation Consultants: For newborns, they help you feed after surgery. This is a lifesaver for many moms!
• Speech Therapists: If your child or you have trouble with certain sounds, speech help works wonders after the tie is fixed.
• Mouth Therapists (Myofunctional): They show you mouth exercises for better eating or jaw movement.
• ENTs: Doctors for really tough cases or when breathing is a problem.

Think of it as a team—each one helps you or your child recover and feel better.

How Much Does Tongue Tie Treatment Cost?

Let’s talk about price. The cost for tongue tie release can change a lot. Here’s an idea:

Will my insurance pay? Sometimes. If your dentist or doctor shows it’s needed for feeding or speech, insurance may help. Always check first. For more about dental restorations for mouth function, check out information from a removable denture lab.

How Do You Find the Right Dentist for Tongue Tie?

You want the best for your family. So, how do you pick a dentist for tongue tie:

Questions to Ask:

• Have you fixed tongue ties for kids (or adults) my age?
• What tools do you use—laser or scissors?
• What’s your aftercare plan and do you work with other pros?
• Any stories or reviews from past patients?

Look for:

• Good reviews from other parents or adults
• A dentist who listens and explains things
• Step-by-step instructions for what comes next

And if you or your child use certain dental devices, consider choosing a dental lab for retainers for lasting mouth health.

Bullet Points: Key Takeaways

• Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) can happen to babies, kids, or adults, causing feeding, speech, or jaw troubles
• Dentists—especially for kids and oral surgeons—can spot and treat tongue tie with a safe frenectomy
• Look for symptoms: tough feeding, speech trouble, messy eating, or breathing with mouth open
• Treatment can use lasers (quick, less pain) or scissors (old-fashioned but works)
• Aftercare matters—do stretches, manage pain, and check for rare problems like infection
• Benefits are better feeding, clearer words, easier eating, and less pain
• Other helpers might be a breastfeeding coach, speech expert, or ENT
• Cost is between $200 and $2,000; insurance may help if needed for health
• Pick a kind, skilled dentist—ask smart questions and read what others say

References

Remember: You don’t have to struggle with tongue tie. Dentists can help with a quick, safe treatment that really helps. If you or your child has these signs, reach out, ask questions, and find a way to easier meals, clearer speech, and a happier mouth.