Infant Frenectomy: It is our opinion, through experience and research, that any mother who wants to breastfeed should be able to and without pain. One of the most common and often overlooked barriers to successful breastfeeding is related to restricted oral-muscle function. When this is the problem a quick, safe procedure called a frenectomy, can restore function and allow Mom and Baby to get back or track toward the rewarding experience of breastfeeding.
Oral restrictions, tongue and lip ties, are when the lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum restricts function. We are committed to resolving and even preventing the negative effects these restrictions have on growing children! Some examples of ways tongue and lip ties impede quality of life are:
Trouble with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Persistently shallow latch
- Clicking, chomping, grinding
- Air swallowing (gulping, gas, reflux)
- Low weight gain or weight gain that declines after 12 weeks old
- Blisters on the lips
- Poor stamina (short frequent feedings or very long feedings)
- Spilling milk out of the sides of the mouth
- Poor breast emptying (plugs, infections, low supply)
- Inflammation (oversupply, vasospasms, aching)
- Cracked or blistered nipples
Chronic Tension
- Neck tension, torticollis
- Tension headaches
- TMJ issues
- Facial strain (especially in lips)
Airway Issues
- Sleep apnea
- Mouth breathing
- Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
- Poor sinus drainage
- Ear infections
Trouble with eating
- Gagging too much
- Pickiness about textures
- Chipmunking (piling food in cheeks)
- Choking easily (aspiration)
- Food falling out of mouth while eating
Trouble with speaking
- Articulation errors
- Delays in initiating speaking
- Speech fatigue
Dental & Orthodontic Issues
- Crowded teeth
- Flared front teeth
- Decayed teeth
Chronic Tension
- Neck tension, torticollis
- Tension headaches
- TMJ issues
- Facial strain (especially in lips)
Airway Issues
- Sleep apnea
- Mouth breathing
- Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
- Poor sinus drainage
- Ear infections
Kidstown Dental believes in an integrative model of care for people struggling with tongue tie. Dr. Luedemann and her team are committed to doing their best to ensure that bigger picture needs for families are met when it comes to resolution of all symptoms of tongue and lip ties. This means a thorough assessment for an accurate diagnose and plan, that babies and parents are properly prepared for the procedure, and that families are supported in all aspects of the recovery. We utilize the Three Pillar Approach™ to include function and structure in assessments, as well providing complete, tissue guided laser releases, and multiple tools for healing. This model, at Kidstown Dental, includes…
- No Pediatrician referral needed
- Lactation/Feeding/Speech/Airway Assessment required prior to frenectomy,
which can be provided in office or obtained privately (we have providers to recommend if needed and are happy to work with an IBCLC or SLP you are already working with in community) - Insurance accepted
- IBCLC present and bodywork done at each release appointment (no extra cost)
- Support group included in revision clinic
- Ongoing support post procedure through multiple mediums
- Further support with lactation and bodywork available on site or referrals given as needed
Dr. Luedemann has an open-door policy when it comes to collaborating with and welcoming other professionals to explore the Revision Clinic. In fact, she hosts an interdisciplinary study club on the topic of infant feeding, and is continually reaching out to the community of providers involved in supporting Mothers and Babies with breastfeeding and bottle feeding issues. Moms, please do share this information with your private provider and encourage a connection in care. For Providers in our community, please feel free to reach out with any interest in doing coming to the clinic to observe or joining our interdisciplinary study group!
Here are some links to help explain and explore a laser, infant frenectomy for families to review.
This is a great article by a Kansas dentist that summarizes key points around the infant lingual frenectomy
This is a good resource to learn more about “tongue tie” and how they can affect many other health related issues.
A feature paper written about how restricted oral muscles in an infant can make breastfeeding a challenge and painful for mother and baby.
Dr. Kotlow’s practice is on the East Coast and he is a pioneer in treating infants with oral restrictions. This is a paper he put together called, “The Top 10 Myths in Diagnosing and Treating Tongue and Lip Ties.”
Child Frenectomy: Some Moms that have trouble with breastfeeding are never told about a frenum restriction and therefore they either needlessly suffer or are forced to quit. And some Mothers choose a bottle from the beginning. Either way, if oral muscles such as lip or tongue are left restricted, other problems will often begin to present. Some of these include: “picky eating” due to challenges with proper swallow, easy to gag, speech delay, mouth breathing and open mouth posture at rest. These changes from good oral-muscle function create growth and development problems and malocclusion. In addition, Christian Guilleminault, a neurologist and sleep medicine doctor at Stanford, released research in 2015 showing a restricted tongue is a marker for sleep apnea. For these reasons, it is good to evaluate and treat any restrictions that are affecting function and/or growth and development. See the articles below to learn more.
Lingual Frenulum Protocol for Children & Adults
Lingual Frenulum Protocol for Infants
Treatment: Tongue Position & Muscle Activity
Short Lingual Frenulum and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children
