Garcia-DeMartino Lip & Tongue-Tie Specialist Blog

Lip- and tongue-ties are becoming more well-known, but there can still be some confusion surrounding these two oral health conditions. It doesn’t help when terms like “frenectomy” and “frenotomy” look and sound almost the same!

To be clear, a frenectomy and a frenotomy are both treatments that can address lip- and tongue-ties. Dental lasers can also be used during both procedures to improve comfort and recovery times. There is, however, one key difference. Keep reading to learn what it is and why a specialist might recommend one over the other.

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth in which the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, thick, or tight. This can restrict tongue movement and sometimes affect feeding, speech development, and oral function. As awareness of tongue ties has increased, questions have emerged about what causes them, including whether folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may play a role.

The short answer is that there is currently no conclusive evidence proving that folic acid causes tongue ties in children.

When you think of tongue-tie, you may think of the feeding difficulties that it causes for infants and their breastfeeding mothers. The truth is, though, that this condition can cause a full range of problems in individuals of all ages. It can even increase the risk of tooth decay! How does it do so, and how can treatment help? This blog post explains.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to promoting healthy smiles for kids of all ages. Led by the American Dental Association, one of the most well-known dental organizations around, this annual observation helps families understand the importance of good oral health habits from an early age. Here’s a little more about this month and why you should prioritize the health of your little one’s developing smile through February and beyond!

In recent years, more parents have heard the terms lip tie and tongue tie during newborn checkups or breastfeeding consultations. These oral conditions, which can affect feeding and oral development, seem to be diagnosed more often today than in the past. This has led many parents to wonder whether lip and tongue ties are truly becoming more common or if they are simply being identified more frequently. The answer is complex and involves changes in awareness, diagnostic methods, and infant feeding practices.

Breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Unfortunately, many parents receive misleading advice that can cause unnecessary pain, stress, and guilt. One of the most common phrases new parents hear is, “Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.” Let’s clear up that myth—and a few others—so nursing parents can feel more informed and supported.

As you watch your child grow up, you may be excited for all the new things they’ll experience. One that may be coming up is the switch over to solid foods. You may be ready for them to experience more of the culinary world and learn more about the person you’re raising! However, if they have a lip- or tongue-tie, then this may be a hard transition to make. Here’s how this condition may affect how they eat solid foods.

Do you have an infant who struggles to latch when feeding or seems particularly fussy? If so, they might have a lip or tongue tie. This condition occurs when the band of tissue under their tongue or behind their lips, referred to as a frenulum, is too thick, tight, or short. This hinders the mobility of their mouth, impacting everything from their eating habits to their speech development.

However, some well-meaning parents avoid treating their child’s lip or tongue tie because they’ve heard misinformation about what’s involved. Continue reading to learn 3 myths about this condition you shouldn’t believe!

Babies are renowned around the world for their amazing ability to cry a lot, but an infant’s excessive weeping may be a sign of an untreated oral health issue. A lip or tongue-tie can lead to constant discomfort that can cause a child a great deal of stress and make them cry out frequently. Here’s a quick look at what these issues are, how they can be distressing for your child, and how your dentist can help.

After talking with your child’s dentist about their upcoming frenectomy, you may feel more knowledgeable and prepared for the procedure, but how much do you know about the post-treatment healing process? While releasing the banded tissue is fairly quick and easy, recovery may take a little longer. Keep reading to learn what you can expect afterward and how long it will take for your little one to fully heal.