Tongue & Lip Ties Explained: How Frenectomy Supports Speech and Development in Children

As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to thrive, especially when it comes to speech, feeding, and social development. So when something as small as tongue or lip movement seems to cause frustration, difficulty nursing, or speech delays, it’s natural to worry or wonder if something more is going on. For many families, the answer lies in an often-overlooked diagnosis: tongue and lip ties. 

At The Smile Spot in Waldo, MO, we believe in making families feel supported, informed, and empowered. That’s why our pediatric and orthodontic specialists are trained to spot challenges like tongue and lip ties early and provide safe, effective treatment options like frenectomies that lead to real relief and progress for your child.

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?

Tongue and lip ties happen when the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gums, is too tight, thick, or short. This restriction can limit how the tongue or lips move, which impacts major milestones in a child’s development.

Common Signs of a Tongue or Lip Tie in Infants and Children:

• Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Poor weight gain in infancy
• Gassiness or reflux symptoms during feedings
• Clicking sounds while nursing
• Speech delays or articulation issues
• Difficulty licking, eating, or clearing food from the mouth
• Gaps between the front teeth (caused by tight upper lip ties)

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health concerns, it’s crucial to work with specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating oral restrictions. Our team at The Smile Spot is trained to evaluate both function and anatomy to make sure your child receives the right care, right when it matters most.

Why Tongue and Lip Ties Matter for Development

Untreated tongue and lip ties can have a ripple effect across multiple stages of a child’s life. From infancy and early feeding to speech clarity and even dental health, oral restrictions may create barriers that delay or complicate natural development. For instance:

• In babies, it can mean frustration during breastfeeding, which affects bonding and nutrition.
• In toddlers, it can delay speech sounds like "L,” "TH,” or "R."
• In school-aged children, it might cause discomfort when eating or persistent lisps.

Fortunately, a simple, quick procedure called a frenectomy can release the restriction and allow proper oral function to develop.

What Is a Frenectomy and How Does It Help?

A frenectomy is a minor outpatient procedure that removes or loosens the tight frenulum. At The Smile Spot, we offer both traditional and laser-assisted frenectomies, depending on your child's needs. The procedure is gentle, safe, and typically completed in minutes, with little to no downtime.

Benefits of a Frenectomy for Children:

• Improved ability to nurse or feed
• Better weight gain in infancy
• Reduction in reflux symptoms
• Clearer speech and quicker articulation improvements
• Enhanced oral hygiene as children can move the tongue to clean effectively
• Greater self-confidence with speech and eating behaviors

One of the most rewarding parts of our job is seeing how relieved parents feel after treatment. Mealtimes become easier and children find their voice, both literally and emotionally.

Our Gentle, Family-First Approach at The Smile Spot

What makes our team different is that we look beyond the procedure. We look at your entire child. At The Smile Spot, we’re pediatric and orthodontic specialists under one roof, making it easier for families to get answers fast and follow up with the orthodontic or functional support needed for long-term results.

We're also proud to support children who experience anxiety, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities, taking the time to create a calm, kind, and welcoming environment that helps every child feel safe. Compassionate care isn’t just something we offer. It’s how we’re trained and how we treat every patient, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue & Lip Ties

Is a frenectomy painful?

The procedure is quick and relatively painless. Most infants and young children experience minimal discomfort, and healing typically happens within a few days.

Will my child need speech therapy after a frenectomy?

Sometimes, yes. Speech therapy may be necessary if certain speech habits have already formed as a result of tongue restriction. We may recommend follow-up therapy post-procedure for optimal results.

At what age should I consider a frenectomy?

Infants with feeding issues can benefit soon after birth. Older children may benefit at any age, depending on symptoms like speech delays or dental concerns. A full evaluation will guide our recommendations.

Supporting Waldo Families with Personalized, Effective Care

Not every child needs treatment for a tongue or lip tie. But for the ones who do, the change can be life-changing. Whether it’s for an infant struggling to nurse or a child frustrated by how they sound when they speak, our specialists are here to help families make informed, confident decisions.

If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from a frenectomy, we invite you to call us at (816) 363-2900 to schedule an evaluation at The Smile Spot in Waldo. Our caring, experienced team is here to answer your questions, offer honest guidance, and create a warm experience your family can feel good about.