The Ultimate Guide to Brisbane Tongue-Tie Release

Brisbane Tongue-Tie Release

Expert Insights by Dr Ellie Nadian, Specialist Paediatric Dentist in Brisbane:

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can significantly impact your child’s feeding, speech, and overall oral function. As a Brisbane specialist paediatric dentist, I’m committed to providing effective, compassionate care to support your child’s health and well-being. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Brisbane tongue-tie release—from diagnosis and treatment options to post-procedure care and frequently asked questions.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that is present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This happens when the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue under the tongue—is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. Such a restriction can make breastfeeding challenging for infants, as they may struggle to latch properly. As children grow, this limited tongue mobility can lead to difficulties with speech clarity and maintaining oral hygiene. For example, tasks like licking lips or playing wind instruments might become problematic due to the tongue’s restricted range of motion.

Impacts of Restricted Tongue Movement

Restricted tongue movement caused by tongue tie (ankyloglossia) can lead to several challenges:

• Feeding Difficulties: Infants may struggle with breastfeeding, experiencing poor latch, prolonged feeding times, and causing nipple pain for mothers.
• Speech Issues: Limited tongue mobility can affect the articulation of certain sounds, particularly those requiring tongue elevation or contact with the roof of the mouth, such as ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘s’, and ‘z’.
• Oral Hygiene Challenges: Difficulty in moving the tongue adequately can hinder the ability to clear food debris from the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Dental Misalignment: Restricted tongue movement can affect tooth positioning, leading to gaps between teeth or misalignment of dental arches.
• Mechanical and Social Effects: Individuals might experience challenges with activities like licking their lips, playing wind instruments, or kissing, which can lead to social discomfort or embarrassment.

Diagnosing Tongue-Tie in Children

Diagnosing tongue-tie in children requires a detailed and careful assessment to determine the best approach for treatment. In my practice, the diagnostic process includes:

Comprehensive Oral Examination

I carefully examine the tongue’s appearance and movement at rest, during crying, and when the child attempts to lift or extend their tongue.

Palpation and Mobility Testing

I gently lift the tongue to feel the tightness of the lingual frenulum and assess how much it restricts movement. Ideally, the frenulum should allow free movement without causing discomfort or strain.

Use of Grading Scales

To ensure an objective assessment, I may use a grading scale such as the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool, which evaluates both the structure and function of the tongue.

Parental and Functional History

I discuss feeding history with parents, as infants with tongue-tie often struggle with latching, prolonged feeding times, or maternal nipple pain. For older children, I also assess any speech difficulties or oral discomfort.

Multidisciplinary Input

When necessary, I collaborate with lactation consultants, speech pathologists, or myofunctional therapists to gain a complete picture of how the tongue-tie is affecting the child’s daily function.

Tongue-Tie Release Procedures: Techniques and Options

With my specialisation in dentistry for children, I often discuss with parents the two main procedures to address tongue-tie in children. The appropriate choice depends on your child’s age, the severity of the tongue-tie, and specific clinical observations.

Frenotomy

A frenotomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves making a small cut in the frenulum.

Key Points

Ideal for Infants: Frenotomy is often performed on babies up to about 4 months old. In many cases, the procedure is so quick and simple that it can be done without the need for local anaesthesia.

Techniques

During the procedure, the baby is gently swaddled to keep them still and comfortable. A special tool, like a grooved director, is used to lift the tongue and expose the tight tissue underneath. The doctor then carefully releases this tissue using blunt-ended scissors or a soft tissue laser.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure where the entire frenulum—a small fold of tissue in the mouth—is removed. This is particularly helpful when the frenulum is thick or has many blood vessels or if there’s a high chance it might reattach after a less extensive procedure. By completely removing the frenulum, the risk of it growing back is reduced, allowing for better movement of the tongue or lip. This can improve functions like speaking and eating.

Key Points

Preferred for Older Children: A frenectomy is often preferred for older children, especially when more extensive removal of the tissue is needed. This approach is particularly useful when the frenulum is thicker, has more blood vessels, or there’s a higher chance of it reattaching after a less extensive procedure.

Techniques

A frenectomy can be performed using either traditional scalpels or modern soft tissue lasers. When a scalpel is used, the surgeon may employ a tool called a haemostat to hold and guide the tissue during the cut. After removing the frenulum, stitches are often placed to help the area heal properly. One common stitching method is called Z-plasty, where the incision is made in a ‘Z’ shape to allow for better healing and flexibility.

Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up

Successful tongue-tie release doesn’t end in our treatment room. Post-procedure care is crucial for optimal healing and lasting improvements.

Immediate and Short-Term Care

Feeding

After a frenotomy, most babies can go straight to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This helps them feel calm and comfortable while also aiding the healing process. For babies or children who have had a frenectomy, feeding may start a little later once we’re sure the area has stopped bleeding and is healing properly. Parents are encouraged to follow their child’s cues and offer gentle support during feeding.

Pain Management

During the procedure, we use a numbing gel or local anaesthesia to make sure your child doesn’t feel any pain. Afterwards, if they have any discomfort, a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) can help. In many cases, simple home remedies work just as well—things like ice chips, a cold washcloth, or even a popsicle can be soothing and make your child feel more comfortable as they heal.

Oral Hygiene

The day after the procedure, it’s best to start with gentle rinsing using plain water to keep the area clean. If needed, parents can use an antiseptic mouthwash (only if recommended) to help prevent infection. When it comes to brushing, a soft, damp gauze or a special oral swab (like a Toothette) can be used to gently clean the area without causing irritation. Keeping things simple and gentle will help with healing and keep your child comfortable.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Wound Care

To help with healing, it’s important to leave the treated area alone—try to avoid touching or poking it. This helps prevent irritation or reattachment. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If anything seems off, reach out to your kids dentist or doctor for advice.

Scheduled Reviews

Regular follow-ups are key to making sure everything heals properly. The first check-up usually happens within 1-2 weeks after the procedure. After that, we may schedule visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to track healing and make sure your child is adjusting well.

Preventative Measures

In some cases, simple tongue exercises can help improve movement and prevent the tissue from tightening up again. If needed, we may recommend working with a speech pathologist to ensure the tongue moves freely and functions properly.

Common Indications for Tongue-Tie Release

I recommend a tongue-tie release procedure when clinical signs indicate that the condition is impacting your child’s quality of life. Here are some common signs that a release might help:

Feeding Issues

• Babies may struggle to latch properly while breastfeeding, leading to long feeding times and sore nipples for the mother.
• Bottle-fed babies might make clicking sounds while drinking or drool excessively because they can’t create a proper seal.

Speech Concerns

• Some children have trouble pronouncing certain sounds clearly, which can make speaking harder to understand.

Tongue Mobility Restrictions

• The tongue may not move freely, making it difficult to stick out or lift up.
• A thick or short frenulum may limit movement, which can affect eating, speaking, and even oral hygiene.

What Sets Our Brisbane Tongue-Tie Release Services Apart

At our practice, the approach to tongue-tie release is both advanced and compassionate, ensuring that each child receives personalised care. Here’s what distinguishes our services in Pure Dentistry:

Specialised Technologies

We use state-of-the-art instruments and soft tissue lasers for certain procedures. This reduces bleeding, minimises discomfort, and often eliminates the need for stitches, making the healing process much smoother for your child.

Holistic, Child-Centred Care

We understand that medical procedures—especially for little ones—can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a calm, friendly environment to put both children and parents at ease. From the moment you walk in, we guide you every step of the way, providing clear instructions before and after the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Your child’s well-being is our top priority, which is why we work closely with lactation consultants, speech pathologists, and other specialists. This ensures your child gets the most comprehensive care possible, especially if feeding or speech difficulties are involved.

Transparent Treatment Options

We believe in honest, upfront communication. When you book a consultation, we conduct a thorough examination and explain all the available treatment options in detail. We also provide a clear breakdown of costs so you can make an informed decision that’s best for your child.

Pure Dentistry’s Sedation Options

For children who may feel anxious or uncomfortable during the procedure or have special needs, our Brisbane dentists offer safe and effective sedation options. Our sedation choices include laughing gas (nitrous oxide) for mild relaxation and sleep dentistry through general anaesthesia for more complex cases. These options ensure that your child remains calm and comfortable throughout their treatment.

According to Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic, Sleep Dentistry Brisbane offers a tranquil and anxiety-free dental care experience.

We will go through your child’s medical history and assess their needs to determine the safest sedation option for your child.

Outcomes and Success Rates

The success of a tongue-tie release is measured by real, noticeable improvements in a child’s ability to feed, speak, and move their tongue freely. Many parents report positive changes almost immediately after the procedure, while others see gradual improvements as their child adjusts.

Feeding Improvements

For babies, tongue-tie can make breastfeeding frustrating—they may struggle to latch properly, take longer to feed, or cause nipple pain for their mum. Studies show that after a simple frenotomy, up to 96% of mothers report improved breastfeeding, with a better latch and far less discomfort. This means feeding becomes easier, more efficient, and more comfortable for both baby and mum.

Speech Enhancements

For older children, a tongue-tie can make certain speech sounds harder to pronounce, especially those that need precise tongue movement, like “t,” “d,” “s,” and “z.” After the procedure, many children show clearer speech and better articulation, making it easier for them to communicate and be understood.

Enhanced Tongue Mobility

Once the tongue is free to move properly, children can eat, swallow, and clean their mouths more easily. This helps with better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems. It also makes simple tasks—like licking lips, playing wind instruments, or even kissing later in life—much easier.

Patient and Parent Testimonials

Several parents reported a difference right away—their baby feeds better, is less fussy, and seems more comfortable. Some babies who previously had trouble gaining weight start growing steadily, and older children often find eating and speaking much easier.

Are There Any Risks?

Like any procedure, there’s a small chance of minor bleeding or temporary discomfort, but serious complications are very rare. Before the procedure, we carefully assess each child to reduce any risks. With proper technique and good aftercare, healing is usually quick and smooth.

At Pure Dentistry, our goal is to make this experience as easy and stress-free as possible while giving your child the best chance to thrive and feel comfortable in their daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Book Your Initial Consultation

If you suspect your child’s tongue-tie is affecting their feeding or speech, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

• Initial Consultation: Book an appointment by calling us at 07 3343 4869 for a comprehensive evaluation.
• Personalised Treatment Plan: After examining your child, I will discuss the most appropriate treatment options along with clear cost information so you can make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Brisbane tongue-tie release procedures have helped countless children overcome feeding difficulties and speech challenges. With a focus on advanced technology, holistic care, and multidisciplinary collaboration, my goal is to ensure every child enjoys a healthy, happy start.

For more information or to schedule your consultation, please contact our clinic today.

Dr Ellie Nadian – Your Trusted Specialist Paediatric Dentist in Brisbane