Lip and tongue-ties can affect people at all ages, from babies who struggle with breastfeeding to adults with speech or oral health issues. If you're considering a release procedure, you likely have many questions. This post breaks it down in everyday language, backed by current research.
What Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie happens when the tissue under the tongue is too short or tight, which can limit tongue movement. A lip-tie is similar, but affects the upper lip.
These restrictions can make everyday functions harder—especially in babies and young children—including:
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
Speech clarity
Dental hygiene
Mouth comfort
Studies show tongue-ties appear in about 4–11% of babies, and they’re more common in boys [1].
When Should They Be Treated?
Not every lip or tongue-tie needs treatment. If there's no impact on feeding, speech, or oral hygiene, then no procedure may be necessary.
But if a baby can’t latch properly during breastfeeding, or an older child has speech or dental issues linked to restricted movement, treatment may help [2].
What Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie Release?
The release procedure—called a frenotomy or frenectomy—involves snipping or removing the tight tissue. It's a quick and usually low-risk procedure performed by trained professionals like dentists, pediatricians, or ENT specialists.
There are different methods used, and all aim to achieve the same result: better movement and function. The choice of technique depends on the provider’s training and the specific case.
Does It Hurt?
For infants, the procedure is usually very quick—often under a minute. Some may cry briefly, but many feed right after, which is comforting and helps with healing.
Older children and adults usually receive local anesthesia to numb the area. Afterward, mild soreness or swelling can occur, but serious discomfort is uncommon.
Does It Help with Breastfeeding or Speech?
Yes, often. For babies, many studies report improvements in latching and feeding, and less pain for breastfeeding parents after the release [3,4].
In children with speech issues related to tongue-tie, some research shows clearer speech after treatment—especially when combined with speech therapy [5].
Still, not everyone sees the same results. Improvement depends on many factors, including the severity of the restriction, the child's age, and whether therapy or feeding support is also used.
Are There Any Risks?
The procedure is generally safe. However, possible risks include:
Mild bleeding
Temporary discomfort
Infection (rare)
The tissue growing back together (called reattachment), which may require re-treatment
Doing aftercare stretches, if recommended by your provider, can help prevent reattachment.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Aftercare often includes simple exercises to keep the area from healing too tightly. In babies, this might involve gentle stretching. For older children, it may include speech or oral therapy to improve function and comfort [6].
Following your provider’s instructions is important to get the best outcome.
Conclusion
Lip and tongue-tie release is a safe, simple procedure that can improve feeding, speech, and oral health when there’s a clear problem. It’s important to consult a qualified provider who can assess whether a tie is truly causing the issue and guide you through your options.
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References
Messner AH, Lalakea ML. Ankyloglossia: controversies in management. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2000 Feb 29;54(2-3):123-31. doi:10.1016/s0165-5876(00)00359-1.
Francis DO, Krishnaswami S, McPheeters M. Treatment of ankyloglossia and breastfeeding outcomes: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2015 Jun;135(6):e1458–e1466. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0658.
O'Shea JE, Foster JP, O'Donnell CP, Breathnach D, Jacobs SE, Todd DA, Davis PG. Frenotomy for tongue-tie in newborn infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Mar 11;3(3):CD011065. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011065.pub2.
Walsh J, Links A, Boss E, Tunkel D. Ankyloglossia and lingual frenotomy: National trends in inpatient diagnosis and management in the United States, 1997–2012. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Apr;156(4):735–740. doi:10.1177/0194599817690135.
Tecco S, Baldini A, Mummolo S, Marchetti E, Giuca MR, Marzo G, Gherlone EF. Frenulectomy of the tongue and the influence of rehabilitation exercises on the sEMG activity of masticatory muscles. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2015 Jun;25(3):619–28. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.04.003.
Zaghi S, Shamtoob S, Peterson C, Christianson L, Valcu-Pinkerton S, Peeran Z, et al. Assessment of posterior tongue mobility using lingual-palatal suction: Progress towards a functional definition of ankyloglossia. J Oral Rehabil. 2021 Jul;48(7):803–10. doi:10.1111/joor.13144.