FAQ

Answers to Your Common Questions

• Why does my child have bad breath?

  Bad breath in children is often caused by bacteria on the tongue or food particles trapped between teeth. Make sure your child is brushing their tongue as well as their teeth. If bad breath persists, it could indicate other issues such as dry mouth, cavities, or swollen gums—so it’s a good idea to schedule a dental check-up.

• Are tongue-ties hereditary?

  There is evidence of a genetic component as they sometimes run in families, although not always.

• Will a frenectomy improve my child’s speech?

  If tongue restriction affects pronunciation or articulation of certain words a release may help. Some children may still benefit from speech therapy after the release to retrain tongue movements and coordination.

• Can a tongue-tie come back?

  Recurrence is uncommon, especially when proper aftercare and stretching are done.

• Will my child need stitches?

  If a sterile instrument release is performed, self-dissolving sutures may be used for more extensive releases. In most cases — especially for infants — sutures are not required.

• How common are tongue-ties and lip-ties?

  They’re more common than you may realize — studies estimate that up to 5–10% of infants have some degree of tongue-tie – not all require treatment.

• What causes tongue-ties or lip-ties?

  They are developmental variations present from birth. The exact cause isn’t known. They occur when the frenum doesn’t separate properly during development.

• How soon can my child eat or drink afterward?

  Most children can breastfeed, bottle-feed, or eat soft foods immediately after the procedure.

• Will my baby need anesthesia?

  Infants usually don’t require anesthesia. For older children, a local anesthetic is used to ensure comfort.

• Is a tongue-tie painful for my child?

  Parents often ask us this. Good news, most children experience only minor discomfort for a day or two. For older children, a local anesthetic is used to ensure comfort.