Tongue and Lip Tie Treatments: Effects on Speech and Nutrition

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie are anatomical conditions that can be seen from birth. Tongue tie is the restriction of tongue movement due to the connective tissue (frenulum) located under the tongue being shorter or thicker than normal. Lip tie can affect nutrition and tooth development due to the frenulum located on the upper or lower lip being overly tight. These conditions can negatively affect speech, nutrition and tooth structure. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, children’s oral functions can develop healthily.

What are the symptoms of tongue and lip tie?

Children with tongue-tie may experience the following symptoms:

• During the Neonatal Period:
  • Difficulty sucking and need for frequent feedings
  • Getting tired quickly and not being able to latch on properly while breastfeeding
  • Gas pains and discomfort
• During Infancy and Childhood:
  • Difficulty transitioning to solid food
  • Inability to pronounce letters fully in speech (especially the sounds “L”, “R”, “D”, “T”)
  • Tooth gaps or tooth alignment disorder
  • Mouth closing problems due to insufficient lip movement
• In Older Ages:
  • The tongue cannot comfortably touch the upper palate
  • Limitation of lip movements and deterioration in smile aesthetics
  • Predisposition to gum recession

Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment Methods

Tongue and lip tie treatments applied by Antalya pediatric dentist Prof. Dr. Behiye Bolgül are determined according to the child’s age and complaints.

• Frenotomy (Laser or Surgical Cut):
  • In simple cases, the frenulum is cut quickly and painlessly under local anesthesia to free the tongue or lip movement.
  • The procedure performed with laser reduces the risk of bleeding and accelerates the healing process.
• Frenuloplasty (Expansion Surgery):
  • In more severe cases, surgery is used to loosen the frenulum and increase range of motion.
• Speech Therapy and Muscle Exercises:
  • Post-operative exercises are recommended to strengthen the tongue and lip muscles.
  • Working with speech therapists can help ensure that sounds are produced correctly.

Advantages of Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment

• More comfortable sucking and feeding process in newborns
• Supporting speech development
• Healthy development of jaw and teeth structure
• Prevention of gum recession and malocclusion
• Maintaining oral hygiene

Appointment and Consultation for Tongue and Lip Tie

To get detailed information about tongue and lip tie diagnosis and treatment, you can contact Antalya pediatric dentist Prof. Dr. Behiye Bolgül and learn the most appropriate treatment methods for your child.