Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment in North Mackay, QLD

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we understand that your child’s oral health is essential for their overall wellbeing and development. Our specialised team offers comprehensive care for lip and tongue tie conditions that can affect feeding, speech, and comfort from infancy through adulthood.

What Is Lip & Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—called the lingual frenulum—is too short or tight, restricting movement. Similarly, lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too restrictive.

These conditions are present at birth and can affect essential oral functions. While some cases are mild with minimal symptoms, others may significantly impact feeding, speech development, and oral hygiene.

Symptoms of Lip & Tongue Tie

Recognising the signs of lip and tongue tie early can lead to more effective treatment. Here are common symptoms to watch for:

In Babies

  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Making clicking sounds while nursing
  • Poor weight gain or weight loss
  • Frequent breaks during feeding
  • Extended feeding times
  • Colic, excessive gassiness, or reflux
  • Heart-shaped appearance of the tongue when extended
  • Restricted movement of the upper lip

In Children

  • Challenges with certain speech sounds
  • Difficulty chewing age-appropriate foods
  • Gagging or choking on foods
  • Persistent food preferences
  • Dental hygiene issues
  • Continued dribbling past typical age
  • Dental alignment problems
  • Airway issues and mouth breathing

In Adults

  • Speech clarity issues, especially when speaking quickly
  • Jaw pain or clicking
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Gum inflammation and dental health problems
  • Difficulty with denture placement
  • Neck and shoulder pain related to posture compensation

Lip & Tongue Tie in Infants vs Adults

For Infants

Early intervention for lip and tongue tie can prevent feeding difficulties that may lead to poor weight gain and maternal discomfort during breastfeeding. Addressing these conditions in infancy may also prevent potential speech and dental development issues later in life.

For Children and Adults

Untreated lip and tongue tie can lead to long-term complications including:

  • Speech articulation problems
  • Dental misalignment requiring orthodontic treatment
  • Social confidence issues
  • Difficulty with oral hygiene leading to increased dental problems
  • Persistent jaw pain and headaches

At any age, proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life by addressing these symptoms.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that releases the restrictive tissue (frenum) causing lip or tongue tie. At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we offer:

Laser Frenectomy

Our modern approach uses dental laser technology for frenectomy surgery, offering:

  • Minimal discomfort
  • Reduced bleeding
  • Faster healing time
  • Precise treatment with less trauma to surrounding tissues
  • No sutures needed in most cases
Post-Procedure Care

After a frenectomy, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and support:

  • Stretching exercises to prevent reattachment
  • Feeding guidance for infants
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
  • Referrals to speech therapists or lactation consultants when needed

Lip & Tongue Tie FAQ

Signs include feeding difficulties, speech issues, and visible restriction of tongue or lip movement. Our dental team can provide a professional diagnosis.

Our laser frenectomy technique minimises discomfort. Infants can usually feed immediately after the procedure, and older patients typically report minimal pain.

Most patients experience full healing within 1-2 weeks, though initial discomfort typically subsides within days.

While earlier intervention often leads to better outcomes, frenectomy can be beneficial at any age when symptoms are present.

Some children may benefit from speech therapy to learn proper tongue movement patterns, especially if speech has already been affected.

Pricing and Insurance

We believe that addressing lip and tongue tie is an investment in your child’s long-term health and development. Our frenectomy procedures are designed to provide lasting results that can prevent costly interventions later in life.

Many health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary frenectomy surgery. Our friendly office staff will help you understand your coverage options and out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you suspect your child may have lip or tongue tie, or if you’re experiencing symptoms yourself, contact our North Mackay office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Call us today at (07) 3062 7662 to take the first step toward improved oral function and comfort for you or your child.

Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature: Supporting optimal oral development through specialised lip and tongue tie treatment in North Mackay, QLD.