Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment in Mackay, Queensland

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, our North Mackay clinic provides specialised care for lip and tongue tie concerns in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Our purpose-designed space includes a special “Nurture Room” where families can relax before, during, and after lip and tongue tie procedures in comfort and privacy.

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenum—the strip of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight or restrictive. This restriction can present in different ways:

• A thick frenum that limits tongue movement
• Attachment too close to the tongue tip
• Restriction that prevents normal range of motion

When the tongue cannot move freely, numerous functions including feeding, speech, and oral development may be affected.

Similar to tongue tie, a lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (labial frenum) is too tight or thick. This restriction can:

• Limit the normal movement of the upper lip
• Pull against gum tissues near the teeth
• Potentially lead to gum recession
• Affect proper lip closure when at rest
• Interfere with speech development
• Create challenges with proper feeding

Restricted oral tissues can create significant challenges for children at different developmental stages:

For Infants

• Difficulty establishing or maintaining proper latch during breastfeeding
• Challenges with bottle feeding and proper suction
• Poor weight gain related to inefficient feeding
• Excessive air intake causing colic or reflux symptoms
• Maternal discomfort during breastfeeding

For Toddlers and Young Children

• Delayed speech development
• Difficulty with age-appropriate foods
• Problems with drinking from cups
• Clefting or heart-shaped appearance of the tongue
• Restricted tongue mobility affecting oral exploration

For Older Children

• Speech impediments that persist despite therapy
• Self-consciousness about speech or appearance
• Challenges with oral hygiene
• Dental development concerns
• Social impacts related to speech and eating

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we specialise in minimally invasive frenectomy procedures using advanced laser technology. Our approach offers several advantages:

Quick, Comfortable Procedures

• Treatment takes just moments to complete
• Minimal discomfort during the procedure
• Often requires no numbing medication for infants
• Immediate improvement in range of motion

Laser Frenectomy Benefits

• Precise treatment with minimal trauma
• Little to no bleeding during the procedure
• Reduced swelling and discomfort afterward
• Faster healing compared to traditional methods
• Natural sterilisation of the treatment area

Immediate Results

Following treatment, patients experience immediate improvement:

• Babies can typically breastfeed right after the procedure with improved latch
• Older children notice immediate increase in tongue or lip mobility
• Comfort measures like cool popsicles help soothe the area
• Specific exercises help establish new movement patterns

Our treatment doesn’t end with the frenectomy procedure. We provide:

• Detailed aftercare instructions
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Guidance on exercises to prevent reattachment
• Referrals to specialists when beneficial (lactation consultants, speech therapists)
• Long-term monitoring of oral development

If you notice any of these signs, your child might benefit from an evaluation:

• Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Persistent speech concerns despite therapy
• Visible restriction of tongue or lip movement
• Gap between front teeth that may be related to a lip tie
• Recommendations from your lactation consultant, pediatrician, or speech therapist

Our experienced team at Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature is dedicated to helping children achieve optimal oral function through gentle, effective treatment of lip and tongue ties.

Book an evaluation at our North Mackay office by calling (07) 3062 7662 today to get the answers you need. Our caring team will thoroughly assess your child’s condition and discuss whether frenectomy could benefit their development and comfort.