Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment in Mackay, Queensland

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

Frenectomy procedures are provided by Dr Hany Aziz (DEN0000989492), Registered Dentist.

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, 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 contribute to gum recession
• Affect proper lip closure when at rest
• Affect speech development
• Create challenges with feeding

Restricted oral tissues can create 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

For Older Children

• Speech difficulties that persist despite therapy
• Challenges with oral hygiene
• Dental development concerns

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we provide frenectomy procedures using laser technology.

Laser Frenectomy Benefits

Potential benefits of laser frenectomy may include:

• Targeted treatment of restrictive tissue
• Reduced bleeding compared to some traditional methods
• Sutures often not required
• Natural sterilisation of the treatment area

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Results and healing times vary between patients.

Following Treatment

After treatment:

• Babies can often breastfeed after the procedure
• Some patients may notice improved range of motion; results vary
• Comfort measures like cool foods may help soothe the area
• Specific exercises help establish new movement patterns

Ongoing Care

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

• Aftercare instructions
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Guidance on exercises to reduce the risk of reattachment
• Referrals to allied health professionals when beneficial (lactation consultants, speech therapists)
• Monitoring of oral development

If you notice any of these signs, your child may 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, paediatrician, or speech therapist

Our experienced team at Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature is dedicated to helping children with lip and tongue tie concerns.

Book an evaluation at our North Mackay office by calling (07) 3062 7662 today. Our team will assess your child and discuss whether frenectomy may be appropriate.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.