Freedom to Feed, Speak, and Smile: Understanding Laser Frenectomies for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie in Kids

It’s amazing how something so small — a tight band of tissue under the tongue or lip — can have such a big impact. Feeding struggles. Speech delays. Gaps between teeth. Breastfeeding pain. Trouble sleeping. It’s often hidden in plain sight, quietly affecting everything from how a baby latches to how a child learns to speak.

But here’s the good news: help is available. And it’s faster, gentler, and more precise than ever before.

Laser frenectomies are a breakthrough treatment for tongue tie and lip tie — and they’re changing lives for babies, toddlers, and parents alike. If you’ve ever wondered why feeding has been a battle or why your child struggles to pronounce certain sounds, this might be the missing piece.

At Little Grins Pediatric Dentistry in Glendora, CA, Dr. Hu and the team use advanced laser technology to perform safe, quick frenectomies that allow kids to eat, speak, and grow freely — without discomfort, trauma, or long recovery times.

So let’s dive into what tongue and lip ties really are, how they affect kids of all ages, and why laser treatment is making such a difference.

What Is a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie?

Let’s break it down.

Everyone has a frenum — a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the upper lip to the gums (labial frenum). That’s normal.

But in some babies and children, that tissue is too short, thick, or tight, limiting movement. This is called:

• Ankyloglossia (tongue tie)
• Lip tie (when the upper lip is restricted)

These conditions can range from mild to severe and may not always be obvious at first — especially if you’re a new parent just trying to figure out feeding, sleeping, and what all those baby cries really mean.

But when left untreated, they can cause real issues.

How Tongue and Lip Ties Affect Your Child

The effects of tongue or lip tie vary depending on age and severity, but here are some common signs to look for:

In Infants:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
• Clicking or popping sounds while nursing
• Gumming or chewing instead of sucking
• Poor weight gain
• Long feeding sessions (or feeding every hour)
• Gas, colic, or reflux symptoms
• Maternal nipple pain, cracking, or infections

In Toddlers and Older Children:

• Delayed speech development
• Trouble making certain sounds (like “L,” “R,” “T,” or “D”)
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Tongue thrusting
• Open bite or gap between front teeth
• Difficulty licking ice cream, playing wind instruments, or keeping food in the mouth

And beyond the physical? There’s the emotional toll — on kids who struggle to express themselves, and on parents navigating confusion, frustration, or feeding guilt.

The good news? A laser frenectomy can offer gentle, immediate relief.

What Is a Laser Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases the tight tissue (the frenum) to allow proper movement of the tongue or lip. When done with a dental laser, the procedure becomes incredibly precise — with less pain, bleeding, or recovery time than traditional methods.

At Little Grins Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Hu uses a specialized pediatric soft-tissue laser that:

• Cauterizes as it cuts, minimizing bleeding
• Requires no stitches in most cases
• Takes just a few minutes
• Often doesn’t require general anesthesia — especially in infants

Compared to scissors or scalpel-based methods, laser frenectomies are far gentler and safer for delicate tissue. Babies often breastfeed immediately after the procedure, and older kids can return to normal activities within a day.

Benefits of Laser Frenectomies for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

According to the Journal of Human Lactation, infants who undergo frenectomy procedures show significant improvements in feeding, maternal comfort, and weight gain. The AAPD and International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP) also support laser treatment as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach to care.

Here’s why it’s such a powerful option:

• Quick, Simple Procedure: Usually done in under 10 minutes
• Minimal Discomfort: Many children don’t even require numbing for mild cases
• Little to No Bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels as it works
• Faster Healing: Most children feel better within 24–48 hours
• Improved Function: Feeding, speech, and sleep often improve right away
• Lower Infection Risk: Lasers sterilize the area as they treat

For breastfeeding moms, the improvement is often immediate. Babies latch deeper, feed more efficiently, and moms feel relief from pain and frustration. For older kids, proper tongue mobility allows them to pronounce sounds correctly, swallow more efficiently, and even sleep more soundly.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

If Dr. Hu suspects a tongue tie or lip tie during your child’s exam, she’ll perform a full assessment and review any symptoms you're seeing at home. This includes:

• A visual and physical exam
• Feeding history and any speech/latch concerns
• Possible referral to a lactation consultant or speech therapist for collaboration

If a frenectomy is recommended, here’s what to expect:

Before the Procedure:

• For infants, you’ll be encouraged to feed right before and after for comfort
• Older kids may receive topical numbing gel or mild sedation if needed
• Dr. Hu will walk you through the process step-by-step

During the Procedure:

• The laser gently releases the tight tissue in seconds
• You can often stay with your child during treatment
• There’s minimal (if any) bleeding and no stitches

After the Procedure:

• Infants often feed better immediately
• Mild soreness or fussiness may last a day or two
• Stretching exercises will be recommended to prevent reattachment
• Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and mobility

Support doesn’t stop when the appointment ends. The team at Little Grins Pediatric Dentistry is there to guide you through post-procedure care and help ensure your child gets the most benefit from their new mobility.

Collaboration Is Key

While laser frenectomies offer physical relief, full recovery often involves a team approach. That’s why Dr. Hu works closely with:

• Lactation consultants
• Speech-language pathologists
• Myofunctional therapists
• Pediatricians and ENTs

This collaborative care ensures your child gets the right treatment at the right time, with full support for feeding, speech, and overall growth.

It’s not just about clipping a frenulum — it’s about giving your child the tools to eat, speak, and thrive with confidence.

When to Seek Help for a Suspected Tie

Still not sure whether a tongue or lip tie is an issue for your child? Here are a few reasons to consider scheduling a consult:

• Breastfeeding isn’t going well, and lactation support hasn’t helped
• Your baby pops off the breast or bottle frequently
• Your child drools excessively, even past infancy
• You’ve noticed speech issues or limited tongue movement
• There's a visible string of tissue when your child lifts their tongue or upper lip

Trust your instincts. If something feels off — whether it’s feeding, speech, or just how your child uses their mouth — it’s worth getting checked.

And the earlier, the better. Early correction often means better outcomes, fewer complications, and no need for general anesthesia.

At Little Grins Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves the chance to feed, speak, and smile without limits. Whether your baby is struggling to nurse or your child is facing speech frustrations, we’re here to help — gently, precisely, and with the heart of a parent.

Call Little Grins Pediatric Dentistry at 626-788-3308 or visit us at 120 N Grand Ave, Glendora, CA to schedule your laser frenectomy consultation.

Let’s give your child the freedom to grow with confidence — one tiny snip at a time.