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Treating a Tongue Tie (Frenectomy)

• One of the biggest issues babies with tongue tie face is difficulty breastfeeding or eating. The baby's limited ability to move their tongue might prevent them from placing it in the right position while feeding. Instead of sucking, the baby might chew on the nipple, which can prevent them from getting the food they need. The chewing may also cause the mother a good deal of pain.
• Without treatment, a tongue tie may cause problems later in life. Having limited tongue movement may make speech difficult. Tongue-tied children and adults have problems with sibilant sounds resulting in a lisp.
• To prevent any possible eating or speech issues Dr. Jacobs treats the problem as soon as it is observed.
• The most common surgical treatment is a procedure called a FRENECTOMY. Research shows 85 percent of patients who had the frenectomy showed an immediate improvement in their ability to breastfeed and 100% had improved speech.
• During a frenectomy, Dr. Jacobs removes the frenulum, the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom part of the mouth. Often, a frenectomy is a quick and easy procedure that requires little anesthetic.
• If your infant is having trouble breastfeeding or your older child is developing speech difficulties, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with Dr. Jacobs for evaluation.

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Care of Mouth After Frenectomy

• If your child’s mouth is numb, closely watch your child until the anesthesia wears off. Local anesthesia may last as long as 3 hours. Do not allow your child to bite, suck, or rub the lips, face, or tongue while they feel numb.
• To minimize any discomfort, give your child Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours as needed.
• If your child is two or under, use Tylenol.
• Continue to brush and floss teeth starting this evening, being careful to avoid the surgical site.
• Apply the Rincinol with provided Q-tips 4-5 times per day until the pack is empty. This reduces the healing time in half.

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