Tongue and Lip Ties &
Tethered Oral Tissues
What Are Tongue and Lip-Ties?
Some children are born with extra tissue under the tongue or upper lip, called a frenum. When this tissue is too tight — often referred to as tethered oral tissues (TOTs) — it can affect a child’s ability to breastfeed comfortably and may impact their overall quality of life. In infants, a tongue or lip tie can cause painful breastfeeding, difficulty transferring milk, poor weight gain, and even colicky behavior. In older children, untreated ties may lead to challenges with speech, chewing, swallowing, and other concerns.
Dr. Coco provides thorough evaluations to determine if your child has any restrictions that could be contributing to these difficulties. If a frenectomy is recommended, we are often able to perform the procedure the same day for infants using a gentle laser. The treatment itself is quick, with minimal bleeding, mild discomfort, and a fast healing process.
Dr. Coco’s wife, Heather Stahley RN BSN, is a mother-baby nurse with extensive experience supporting new parents and infants. She is available to provide guidance, care, and reassurance before, during, and after the procedure to help make the experience as smooth and supportive as possible for your family.
Why Consider a Frenectomy?
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that between four and ten percent of infants are born with a tongue-tie. As we continue to learn more about infant development, it's clear that breastfeeding plays a vital role in a baby's early health and growth. If your baby struggles to latch, has difficulty feeding, or seems uncomfortable during nursing, a tongue- or lip-tie could be the cause.
The good news is that a simple frenectomy can often make a big difference — improving latch, easing feeding struggles, and helping to strengthen the special bond between mother and baby.
Infants with tongue- or lip-ties may:
Struggle to latch or feed effectively
Leak milk from the sides of the mouth while eating
Have trouble gaining weight
Click their tongue or smack their lips when feeding
Show signs of reflux or colicky behavior
Seem unusually fussy or gassy
Older children with untreated ties may:
Have trouble sleeping or breathe with their mouth open
Experience a strong gag reflex or delayed speech
Speak softly, have unclear speech, or be hard to understand
Choke or cough when eating and drinking
Be picky eaters or eat more slowly than peers
Snore or grind their teeth at night
If you notice any of these signs, we’re here to help! Dr. Coco provides thorough evaluations and gentle care to support your child’s feeding, development, and overall well-being.
2. Stretches and Exercises
Post-procedure stretches are an important part of healing. Dr. Coco recommends gentle stretching 3–4 times a day, usually at diaper changes, for about three weeks. These simple exercises help prevent tightness as the area heals and encourage the best mobility and function.
3. Follow-Up Care
Dr. Coco stays closely connected with families after treatment and is happy to answer any questions you may have. Complimentary post-operative visits are available if you’d like reassurance about how healing is progressing.
Aftercare:
1. Post-Treatment Support
We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to healing and feeding success. After the procedure, working with a team — including lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, and other supportive providers — can help ensure the best outcomes for your child. We're happy to connect you with trusted local specialists to support your family through every step of the process.
4. Comfort and Pain Relief
The procedure is quick and designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. We use a gentle laser and baby-safe numbing agents to minimize discomfort and promote quick recovery. We’ll go over everything you need to know during your consultation — feel free to bring any questions!
5. Healing Takes Time
While some improvements in feeding may be seen right away, it’s completely normal for progress to be gradual. As your baby’s tongue or lip gains new mobility, it may take a few days to build strength and coordination. Some babies may even seem a little tired or frustrated while adjusting — this is a normal part of the learning process and will improve with time.