What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
We are all born with a small band of connective tissue that connects our tongue to the floor of the mouth, called the lingual frenulum. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the lingual frenulum is unusually short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue's range of motion and can lead to challenges in feeding, speech, and oral development.
Similarly, our lips have frenula connecting them to gums in the center and on each side. The labial frenula in the center of the upper lip most commonly creates issues that warrant intervention. In infants, a lip tie can interfere with feeding by preventing a proper seal around the breast or bottle nipple, leading to increased air intake and associated symptoms like gas or reflux. In children and adults, we may see issues with oral hygiene, gum recession, or a persistent gap between the front teeth (diastema).
A diagnosis of a tongue or lip tie should be based on how the tissue affects function, not just appearance. Nearly 90% of babies are born with a labial frenulum attaching near the edge of the gum ridge, so this alone does not indicate a problem. As children grow, the labial frenulum attachment often shifts upward with time. Evaluation and determination of when to treat must be done by a qualified professional who understands the complex ways in which oral motor function impacts overall development and relieve excess tension.
Dr. Kuntz uses the LightScalpel CO₂ laser to perform this procedure, which offers:
• Precise, gentle tissue removal.
• Minimal bleeding and discomfort.
• Sterilizing effects.
• Faster healing.
• Reduced risk of scarring & reattachment (sutures are placed in older children and adults).
Dr. Kuntz is certified in Laser Dentistry, Laser Surgery, and Laser Safety through the Laser Institute of America and is a Fellow of the American Laser Study Club.