What Age Is Best for Tongue-Tie Release?
What Age Is Best for Tongue-Tie Release?
If your baby is struggling to breastfeed, latch, or gain weight, a might be the underlying cause. This condition, formally known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short. Many parents wonder when the right time is to seek treatment. The answer can vary, but early diagnosis and care from our pediatric tongue-tie dentist in Okemos, MI, can make a significant difference in your child’s development.
Why Timing Matters
Tongue-tie can affect a child’s ability to breastfeed, swallow, speak, and even sleep properly. For infants, the condition is most often detected due to breastfeeding difficulties such as poor latch, prolonged feeding sessions, or maternal nipple pain. When these issues arise within the first few weeks of life, early intervention can relieve symptoms quickly and help establish a better feeding routine.
Ideally, the best time to release a tongue-tie is during infancy—often within the first few weeks to months of life. During this period, babies heal more rapidly, and the tongue’s function can normalize faster with less likelihood of long-term complications. Early treatment also minimizes the chances of developing speech, dental, or oral posture issues later on.
Treatment at Different Ages
Although infancy is the optimal time for a tongue-tie release, treatment is still effective at older ages. Toddlers and preschool-aged children may receive a frenectomy if they experience speech delays, difficulty eating certain foods, or struggle with oral hygiene. In older children, the procedure may require additional coordination with a speech-language pathologist or myofunctional therapist to support proper tongue function post-release.
For school-aged children and even teens, laser tongue-tie release can still offer benefits—especially if the condition is contributing to speech impediments, orthodontic problems, or issues with breathing during sleep. However, the treatment plan may involve more follow-up care, including exercises and therapy, to retrain tongue movements.
Laser vs. Traditional Methods
Modern tongue-tie releases are typically performed using a laser, which provides a quicker, more precise, and minimally invasive option compared to scissors or scalpels. Laser frenectomy can be completed in just a few minutes with minimal bleeding, and most infants can breastfeed immediately afterward. This makes it especially suitable for newborns and infants whose parents want to address the issue promptly.
Consultation and Evaluation
If you suspect your baby or child has a tongue-tie, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a pediatric provider like Dr. Ramaswami who specializes in this condition. Our team takes a thorough approach, assessing not only the physical restriction but also any related feeding, speech, or developmental concerns. We often collaborate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other professionals to ensure a holistic care plan.
Choosing the right age for a depends on your child’s symptoms, overall health, and developmental stage. However, early intervention typically yields the most seamless recovery and lasting benefits. For compassionate and expert care, trust our pediatric tongue-tie dentist in Okemos, MI, to guide you through every step of the process.
Book a Consultation for Tongue-Tie Release
Dr. Neeru Ramaswami is proud to serve as your pediatric tongue-tie dentist in Okemos, MI. She’s also accepting new patients and will be able to determine if your child is a candidate for laser tongue-tie release. To schedule a consultation for tongue-tie treatment, please call the Michigan Tongue-Tie & Airway Center at (517) 574-4688 or fill out our online contact form.