If feedings feel more like a struggle than a snuggle, your baby’s mouth might be trying to tell you something. Subtle issues like a lip or tongue tie can make nursing, bottle-feeding, and even soothing more challenging than they need to be. That’s why families across Dickson and Belle Meade turn to Accent Smile Center, where Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Greene offer experienced care that supports both babies and parents. First, let’s take a closer look at what lip and tongue ties actually are.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
Tiny tissues can make a big difference, especially when they limit how your baby moves their lips or tongue. A lip or tongue tie happens when these connective tissues are too tight, restricting movement in ways that can interfere with feeding, soothing, and even early speech development.
At Accent Smile Center, Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Greene often evaluate infants and young children for these ties during routine visits. Here’s a closer look at the two:
- Lip Tie: A thick or tight band of tissue connects the upper lip to the gum, making it hard for the lip to move freely, often affecting latch during nursing or bottle-feeding.
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): The tissue under the tongue restricts its movement, which can impact sucking, swallowing, and later on, speaking clearly.
Spotting a tie early can make all the difference, so let’s explore the signs parents should be looking for.
Common Signs in Infants
Babies may not have the words, but their feeding habits can say a lot. Lip and tongue ties often create challenges that show up during nursing or bottle-feeding, leaving parents puzzled and concerned. Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Greene at Accent Smile Center frequently meet families who sensed something was off long before a diagnosis. These are some of the most common red flags to look out for:
Feeding Difficulties
- Trouble latching or staying latched
- Clicking sounds or gumming during feeding
- Frequent feedings with little weight gain
- Extended nursing sessions that leave the baby unsatisfied
Physical Clues
- Tongue appears heart-shaped or notched when crying
- Limited tongue or lip movement
- A visible band of tissue under the lip or tongue
What Parents Might Notice
- Pain or damage during breastfeeding
- Frequent blocked ducts or mastitis
- Concerns about milk supply
While these signs often show up in infancy, lip and tongue ties can continue to affect kids as they grow. Next, let’s explore how these issues might present in toddlers and young children.
Signs in Toddlers and Children
As children grow, lip and tongue ties can continue to impact daily functions—often in ways that catch parents off guard. What begins as a feeding challenge in infancy can evolve into speech delays, eating difficulties, or even dental concerns down the line. The team at Accent Smile Center frequently evaluates older children whose symptoms weren’t spotted early on. If your child is experiencing any of the following, a tie might be playing a role:
- Difficulty forming sounds like “L,” “R,” “S,” “TH,” or “Z”
- Trouble chewing or swallowing certain textures
- Gagging or choking frequently while eating
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Snoring or disrupted sleep patterns
- Gaps between the front teeth not caused by spacing issues
These challenges can affect everything from speech clarity to mealtime habits. Knowing when to seek help is the next step, so let’s cover what to look for.
When to Seek Help
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a passing phase and something that needs attention. But if feeding struggles, speech hiccups, or oral habits are creating daily stress, or just don’t seem to be improving, it may be time to bring in an expert. Rather than guessing or waiting it out, having a quick evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Greene take a thoughtful, low-pressure approach to every consultation, using gentle, evidence-based techniques to assess tongue and lip function. Sometimes, no treatment is needed at all. Other times, a simple, quick procedure can make a big impact. If nothing else, you’ll leave with answers and a plan that fits your child’s needs.
Next, we’ll walk through what treatment looks like and how it works, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Lip and Tongue Ties Are Treated
When a tie limits your child’s ability to feed, speak, or use their mouth comfortably, laser treatment offers a safe and efficient solution. The Accent Smile Center team uses a soft tissue laser to gently release the tissue without cutting or stitching. This method results in minimal bleeding, faster healing, and reduced stress for both children and parents.
Here’s what you can expect from the process:
Evaluation
Dr. Gatgens will assess your child’s lip and tongue mobility, review any symptoms you’ve noticed, and determine if the tie is affecting feeding, speech, or other oral functions. This thorough evaluation helps ensure that treatment is necessary and tailored to your child’s needs.
Laser Treatment
The procedure takes only a few minutes. The laser works by gently releasing the tight tissue while simultaneously cauterizing the area. This minimizes bleeding, reduces the risk of infection, and eliminates the need for sutures.
Aftercare Instructions
Post-treatment care is simple and will vary depending on your child’s age. For infants, this may involve gentle stretches to keep the tissue from reattaching. Older children may benefit from oral exercises or speech therapy support, depending on their symptoms.
This quick, effective procedure often brings noticeable improvements in a matter of days, giving both kids and parents a smoother path forward. With expert care from Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, Dr. Greene, and the team at Accent Smile Center, you can feel confident knowing your child is in skilled, compassionate hands.
Ties That No Longer Bind
When something as small as a tissue band gets in the way of eating, speaking, or thriving, the right care can make all the difference. Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Greene are here to help families in Dickson and Belle Meade find clarity and comfort with expert evaluations and gentle treatment. If you’re ready for answers—or just peace of mind—schedule your consultation with Accent Smile Center and give your little one the comfort they deserve.