Your Guide to Tongue Tie in Babies, Everything You Need to Know

Symptoms, When Treatment Is Needed, and a Pediatric Dentist Mom’s Real Experience

Let me start with something important: not every tongue tie needs to be released.

I say this as a pediatric dentist and a mom who has a tongue tie herself. One that has never been treated. I speak clearly, I function just fine, and yes, I still became a doctor. This is not a “fix every tongue tie” story.

What this is is an honest look at how tongue ties can affect infants, feeding, and maternal wellbeing, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.

Tongue Tie Symptoms in Babies: My First Child’s Experience

My first son was diagnosed with a tongue tie at birth. Because he was gaining weight and bottle feeding, treatment was never recommended. As a first-time mom, I assumed what I was seeing was normal newborn behavior:

• Frequent spit ups
• Milk leaking from the sides of his mouth
• Excessive gas
• Needing to burp constantly during feeds

It wasn’t until months later, after I completed advanced tongue tie training as a pediatric dentist, that the connection became clear. These weren’t quirks. His tongue couldn’t form a proper seal, leading to excess air intake, leaking milk, and digestive discomfort.

Tongue Tie Release Results

We released his tongue tie at 3 months old, and the improvement was immediate:

• Proper seal while feeding
• No more milk leakage
• Reduced spit ups and gas
• Less colic
• No more marathon burping sessions

The procedure itself took seconds. He cried briefly. I cried longer, from relief. My only regret was not addressing it sooner.

Breastfeeding Pain and Tongue Tie: My Second Baby

When my second baby was born with a tongue tie (thanks, genetics), I had more experience and this time, I was breastfeeding.

Those first few days were brutal. This wasn’t mild breastfeeding discomfort. It was sharp, radiating pain with every latch. By day three postpartum, I knew something had to change.

We proceeded with a tongue tie release, and once again, the results were immediate:

• Deep, effective latch
• Complete resolution of nipple pain
• Comfortable, enjoyable breastfeeding

We went on to have a successful breastfeeding journey until 18 months, something I could not have imagined during those painful first days.

Why I Offer Tongue Tie Evaluations and Treatment

My perspective as both a pediatric dentist and a mother is why I offer tongue tie and lip tie evaluations and releases.

This isn’t just about feeding mechanics. It’s about:

• Supporting proper infant feeding
• Reducing pain and stress for parents
• Protecting the breastfeeding relationship
• Improving overall quality of life in those early months

When feeding works, everything improves, bonding, sleep, mood, and yes, even the laundry.

Do You Need a Referral for a Tongue Tie Evaluation?

No referral is required for a tongue tie or lip tie evaluation.

While lactation consultants, pediatricians, ENTs, or other healthcare providers may recommend an evaluation, parents can schedule directly with us.

What to Expect at Our Office

• Call (323) 244-4440 or schedule online at www.ouismile.com
• Baby appointments are conveniently scheduled first thing in the morning
• You’ll receive clear pre-appointment instructions
• We use a CO₂ soft-tissue laser, which allows for:
  
  • Minimal to no bleeding
  • Faster healing
  • Reduced risk of reattachment

If you have questions or concerns, we are always happy to help guide you.