Tongue Tie Release

Bradenton Tongue Tie Dental Services

'Tongue-tie or “ankyloglossia” is a tethering of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. About 100 years ago, midwives knew about tongue ties and would release a baby's tongue tie at birth. For many reasons, this impairment is being missed and/or misdiagnosed and now we have a generation of people with tongue-ties.

  • Children with tongue-tie may lead to:
  • Hyperactivity/ADHD/ADD
  • Bed wetting
  • Clenching or grinding of the teeth
  • Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
  • Tongue thrust or swallowing issues/messy eating
  • Sleep apnea
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches
  • Mouth breathing/snoring
  • TMJ or face pain
  • Speech issues
tongue tie release breathe baby

Many adults with tongue-tie compensate by recruiting other muscles to perform oral motor tasks, however, this compensation is dysfunctional and tongue-tie in adults can lead to:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Headaches
  • Clenching or grinding of the teeth
  • TMJ pain or other facial pain
  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears
  • Mouth breathing/snoring
  • Poor head posture
  • Improper swallow
  • Sinus issues/allergies
  • Speech problems
  • Muscle tension
  • Inflammatory conditions
tongue tie release breathe baby

Babies with tongue-tie have symptoms of:

  • shallow latch at breast or bottle
  • undigested milk on tongue or milk dribbles out
  • poor weight gain
  • acid reflux
  • clicking sounds while feeding
  • long, unproductive feeds, baby is hungry often
  • mothers will experience breast pain or infection

A tongue-tie release procedure is a quick and easy way to release the tongue from the floor of the mouth. We have invested in the latest technology in CO2 laser therapy. The LightScalel CO2 laser is an efficient tool that coagulates while precisely releasing restricted fibers without even touching the surface of the tongue. The laser essentially vaporizes any restrictions and is absolutely safe to use on infants to instantly improve breastfeeding/bottle feeding and quality of life for moms and babies alike. Many times, babies who have a tongue tie suck air into their bellies and are diagnosed with acid reflux. This leads to a prescription for antacids at their young life when all they may need is a tongue tie release with the CO2 laser. Dr. Sheahan has special training to be able to identify and treat tongue ties. We like working with other healthcare professionals such as IBCLC/lactation specialists, pediatric physicians, OBGYN's, chiropractors, speech and language pathologists, myofascial release therapists, just to name a few.

For an adult or child, we will have one of our myofunctional therapists work with you before and after the procedure to prevent relapse and to teach your tongue how to function properly. For an infant, we will teach mom and dad how to facilitate myofunctional exercises so that re-attachment doesn't occur.

At Cortez Dental, we are interested in the best quality of life for our patients. Ask us for more information.