Should My Child Do Stretches After a Tongue-Tie Release?

A tongue-tie is a condition present at birth that limits how much the tongue can move. This happens because the lingual frenulum, the tissue that runs from the floor of the mouth to the bottom of the tongue, is too short or thick. This problem can typically be resolved by a lip and tongue-tie specialty dentist, but it’s crucial for your child to perform stretches afterward to preserve the results of their treatment. Here’s a brief guide to why this is necessary as well as a few tips for helping your child through the process.

How Are Tongue-Ties Treated?

A lip and tongue-tie specialty dentist will typically address a tongue-tie by performing a treatment called a frenectomy, which involves making a small incision in the lingual frenulum. This releases the tongue so that it can move properly, which can prevent a host of issues such as discomfort, fussiness, difficulty breastfeeding, and problems with eating and speaking later in life. Children who need frenectomies often receive them a few days after being born.

Modern frenectomies are typically performed using surgical lasers that make the process much more comfortable and minimally invasive. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and the laser is so precise that bleeding will be minimal if it happens at all.

Why Are Stretches Necessary?

After your child’s tongue is released, it is crucial to help them perform a few special exercises to keep their recovery period on track. Without these stretches, the excess frenulum tissue may grow back together possibly even thicker than before, which will make another treatment necessary.

How Can I Help My Child Do These Stretches?

The point of stretching your child’s tongue after a frenectomy is to ensure that the wound remains open as it heals so that the excess tissue does not fuse back together. It’s typically recommended that the parent gently but firmly lift their child’s tongue from the floor of the mouth so the whole wound is visible. Then, they should massage the wound with upward strokes to keep the excess tissue separated. For babies, this should probably be done four times a day. For toddles, it should be done twice daily, and older patients should do it thrice.

Don’t let a tongue-tie interfere with your child’s daily life. Adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions will allow your child to enjoy the many benefits of a frenectomy.

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis earned her dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and continues to study with the nation’s best pediatric dentists and speech therapists. She is proud to be a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, and the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentists. Her office in Palm Harbor offers laser frenectomies for lip and tongue-ties. To schedule your child’s consultation, contact the office online or dial (727) 786-7551.