Paediatric tongue tie specialist in London
At Toothbeary, we use a simple procedure known as tongue-tie division as treatment if your child’s ability to feed is impaired due to tongue tie.
Tongue-Tie Practitioner in London, Twickenham
Tongue-Tie Surgery in London
Some children are born with a tongue tie, which can restrict tongue movement. This may lead to challenges with breastfeeding and, in some cases, other health concerns like speech difficulties, airway issues, and digestive problems. Fortunately, these restrictions can often be resolved with a straightforward procedure known as a frenectomy.
What is a tongue tie?
The skin strip separating a baby’s tongue from the floor of their mouth is shorter than average if they have tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia. Infants with tongue ties occasionally don’t seem to be affected by their condition. Some people could find it challenging to nurse milk since it can restrict the tongue’s range of motion.
When a new-born baby is physically examined, tongue-tie can occasionally be found, however it is typically not noticeable. It might not be noticeable until your child has feeding difficulties.
The nipple and breast tissue must be grasped by the baby, and the tongue must cover the lower gum to protect the nipple from injury. Because they can’t open their lips wide enough, some babies with tongue-tie find it difficult to latch on to the breast.
Children's tongue tie treatment (Frenectomy) costs
To keep this treatment affordable, we ensure our prices are highly competitive compared to other specialist paediatric dentists in London; we offer 0% Interest-Free Credit to help spread the cost.
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Children’s tongue tie treatment |
from £460 |
Book a children's tongue tie appointment
Children's dental team
Dr Jahrad Haq
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon – GDC No 82110
Our gentle & caring tongue tie treatment team at Toothbeary is led by Dr Jahrad Haq.
Jahrad is our Oral and maxillofacial surgeon who holds degrees in both medicine and dentistry and has completed advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at several renowned London teaching hospitals. Jahrad is able to deliver a very high standard of clinical care as a result of his extensive training. He has experience dealing with patients who have complicated medical conditions as well as anxious people and young patients.
How does it affect babies and children?
If you believe your baby may have tongue tie and you are currently breastfeeding them, you may find that they have difficulty:
- Latching on and or remaining attached for the duration of the feed
- Breastfeeding for an extended amount of time, taking a short rest, then feeding again
- Make a "clicking" sound when you attach your baby to the breast
- Have trouble moving their tongue from side to side or pulling it up
- Have difficulty pushing their tongue out (if they do it may appear in a heart shape)
- Be restless and seem to be constantly hungry
Tongue-tie surgery process
It may not always be required to cure tongue tie if your infant can feed without any problems. A simple procedure known as tongue-tie division is utilised as treatment if the child’s ability to feed is impaired.
The connective tissue (frenulum) between your child’s tongue tip and the floor of their mouth, is separated during this procedure. By doing this, the tongue is disconnected from the floor of your child’s mouth.
The tongue-tie procedure itself typically takes only 1 to 2 minutes.
Not all children will require sedation, the process will depend on the age of the child.
Tongue tie surgery – what to expect after
Some babies show an immediate improvement in breastfeeding after a tongue-tie release, while others may take several feeds to adjust. In some cases, there may be little to no improvement. If you need further support, we recommend reaching out to your local breastfeeding support group or the professional who referred you.
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Signs of tongue-tie in children include difficulty moving the tongue from side to side, issues with breastfeeding (for infants), trouble with speech clarity, and challenges in eating certain foods. A healthcare provider can confirm tongue-tie with a simple examination.
For infants and young children, the procedure is generally quick and minimally uncomfortable, with numbing techniques used as needed. Adults may experience mild discomfort, but numbing agents and local anaesthesia make the procedure manageable. Recovery is usually swift, with minor soreness.
Recurrence is rare, especially if aftercare instructions are followed. In some cases, scar tissue can lead to a slight restriction in movement, which is why stretching exercises are recommended post-procedure to prevent reattachment.
Tongue tie can make breastfeeding more challenging by restricting the baby’s tongue movement, leading to difficulty latching, longer feeding times, and reduced milk transfer. This may cause discomfort for both mother and baby, including sore or cracked nipples, frequent feeding, and slow weight gain.
Babies with a tongue tie may experience difficulties such as:
- Struggling to latch onto the breast or maintain attachment during feeding.
- Feeding for extended periods, taking short breaks, and then needing to feed again.
- Appearing unsettled and constantly hungry.
- Slower-than-expected weight gain.
- Producing a “clicking” sound while nursing.
- Experiencing excessive gas or discomfort.
Addressing tongue tie with the right care can help improve latching, feeding efficiency, and overall comfort.
After a frenectomy, you can expect some mild swelling and discomfort, which typically improves within a few days. Babies may need time to adjust to their new tongue movement, and feeding might feel different at first. Some temporary fussiness or increased saliva production is normal.
For older children and adults, gentle tongue exercises may be recommended to aid healing and improve mobility. It’s important to follow aftercare instructions to prevent reattachment and promote proper healing. If you have any concerns, a follow-up appointment can ensure everything is progressing well.
