Frenulum Surgery for Children

The lingual frenulum is a natural band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It plays an important role in speech development and tongue muscle stability. A common issue is a short lingual frenulum, which can cause difficulties with swallowing or breastfeeding in newborns.

It may also lead to speech disorders or bite problems. Improper frenulum attachment can result in oral hygiene difficulties and true diastema (a gap between the front teeth). These issues can interfere with proper sucking and feeding, leading to poor nutrition. In such cases, tongue-tie correction may be necessary.

Abnormal frenulum development may be caused by genetics or impaired speech development. Frenulum surgery in children is a minor surgical procedure aimed at correcting or removing the frenulum to restore full tongue function.

Frenula of the tongue and lips are natural structures that support the movement of the lips and tongue and ensure:

• proper lip elevation and stability
• balanced muscle tone
• efficient sucking and chewing

A short frenulum affects the tongue's natural position, often leading to speech difficulties. To pronounce certain sounds, a child may restrict jaw movement or make unnatural movements. Common signs that your child may need a frenulum correction include:

• trouble sucking
• swallowing, or chewing
• speech delays or defects
• restricted tongue mobility
• oral health problems, visible gaps between front teeth ("central diastema").

These symptoms are typically caused by a short or thick frenulum or its abnormal attachment. If you suspect frenulum issues, consult a specialist who can diagnose the cause and recommend the right treatment plan. A clear indication for frenulum release is the presence of a true diastema — a gap of 2 mm or more between the front teeth. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and involves releasing the membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Another option is frenuloplasty, a surgical correction that repositions a malformed frenulum to its proper location. Sutures placed during the procedure are usually removed within 7 days.

The rule is simple: the earlier the tongue-tie is corrected, the better it is for both the baby and the parents. Releasing a short or problematic frenulum is advisable not only during breastfeeding but also for bottle-fed babies, as the tongue and facial muscles should function properly regardless of feeding method. That’s why choosing the right bottle teat and using the correct feeding technique is crucial.

Sometimes, feeding seems to go well at first, but problems appear around the 4th to 6th week or month. Your baby might suddenly struggle with latching, cry during feeds, or seem irritable. Each feeding may feel like a struggle. This could be a sign of a short frenulum that wasn't obvious earlier. Initially, your baby may have compensated by feeding more frequently or taking smaller amounts of milk. But as the need for milk increases, the issue becomes more noticeable. A specialist consultation is highly recommended, and there are no issues with performing the procedure even in infants just a few months old.

Contraindications for tongue-tie surgery include blood clotting disorders, Pierre Robin sequence, or general weakness due to inflammation or other health concerns. Book a consultation by phone or via the special form on the website.