For Parents

Support, clarity, and honest guidance

Parents often come to us with many questions and sometimes different opinions about what to do. Our goal is to provide clear guidance so families can understand their options and decide what feels right for their child.

Could a lip or tongue-tie be part of the problem?

Some babies and toddlers have tight tissue under the tongue or lip. In some children, this can affect feeding or how they use their mouth. In others, it may not cause any problems at all.

That’s why we don’t look at appearance alone. We take time to understand your child’s feeding history and talk through concerns before making recommendations.

Signs parents often notice

Some parents notice feeding or mouth-movement challenges as their child grows. These concerns can have many causes, but in some cases a tongue-tie or lip-tie may play a role.

Feeding Difficulties

Trouble latching or staying latched during feeding.

Long Feeding Sessions

Feeding takes a long time or seems frustrating for baby or parent.

Clicking Sounds

Clicking or loss of suction while feeding.

Chewing Challenges

Toddlers may have difficulty managing food in their mouth.

How Our Care Is Different

We take a careful, family-centered approach to tongue- and lip-tie care.

We look at feeding first and often encourage families to work with a feeding therapist or lactation professional before considering treatment. Many children improve with the right support.

When treatment is recommended, we take time to explain options and answer questions so families feel comfortable with the plan.

Getting Ready For Your Visit

To help us understand your child’s needs, it’s helpful to bring any feeding or therapy notes you may have.

You may also want to write down any questions or concerns you’ve noticed during feeding.

During the visit, we will talk through your child’s history and concerns before discussing possible next steps.

After Care and Follow-Up

If treatment is recommended, we will explain how to care for your child afterward and what to expect during healing.

Feeding therapy after treatment can help children learn to use their mouth more effectively. Our team remains available to answer questions and support families during recovery.

FAQs

It’s normal to have questions when feeding isn’t going as expected. Below are answers to some of the questions families ask most often.

If you need more guidance, we’re here to help.

Some babies with tongue-tie may have trouble latching, staying on the breast or bottle, or feeding comfortably. Others may take a long time to feed or seem frustrated during feeding. Not every feeding challenge is caused by a tongue-tie, which is why a careful evaluation can be helpful.
No. Some tongue-ties do not cause problems. We look at how a child is feeding and using their mouth before making recommendations.
In many cases, yes. Feeding therapy can help babies and toddlers build stronger skills and sometimes improves feeding without surgery.
A careful evaluation helps us understand whether the tissue under the tongue or lip is affecting function. We review your child’s history, exam findings, and input from therapists before discussing options.
That’s okay. Many families come to us looking for guidance. A consultation can help clarify whether the tissue is affecting function and what the best next step may be.
In some cases, yes. Every child is different. We talk through options with families so they can make the decision that feels right for their child.
Yes, in some children it can. Tongue or lip restrictions may affect how a baby feeds and how toddlers chew or use their mouth. Not every child with a tongue-tie has problems, which is why we look carefully at function before recommending treatment.
The release itself is very quick. Babies may be fussy for a short time afterward, but most settle quickly and return to feeding.
When treatment is recommended, we use a LightScalpel CO₂ laser for precise release. We may also use BabyLase® photobiomodulation therapy to support healing and feeding.
BabyLase® is a gentle light therapy called photobiomodulation. It uses specific wavelengths of light to support healing and reduce inflammation. This therapy may be used before or after treatment to support recovery and feeding.
If treatment is recommended, we will review aftercare instructions and what to expect during healing. Feeding therapy after treatment helps children learn to use their mouth more effectively.
All evaluations and treatments are performed by Dr. Ashley Patnoe, a pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of experience caring for children. She has completed advanced training in tongue-tie evaluation and treatment and works closely with feeding therapists and other providers.
You can contact our office through the form on the Contact page or call us directly to schedule a consultation.