Important to know from the start:
At My Smile Health Centre, tongue-tie and lip-tie releases are provided only for infants under 12 months of age. Dr. Ivy Yu does not perform these procedures for children older than one year.
It is recommended and mandatory that Infants are only assessed for tongue and lip tie releases following or in conjunction with treatment by another health care provider such as a physician, pediatrician, lactation consultant, midwife, chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist or feeding expert for the infants feeding journey.
Dr. Yu provides Infant Oral Health Exams starting after birth, where assessment of oral condition and function can be done early. Parents can be provided education, guidance, and support tailored to their child’s needs for oral hygiene care, healthy eating and drinking when transitioning to solid foods and healthy sleep and breathing habits. Infants or children will be referred to other collaborative professionals to ensure overall care prior to moving forward with tongue or lip tie release surgery.
Early identification, gentle guidance, and whole-body support
The first year of a child’s life is a period of rapid growth and development. Many people are not aware that the skull and upper jaw of children are 20% fully developed at birth and nearly 80% fully developed by the age of 2.
Early feeding patterns, breathing and sleeping habits highly influence the creation of the foundations for oral and facial development which can also have an influence on overall health.
This is where infant tongue and lip-tie assessments and treatments can have a significant positive effect- not just with the procedure, but with awareness, education and informed guidance and support
Understanding tongue-ties and lip-ties in infants
A tongue-tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue restricts “normal” movement and is bound down to the lower jaw or the floor of the mouth. The tongue should not only be able to stick out of the mouth but a critical function is the upward and elevated movement of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. The goal is to have the tongue as the “natural expander” for the upper jaw.
A lip-tie involves restrictive tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum of the upper jaw. In infants, these restrictions may influence how efficiently a baby feeds, how comfortably they latch for feeding, how teeth erupt into the mouth and the ability to brush or clean the teeth.
Not every tongue or lip-tie requires intervention. Many variations exist, and what matters most is symptoms and function, not just appearance. Careful evaluation helps determine what support—if any—is needed or appropriate.
The importance of the first dental visit
At My Smile Health Centre, the first dental visit for an oral health exam is recommended after birth. This visit includes an Infant Oral Health Exam, designed to gently assess early development while giving parents clear, practical guidance.
During this exam, we assess:
- Tongue mobility and oral tissues
- Lip posture and function
- Feeding patterns and challenges
- Early signs of restriction
- Oral development within a whole-body context
- Breathing and sleep habits
This allows potential tongue-ties and lip-ties to be identified early—when guidance and monitoring are most effective.
A preventive, integrative approach
Infant tongue and lip-tie treatments are not about rushing into procedures. From an integrative dentistry perspective, the goal is to understand how the mouth functions as part of the entire body.
The tongue plays a role in:
- Feeding efficiency
- Jaw growth and development
- Early breathing patterns
- Airway support
- Muscle balance in the face and jaw
- Swallowing
- Speech
When movement is restricted, the body often compensates to work around the restrictions. This can lead to people believing that this is something infants or children will “grow out of”. Compensations can be negatively affecting jaw growth and development. Early identification helps reduce unnecessary and damaging compensations during a critical stage of development.
Clear boundaries around treatment and collaboration
Clinical clarity is essential—for both families and providers.
Dr. Ivy Yu will only perform tongue and or lip tie release surgeries for infants under 12 months after babies have been seen by another health care professional such as a lactation consultant, midwife, feeding expert, chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist to ensure feeding issues can be addressed. If restrictions are found at the Infant Oral Health Exam appointment prior to seeing another health care provider, infants will be referred to assist with feeding habits prior to any surgery being performed.
The healing journey for infants tends to be much more pleasant and improved when Dr Ivy partners up with another collaborative health care professional.
When a release is not indicated, parents are supported with information rather than pressure.
When parents start asking questions
Many parents begin exploring infant tongue and lip-tie treatments after noticing:
- Feeding fatigue or frustration
- Difficulty latching
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Prolonged feeding times
- Excessive gas or discomfort leading to colic symptoms
- Open mouth posture
An infant oral health exam provides a calm, structured way to understand what’s happening and what support may help.
Why early identification matters
Identifying oral restrictions early gives families options. Early awareness allows for:
- Supportive and collaborative feeding strategies
- Reduced stress during feeding
- More efficient feeding techniques
- Monitoring of oral and overall growth and development
- Informed, confident decision-making
Even when no treatment is required, knowing what to watch for can be reassuring.
A thoughtful path forward
Infant tongue and lip-tie treatments are not about labels or quick fixes. They are about supporting development during a critical window, with care and collaboration that respects both function and timing.
By focusing on early assessment and whole-body awareness, families are empowered to support their child’s health with confidence.
Final thoughts from Dr. Ivy Yu
“Infant oral health is about more than teeth—it’s about function, comfort, and long-term wellbeing. My role is to help parents understand what they’re seeing, what matters most, and how to support their child’s development with clarity and care.”
