By Dr. Ivy Yu, My Smile Health Centre
As a parent, you always want what’s best for your child—especially when it comes to their health and well-being. But what if something as simple as feeding your baby is a daily struggle? What if breastfeeding is painful, your baby is always fussy during feeds, or they aren’t gaining weight properly? These could be signs of a tongue-tie or lip-tie, conditions that are often overlooked but can have a big impact on your baby’s development.
At My Smile Health, we specialize in helping babies with feeding challenges related to tongue-tie and lip-tie. One of the most effective treatments is an infant frenotomy, a simple procedure that can dramatically improve feeding, breathing, and overall comfort for your child. Many parents don’t realize how important this treatment can be, or how much it can improve not just their baby’s life, but their own.
Let’s talk about what infant frenotomy is, why it matters, and how we can help you and your baby thrive.
What Is Infant Frenotomy?
An infant frenotomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie. These conditions occur when the frenulum—the thin band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip—is too tight, restricting movement and function.
This restriction can make it difficult for babies to breastfeed or bottle-feed effectively, leading to a range of issues that affect both the baby and the mother. A frenotomy involves gently releasing the tight tissue with a laser or sterile surgical scissors, instantly improving movement and function.
While this might seem like a small issue, the impact can be life-changing for your baby and your family.
Why Is Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie a Concern?
Many parents don’t realize how much oral function affects overall health. A tongue-tie or lip-tie can impact:
Feeding
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Frequent clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
- Swallowing air, leading to colic, gas, or reflux
- Slow weight gain despite frequent feeding
- Frustration or fatigue while nursing
Speech & Oral Development
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Trouble moving food around the mouth when eating solids
Breathing & Sleep
- Poor oral posture, leading to mouth breathing
- Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
If left untreated, these issues can persist into childhood, affecting speech, eating, breathing, and even jaw development. Early intervention with a frenotomy can prevent these challenges before they become more serious.
How We Can Help at My Smile Health Centre
At My Smile Health, we take a holistic, gentle, and personalized approach to diagnosing and treating tongue-ties and lip-ties.
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
We start with a thorough assessment of your baby’s oral structure and function. If needed, we also collaborate with lactation consultants, pediatricians, and speech therapists to ensure a full-circle approach to your child’s care.
2. Gentle, Laser Frenotomy
If a tongue-tie or lip-tie is diagnosed, we use a soft tissue laser for a precise, quick, and virtually painless release. Compared to traditional methods, laser frenotomy:
- Minimizes bleeding
- Reduces discomfort
- Speeds up healing
- Lowers the risk of reattachment
Most babies breastfeed more effectively within minutes after the procedure!
3. Post-Procedure Care & Support
A frenotomy is just the beginning. We provide:
- Guidance on post-procedure exercises to encourage proper tongue movement
- Follow-up visits to ensure healing is progressing well
- Ongoing support to help your baby feed comfortably and grow strong
A Life-Changing Difference for Your Baby—and for You
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is hearing from parents after their baby’s frenotomy. The relief they feel when their baby finally latches without struggle, gains weight more easily, and sleeps better is incredible.
I’ve seen mothers who were on the verge of giving up breastfeeding finally experience pain-free, successful nursing. I’ve seen babies who were struggling with reflux or gas become calmer and more content. And I’ve seen children who might have faced speech or breathing challenges later in life get the best possible start thanks to early intervention.
If your baby is having feeding difficulties, you don’t have to wait and see if it gets better on its own. A simple frenotomy could make all the difference in their growth, development, and quality of life.
Let’s Give Your Baby the Best Start in Life
As a parent, you already know how much love and care it takes to help your child thrive. If your baby is struggling with feeding or showing signs of a tongue-tie or lip-tie, we’re here to help.
At My Smile Health, we provide a warm, gentle, and expert approach to infant frenotomy—because your baby deserves to eat, breathe, and grow without difficulty.
Schedule a consultation with us today and let’s take the first step toward a happier, healthier future for your baby.
Warmly,
Dr. Ivy Yu
My Smile Health Centre
Burnaby
