If your baby struggles with breastfeeding, or your toddler has speech delays or trouble eating solid foods, a tongue tie could be the cause. A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is caused by an overly short or tight lingual frenulum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This can limit tongue movement and lead to various health and developmental issues.

At Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Dr. Sean Vostatek offers gentle and precise tongue tie release procedures—also called frenectomies—that can dramatically improve your child’s comfort, function, and overall well-being. Here are five important ways a tongue tie release can benefit your child’s health.

1. Easier, More Effective Breastfeeding

One of the most common signs of tongue tie in infants is difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding. This can lead to poor weight gain, extended feeding times, and discomfort for both baby and mom. A tongue tie release can significantly improve the baby’s ability to latch, suck, and feed more efficiently—leading to a better nursing experience for everyone.

2. Clearer Speech Development

As children grow, limited tongue mobility can impact the way they form sounds, especially those that require the tongue to move freely (like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r”). Releasing the tongue tie early can help prevent or correct speech issues, supporting clearer communication as your child develops language skills.

3. Improved Eating Habits and Digestion

Children with tongue ties may have trouble chewing or swallowing certain foods, often leading to picky eating habits, “pouching food,” or gagging. A frenectomy can enhance tongue movement, making it easier for your child to chew, swallow, and enjoy a wider range of healthy foods, improving nutrition and digestion.

4. Better Sleep Quality

Did you know that tongue ties can contribute to breathing issues during sleep? Limited tongue movement may cause the tongue to fall back into the airway during rest, potentially contributing to snoring or sleep-disordered breathing. A tongue tie release can help open the airway and promote healthier, more restful sleep.

5. Boosted Confidence and Comfort

Children with untreated tongue ties may struggle with basic oral functions like licking, kissing, or cleaning food from their teeth. These challenges can lead to frustration, embarrassment, or social discomfort. Releasing the tongue tie restores the full range of motion, helping your child feel more confident and at ease in daily life.

Compassionate Pediatric Dental Care in Colorado Springs

At Simply Kids Dental, every child deserves the opportunity to grow, speak, eat, and thrive without limitations. If you suspect your child may have a tongue tie, Dr. Vostatek is here to help with advanced, kid-friendly treatments in a supportive and caring environment. Call (719) 249-2030 today to schedule a consultation and learn how a tongue tie release can support your child’s long-term health and development. Often, we offer same-day dental tongue tie treatment after a dental consultation for patients who travel from a distance to ensure their convenience.

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