Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue beneath a baby’s tongue is unusually short or tight, restricting tongue movement. When this affects breastfeeding, a procedure called a lingual frenotomy may be recommended.
Not every tongue tie requires treatment. Our clinicians assess your baby’s tongue movement, feeding and breastfeeding experience before recommending a procedure.
Your baby may have:
For suitable babies, tongue tie release can be performed quickly using sterile scissors to divide the restrictive frenulum. For babies with a thin frenulum who are under around four months old, the procedure may be performed without anaesthesia.
Before treatment, your baby should have received Vitamin K or the recommended oral doses. The procedure is generally performed shortly before feeding, and breastfeeding immediately afterwards is encouraged.
Babies usually settle quickly and can feed immediately after treatment. Mild bleeding can occur, and a small white or yellowish healing patch beneath the tongue can be normal and usually settles within two weeks.
Your clinician will provide appropriate aftercare advice and let you know when further review is required.
Most babies can feed normally immediately after a tongue tie release. Mild fussiness or discomfort during the first few feeds
Gentle assessment and tongue tie release for babies experiencing feeding difficulties.
Assessment and treatment for tongue tie (ankyloglossia), including tongue tie release for babies and children when clinically appropriate.
A quick and gentle injection that helps protect newborns from Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).
Assessment and treatment for tongue tie in babies and children, including tongue tie release where clinically appropriate.
Telehealth consultations provide convenient access to medical care by phone or video, where clinically appropriate.
