Tongue Tie Specialists

Tongue Tie services offered in Verona and Westfield, NJ

If you have limited tongue movement due to tongue tie, highly trained dentists Shalom Mintz, DDS, Louis Galiano, DMD, and their team are here for you. At New Jersey Dental Specialists in Verona and Westfield, New Jersey, they offer tongue tie procedures that improve tongue range of motion and improve your ability to chew and speak clearly. Call the office to learn more about tongue tie release or schedule an appointment online today.

Tongue Tie Q & A

What is tongue tie?

Tongue tie is a condition that is present at birth and restricts tongue movement and range of motion. The band of tissue below the tongue (lingual frenulum) that holds it in place is shorter, tighter, or thicker than it’s supposed to be in the case of tongue tie.

When left untreated, the condition can cause problems with chewing, swallowing, speaking clearly, or other oral health issues.

What are the symptoms of tongue tie?

Common symptoms associated with tongue tie include:

Difficulty lifting your tongue
Problems moving your tongue from side to side
A tongue that appears heart-shaped
Difficulty eating in babies
Problems speaking, chewing, or swallowing

In babies, tongue tie can cause problems during breastfeeding. It might negatively affect speech development in young children. Tongue tie can make it difficult for you or your child to maintain exceptional oral hygiene.

What are the risk factors for tongue tie?

If you have tongue tie, chances are you were born with the condition. Anyone can develop it, but tongue tie is more common in boys than in girls. Your risk of developing tongue tie increases with family history of the condition.

How does my provider diagnose tongue tie?

New Jersey Dental Specialists review your symptoms and oral health history with you to find out if you have tongue tie and develop a treatment plan if needed. They examine your mouth, including your tongue, teeth, and gums. Your dentist tailors a treatment that’s best for you or your child’s personalized needs.

How does my dentist treat tongue tie?

The most common treatment for tongue tie is to remove or cut through tight tissue bands that constrict tongue movement. The New Jersey Dental Specialists team first numbs the treatment area, offers a sedative if needed, and alters targeted tissues using specialized dental tools.

After the procedure, follow all postsurgery instructions to ensure proper healing. You might complete tongue exercises to minimize scarring and maximize the range of motion after surgery.

If you or your child experiences negative effects from tongue tie and you’re interested in treatment, call the New Jersey Dental Specialists office or schedule an appointment online today.