Tongue-Tie Treatment Baton Rouge: Expert Diagnosis & Care

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that occurs when the lingual frenulum – the small piece of skin that connects the bottom of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth – is too thick, too short, or attached too far up on the tongue. This may be caused by genetics. The band stays connected as the child grows because it’s unusually short or thick, creating a tightness to the tongue that limits its mobility.

In cases of tongue tie, the lingual frenulum restricts the motion of the tongue. There is evidence-based research to show the impact of restricted tongue range of motion on the under-development of the upper jaw.

Tongue tie is also associated with chronic mouth breathing, nasal congestion, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Luong treats tongue tie in both children and adults in Baton Rouge. The most common treatment for tongue tie is a surgery called a lingual frenuloplasty.

Dr. Luong’s technique for lingual frenuloplasty is based on precision; releasing the appropriate amount of tissue for maximal relief – not too much, and not too little.

Alongside surgery, Dr. Luong integrates myofunctional therapy. Addressing the compensatory muscular and joint tension through manual therapy can significantly help optimize rehabilitation in cases of tongue tie.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a treatment for the muscles of the face, tongue, lips, jaw, and neck as it relates to breathing, posture, chewing, swallowing, speech, and dental occlusion.

Myofunctional therapy involves strengthening the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to reposition muscles to the appropriate posture.

Individuals with predominant mouth breathing or insufficient habitual nasal breathing often develop maladaptive habits and patterns of orofacial function. These bad habits may impact various conditions, including improper facial skeletal growth, sleep-disordered breathing, nasal obstruction, oral hygiene and dental problems, teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, neck and shoulder tension, speech problems, facial esthetics, and more.

Do You: 

• Snore? Have trouble falling or staying asleep?
• Wake up tired in the morning?
• Breathe heavily or breathe through your mouth?
• Have asthma, allergies or chronic congestion?
• Have stomach or reflux issues? Grind or clench your teeth?
• Have neck or jaw pain? Have issues with your teeth moving following braces?
• Have limited tongue movement? Have a hypersensitive gag reflex? 

Does Your Child:

• Snore or breathe heavily?
• Sleep or play with his/her mouth open? Wet the bed?
• Have difficulty with attention?
• Drool?
• Spit or drool while talking?
• Have misaligned teeth?
• Bite his/her fingernails  or suck his/her thumb after age 4?
• Chew with his/her mouth open?
• Have asthma, allergies, or frequent congestion?
• Have a “tongue thrust” or been told he/she was “tongue-tied”?
• Mumble while speaking?
• Have a difficult time being understood by others? 

Proper diagnosis allows for targeted and effective physical therapy exercises for oral posture retraining. These exercises promote better health with goals to improve breathing, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life.

For more information, you can also check out our dental services here.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Treatment

• Getting tongue-tie release makes it easier for the tongue to participate in regular jaw movements.
• This can not only help the jaw move more smoothly, but it can also take the burden off of other muscles.
• Painful tension will decrease, reducing or eliminating sore muscles.

Choose Elements Dental Spa & Aesthetics for Your Dental Services!

Our goal is to allow patients of all ages to breathe, eat, sleep, and move better so that they can be the best version of themselves!

At Elements Dental Spa & Aesthetics – Baton Rouge Dentist & Aesthetics Spa, our doctors perform a very thorough new patient exam to evaluate you for evidence of a tongue-tie, airway or TMJ issues, and any other dental issues you may have.

Please call (225)-398-8812 or fill in our contact form to schedule your New Patient Experience today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition in which an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth. If necessary, tongue-tie can be treated with a surgical cut to release the frenulum (frenotomy).

Do tongue ties need to be corrected?

Tongue ties (ankyloglossia) do not always need to be fixed. Treatment is only necessary if the tie causes functional issues, such as difficulty breastfeeding, eating, or speaking. While some professionals recommend immediate correction, others prefer a wait-and-see approach, as many ties do not cause problems or may loosen over time.

Key Considerations for Treatment

• Breastfeeding Issues: If a baby cannot latch, is not gaining weight, or causes significant maternal pain, a frenotomy (simple snipping) may be recommended.
• Speech and Eating: If a child cannot stick their tongue out past their lower lip, has a “forked” tongue, or develops speech difficulties with specific sounds (t, d, z, s, l), intervention may be considered.
• Wait-and-See: Many tongue ties do not require surgery, as they may not affect long-term development.
• Adults: Adults only typically need treatment if the tie causes persistent functional issues, such as difficulty eating certain foods or issues with oral hygiene.

Can you correct a tongue-tie without surgery?

Yes, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can often be managed or improved without surgery, especially in mild cases. Non-surgical approaches focus on improving tongue function rather than removing the tissue, using techniques like oral motor exercises, myofunctional therapy, and, in some cases, waiting for the tissue to naturally loosen over time.

Is tongue-tie a big issue?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is not inherently a “big problem” for everyone, as many cases cause no issues or resolve on their own. However, it can become a significant issue if it restricts tongue movement enough to cause breastfeeding difficulties (pain, poor latch), speech articulation issues, or long-term oral hygiene concerns.

What is the best age to fix a tongue-tie?

The best age for tongue-tie surgery (frenectomy) is typically 2 to 6 weeks old, though it can be performed at any age. Early intervention is ideal for addressing breastfeeding issues, as recovery is rapid, often requiring minimal or no anesthesia, and it avoids developing compensation habits or speech issues.

Get directions to our tongue-tie treatment clinic in Baton Rouge