Lip & Tongue-Tie Release in Cambridge
A lip or tongue tie happens when the small band of tissue (the frenulum) under the lip or tongue is too tight or too short, so it holds back normal movement. For some babies, that can make feeding harder than it needs to be.
At Riverfront Dental, we offer gentle lip and tongue-tie assessments and releases for infants and children in Cambridge, ON. When a release is the right step, it is quick and gentle.
If your baby is struggling to latch or feed, call (519) 621-2111 and we will book an assessment at 725 Coronation Blvd, Suite B1 & B2, Cambridge, ON N1R 7S9.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, so the tongue cannot move as far as it usually would. A lip tie is the same idea higher up, between the upper lip and the gums.
When the tongue or lip cannot move freely, it can change how a baby latches and feeds. In some children it may also play a part in speech or oral development later on.
Signs of a Lip or Tongue Tie in Babies
Every baby is different, but here are some signs that sometimes point to a lip or tongue tie:On their own, none of these confirms a tie. A short assessment lets us see whether a tie is present and whether a release is likely to help.
How a Release Can Help
Releasing a tie that is genuinely restrictive gives the tongue or lip more room to move. For many babies, that means a more comfortable latch and easier feeds. Addressing a tie early can also help oral development along. We look at each child on their own and suggest a release only when we think it will make a real difference.The Release Procedure (Frenectomy)
A frenectomy is a quick, gentle procedure that releases the tight band of tissue. It usually takes only a few minutes.We look at the lip and tongue, talk through your feeding concerns, and decide together whether a release makes sense.
We gently release the tight tissue. Bleeding is usually minimal, and babies can often feed right afterward.
We show you a few simple stretches and aftercare steps to help the area heal.
We check back on healing and feeding to see how your baby is doing.
Why Lip and Tongue Position Matters
The tongue and lips do more than most of us realize. From the first days of life, the tongue creates the gentle suction and rolling motion a baby uses to draw milk, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The upper lip turns outward to form a comfortable seal. When the frenulum (the small band of tissue under the tongue or behind the upper lip) is unusually tight, short, or attached close to the tip, it can hold back that movement and make feeding harder than it should be.
It helps to remember that not every tight frenulum causes trouble, and not every feeding struggle comes from a tie. Plenty of babies have a visible frenulum that never affects feeding, speech, or dental health. That is why we start with a careful assessment of your own child. We are not here to treat an appearance. We want to understand whether restricted movement is actually behind a problem, and whether a release is likely to help.
When a restriction does get in the way, it can show up at different stages. In the newborn weeks, it usually looks like a feeding struggle for baby and parent both. Later on, a more significant tie may occasionally affect the way a child forms certain sounds, how comfortably they handle different food textures, or how easily they keep their teeth clean. Weighing the whole picture, from feeding history and the parent's comfort to weight gain and a hands-on oral exam, tells us far more than appearance ever could.
Signs in Older Children
Most lip and tongue ties turn up during the feeding stage, but some are not spotted until a child is older. If a tie was mild as a baby, or if feeding went smoothly anyway, a restriction can become more noticeable once a child starts to talk, eats a wider range of foods, and brushes their own teeth. Parents of toddlers and school-aged children sometimes ask us to take a closer look when they notice things like these:
None of these signs confirms a tie by itself. Many have other, more common explanations, and speech in particular develops at a different pace for every child. If you are worried about your child's speech, a speech-language pathologist is the right person to involve, and we are glad to work alongside one. What we can add is a gentle dental look at the lip and tongue tissue, so that, together with the rest of your child's care team, you have the full picture before you decide whether any treatment is worth doing.
A Gentle, Comfort-First Visit
We know that bringing a tiny baby in for any procedure can feel daunting, and we do everything we can to keep the visit calm. When a release is the right step, it is a small, focused procedure, not the kind of surgery most parents picture. Depending on the tissue, we may use a soft-tissue laser or fine, sterile surgical scissors. Both are well established, and we pick whichever suits your child best.
We go over the assessment, answer your questions, and make sure you feel informed and comfortable before anything starts.
The release itself takes only a few minutes. Bleeding is usually minimal, and we keep the visit short and gentle for your baby.
Most babies are ready to feed soon afterward, which is naturally soothing and helps them settle in your arms.
Every child responds differently, and we never rush. If at any point the assessment suggests a release is not the right move, or that another professional should weigh in first, we will tell you honestly. What matters to us is your child's wellbeing and your peace of mind, not the procedure itself.
Aftercare and Healing
Good aftercare helps the area heal well and lowers the chance of the tissue reattaching as it heals. Before you leave, we will walk you through exactly what to do at home so you feel confident. The mouth heals quickly, and most families find the routine simple once they have seen it.
It is completely normal to feel unsure during the first day or two, and we want you to feel supported the whole way through. If feeding does not improve the way you hoped, or if you have any worries at all, please reach out. We would much rather hear from you than have you sit and wonder. A short follow-up lets us check that the area is healing well and that feeding is getting more comfortable for your baby and for you.
A Team Approach to Your Child's Care
Lip and tongue ties are rarely a dental matter on their own, and the best results usually come from a team working together. Feeding especially is shaped by many things at once: positioning, latch technique, milk supply, a baby's strength and coordination, and sometimes a tie. So rather than looking at the mouth in isolation, we work with the other professionals who already support your family.
When breastfeeding is hard, an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is often the best first call, because hands-on feeding support sorts out many problems with no procedure at all. Your pediatrician or family physician keeps an eye on weight gain and overall health and rules out other causes. If speech or feeding in an older child is the concern, a speech-language pathologist brings expertise that ours does not replace. When a release really is warranted, it works best as one part of this wider support, not as a fix on its own.
This is why we always start with a thorough assessment and an honest conversation. Releasing a tie that is not actually causing trouble will not help, and we will say so plainly. By listening, examining gently, and staying in touch with your care team, we try to recommend treatment only when it is genuinely likely to help your child.
Why Families Choose Riverfront Dental
Since 2018, Riverfront Dental has cared for Cambridge families with a calm, gentle approach that puts comfort first. We see patients of every age, so we know how to put little ones at ease and how to walk nervous parents through each step. Our team takes the time to explain things clearly and answer your questions, and we base our advice on your child rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist.
If you want to know more about the gentle technology we use for soft-tissue care, you can read about our diode laser dentistry in Cambridge. To see the wider range of care we offer younger patients, visit our pediatric dentistry overview. Wherever your family is in this, we are happy to start with a conversation and an assessment, and to help you settle on the right path for your child.
Meet Your Cambridge Dental Team
Pediatric care at Riverfront Dental is provided by experienced general dentists who focus on gentle, family-friendly treatment.
Dr. Beaucage completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo. She earned both her PhD and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. She values careful planning and patient education.
Dr. Lalji earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Western University. He focuses on helping patients feel informed and comfortable throughout treatment.
Dr. Gerlich earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University College Cork in Ireland, where she was named a College Scholar. She brings international clinical experience and a gentle, patient-focused approach to Riverfront Dental.
All three dentists are general practitioners. They are not oral surgeons. Since 2018, the Riverfront Dental team has proudly served the Cambridge community.
Conveniently Located in Cambridge
Cambridge, ON N1R 7S9
Frequently Asked Questions
Book a Lip & Tongue-Tie Assessment in Cambridge
If your baby is struggling to feed, we are here to help.
Call (519) 621-2111 and we will book an assessment at 725 Coronation Blvd, Suite B1 & B2, Cambridge, ON N1R 7S9.