Gentle, child-centered care to help your child feed, speak, and grow with more comfort and confidence

Caring for your child's feeding and speech development

When a child struggles to nurse, take solids, or form sounds, parents often feel worried and unsure where to turn. Tongue and lip ties can be one contributing factor, and getting a careful, experienced evaluation is the first step toward clarity. At RVA Children's Dentistry, we listen to families, observe how your child moves, and partner with you to decide whether tongue-tie treatment is appropriate for your child's needs and stage of development. Dr. Sobia Carter and Dr. Jessica McAuliffe approach each case with patience and a focus on comfort, so families feel supported through assessment, any recommended frenectomy, and follow-up care.

Understanding tongue and lip tie treatments

Tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue under the tongue limits its mobility. A lip tie refers to a tight or thick connection between the upper lip and gum. Not every tight frenulum needs treatment, but when movement is restricted enough to cause feeding difficulties, clear speech development challenges, or oral hygiene problems, a targeted approach may help. Tongue tie treatment ranges from conservative support with feeding strategies and therapy to a frenectomy, which releases the restrictive tissue to allow greater range of motion. A frenectomy can be performed using precise instruments or lasers depending on what is clinically appropriate and the child's comfort level.

Benefits of tongue tie treatment

Early, thoughtful evaluation and treatment can improve a child's ability to feed, swallow, and participate in speech therapy when needed. For infants, easing a significant restriction can make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding less stressful for both baby and parent and may reduce nipple pain for nursing caregivers. For toddlers and older children, increased tongue mobility can support clearer articulation and make oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk that trapped food leads to decay. Tongue-tie treatment is also considered when restricted movement appears to affect oral posture or airway development; in those situations, we emphasize airway assessments and collaborative care so that decisions focus on supporting proper development and function rather than promising that a single procedure will resolve complex concerns.

What to expect during your visit

Your first appointment is an opportunity for a careful, unhurried evaluation. We begin by hearing your concerns about feeding, speech, sleep, or dental issues and reviewing any relevant history. Dr. Sobia Carter and Dr. Jessica McAuliffe examine how your child's tongue and lip move, observe feeding or swallowing if needed, and assess dental and airway factors that could be contributing to the problem. If an obvious restrictive frenulum is found and treatment is being considered, we discuss options tailored to your child's age, health, and comfort needs.

If a frenectomy is recommended, we explain the technique we propose and the reasons it best meets your child's situation. Many frenectomies are brief procedures performed in the office using local anesthetic and gentle approaches designed for children; in selected cases, a laser may be used to reduce bleeding and speed healing. For children with complex medical needs or extensive restorative treatment, care under hospital-grade general anesthesia is available in collaboration with hospital teams. We carefully review risks and benefits, and make a clear plan for pain control and follow-up.

Post-procedure guidance is an important part of care. Early stretching or myofunctional exercises, along with coordination with lactation consultants, speech therapists, or myofunctional therapists, may be recommended to maximize outcomes. Our team schedules follow-up to monitor healing and to adapt the care plan as your child grows; recovery is typically quick, but every child's timeline differs.

Why choose RVA Children's Dentistry for tongue and lip tie treatments?

RVA Children's Dentistry offers a high-touch, child-centered environment where extended appointment times allow our team to get to know each family and tailor care. Both Dr. Sobia Carter and Dr. Jessica McAuliffe bring specialized pediatric training and a calm, experienced approach to evaluating ties and performing frenectomies when clinically appropriate. Dr. Carter is a board-certified pediatric dentist with deep experience in sedation and hospital-based care for complex cases; Dr. McAuliffe, also board-certified, holds a Master's in Pediatric Dentistry and has extensive experience in behavior guidance and pharmacological management. Together, they provide balanced clinical judgment and refer to or coordinate with lactation consultants, speech pathologists, and myofunctional therapists when a multidisciplinary approach will best support your child.

Our office is newly renovated and equipped with modern clinical tools to promote safe, minimally invasive care. We prioritize comfort options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation when needed, and when hospital-based general anesthesia is the safest choice, we work with trusted hospital partners. We accept a range of payment options and insurance plans, and we strive to make care accessible through our Smart Smiles membership and third-party financing. Above all, we focus on building a partnership with you, so that decisions about tongue-tie treatment are made with your goals and your child's developmental needs at the center.

Schedule your tongue and lip tie consultation

If you are noticing feeding struggles, delayed speech milestones, or have questions about lip-tie symptoms, we can help evaluate your child's movement and develop a tailored plan. New patients can request an evaluation online and complete paperwork before the visit for a smoother first appointment. Dr. Sobia Carter and Dr. Jessica McAuliffe will review options with you and recommend next steps that prioritize safety, comfort, and positive developmental outcomes.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions