Babies and newborns with tongue tie, often benefit significantly from proper post-operative care. If your baby has recently undergone a tongue tie release—also known as baby tongue tie repair or tongue-tied surgery—you’re likely wondering what comes next. Proper aftercare following a tongue and lip tie release helps your baby’s mouth heal, reduces discomfort, and prevents reattachment.
This guide outlines what to expect after the tongue tie procedure, how to support healing, and tips for a smooth recovery. Parents must be vigilant in observing the healing process after a tongue tie release.
What Is a Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the thick tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, limiting movement. The presence of a lip tie, where the upper lip is thickly attached to the gums, can also cause issues. This anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which can affect feeding, speech, breathing, and oral development. Lip ties can also create similar issues in a baby’s mouth, particularly affecting breastfeeding.
Treatment typically involves a tongue tie release procedure (also called tongue clipped surgery) or a laser tongue tie procedure, often performed in infants or young children.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties in Infants?
Correct treatment can help babies establish better breastfeeding techniques. Tongue and lip ties, technically known as ankyloglossia and labial frenulum, can profoundly affect a baby’s breastfeeding ability. It’s vital to address any lip tie complications early for effective baby tongue development. The lingual frenulum—a small fold of tissue connecting the tongue’s underside to the floor of the mouth—may be excessively tight, restricting tongue movement. This also includes the labial frenulum in the upper lips connecting to the gums. If unaddressed, this condition can lead to feeding difficulties, preventing babies from latching properly onto the breast. Symptoms may include a heart-shaped tongue tip, difficulty sticking the tongue out, or issues moving it side-to-side. Upper lip ties can contribute to feeding problems similar to tongue ties.
After Tongue Tie Procedure: What to Expect
Your child may need assistance to ensure a comfortable and quick recovery. After a tongue tie and lip tie release, your baby or child may experience:
- Mild swelling or tendernessTemporary fussiness or disrupted feedingA diamond-shaped white or yellowish area at the site (normal healing tissue)Changes in tongue and lip movement
If your child uses a pacifier, your provider may recommend a short pause or guided reintegration after the release.
Impact of Tongue and Lip Ties on Feeding
In babies and infants, tongue tie and lip tie can lead to several breastfeeding challenges. These conditions might make achieving a proper seal on the breast tough for the baby, resulting in ineffective suckling and potentially causing discomfort for the mother. Ensure that breastfeeding consultations assess both tongue and lip ties to improve feeding. Such issues can not only hinder the baby’s nursing efficiency but also result in insufficient milk intake and slow weight gain. Infants impacted by these conditions require gentle and accessible solutions for nursing challenges. Pediatric specialists highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, which often involves procedures like frenotomy or frenectomy to release restrictive tissues and improve breastfeeding. Experts in pediatric care and dental professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing these conditions.
How Long Does Tongue Tie Surgery Take to Heal?
Healing typically begins immediately, with most tissue recovery occurring within 7 to 14 days. However, full healing from tongue tie surgery—including muscular and functional improvement—may take a few weeks.
Key timelines:
- First 48 hours: Soreness and fussiness may peak
- Day 3–5: White “healing patch” forms under the tongue (normal)
- 2–3 weeks: Most healing is complete
- 1–2 months: Functional improvements become more noticeable
Tongue Tie Aftercare: Supporting a Smooth Recovery
Proper tongue tie aftercare is vital to prevent the tissue in the mouth from reattaching and to promote full range of motion.
Post-Surgery Exercises and Recovery
Exercises after surgery are crucial for the healing journey following tongue and lip tie procedures, enhancing mouth mobility. Gentle massages and stretches promote wound openness, prevent tissue reattachment, and enhance mouth mobility. The healing process benefits greatly from exercises that parents can easily perform. By using fingers for these accessible stretches, caregivers contribute to the wound healing process, ensuring proper wound care. Performing exercises as outlined by a healthcare professional is crucial for optimal recovery and functional gains in infants.
1. Post-Surgical Stretches
Perform stretching exercises as recommended by your dentist or specialist to keep the wound open and mobile. These may include gentle lifts or sweeps under the tongue.
2. Pain Management
Discomfort can usually be managed with:
- Cold compresses: Infant-safe pain relievers (as directed)Breastfeeding, which offers natural comfort and healing properties, helps in soothing the baby.
3. Latching may feel different after a tongue tie release; work with a lactation consultant if needed.
Over time, most babies breastfeed more effectively with better tongue and lip mobility. Over time, most babies feed more effectively with better tongue mobility.
Signs of Healing vs. Concern
Normal signs of healing: Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the site for natural healing signs.
- White or yellow tissue under the tongue
- Brief changes in feeding or sleep
- Mild fussiness
Contact your provider if you notice: Lingual frenulum issues require careful monitoring post-surgery.
- Excessive bleedingRefusal to eat for extended periodsFever or signs of infections associated with the site
Long-Term Recovery and Speech
Parents often ask if speech problems with tongue tie will resolve after the release. In many cases, yes—though some children may still benefit from speech therapy to retrain tongue movement and articulation post-surgery.
Caring for Feeding and Speech Post-Surgery
Following tongue tie surgery, you may observe improvements in your child’s feeding and speech capabilities over time. Effective aftercare, including a lactation consultant’s guidance, can improve your baby’s latch and breastfeeding comfort, enhancing maternal comfort. Speech therapy might still be necessary for retraining tongue and oral muscle movement in some children. Be alert to signs of reattachment, as these can undermine the surgery’s success, and consult a pediatrician if issues arise.
Understanding Long-Term Benefits of Frenotomy
While the initial post-operative phase is vital for healing, recognizing the long-term advantages of frenotomy is crucial. With adequate treatment and post-surgical attention, many babies show improved breastfeeding and oral development. Regular follow-ups with medical professionals ensure the tissues remain released, and any reattachment signs or complications are addressed quickly. This ongoing care allows children to fully benefit from the procedure and achieve normal tongue and lip function in time.
Proper care after a tongue tie procedure helps ensure the tissue heals well, the release remains effective, and your child gains full tongue function. From laser tongue tie procedures to traditional surgical release, the recovery process can be smooth with the right support and guidance.
For more personalized instructions and help with tongue tie release recovery, contact Milltown Dental. We’re here to help your child heal confidently and comfortably.