Does My Child Need a Frenectomy? Signs to Watch for in Growing Smiles
As a parent, you’re always keeping an eye on your child’s health and development—especially when it comes to their growing smile. But one thing many parents in Paradise Valley, AZ may not know to look out for is an issue with the frenulum, a small fold of tissue in the mouth that can sometimes cause big problems. When this tissue is too tight or thick, it may require a frenectomy, a quick and simple procedure done by a pediatric dentist.
So how do you know if your child might need one? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Frenulum?
There are two main types of frenulum in the mouth:
Lingual frenulum: Located under the tongue.
Labial frenulum: Found inside the upper lip, connecting it to the gums.
These small tissues help guide the development of your child’s mouth, but when they’re too short or tight, they can interfere with important functions like eating, speaking, or even proper tooth alignment.
Signs Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
Here are some common signs that your child’s frenulum may be causing problems:
1. Trouble Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding (in Infants)
If your baby has difficulty latching, seems to get tired quickly while feeding, or isn't gaining weight properly, a tongue-tie or lip-tie could be the cause.
2. Speech Delays or Difficulty Articulating Sounds
An overly tight frenulum can limit tongue movement, making it hard to pronounce certain sounds like "L," "R," or "Th."
3. Gap Between Front Teeth (Diastema)
A thick upper lip frenulum may cause a space between the front teeth that won’t close without treatment.
4. Difficulty Sticking Out the Tongue or Moving It Side to Side
Limited tongue movement can indicate a restricted lingual frenulum, which may require intervention.
5. Eating Issues or Picky Eating
Children with tongue or lip ties may struggle to chew properly or avoid certain foods due to discomfort.
6. Chronic Cavities or Gum Irritation
A tight lip frenulum can make it difficult to brush properly or trap food and bacteria near the gums, increasing the risk of decay.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor dental procedure where the frenulum is safely removed or modified to restore normal movement and function. At Dr. Sugar’s Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we use gentle, child-friendly techniques—often including laser treatment—for fast healing and minimal discomfort.
The procedure is usually very quick and can greatly improve your child’s oral health, speech, and comfort.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If you suspect your child might have a lip-tie or tongue-tie, or if you’ve noticed any of the signs above, the best first step is a visit to your local kids dentistry expert in Paradise Valley, AZ. Dr. Sugar and our team can evaluate your child’s mouth and guide you through the next steps if a frenectomy is needed.
Final Thoughts
Every child is different, and not all frenulum issues require treatment. But being aware of the signs can help you make informed choices for your child’s health and comfort. At Dr. Sugar’s Kids Dentistry, we’re here to support growing smiles every step of the way.
Looking for expert advice on frenectomies or other pediatric dental concerns in Paradise Valley, AZ?
Contact Dr. Sugar’s office today to schedule a consultation.
