Is Your Baby Struggling to Breastfeed? A Frenectomy May Be the Answer

Breastfeeding is often described as natural, but for many families, it can be unexpectedly difficult. If your baby is struggling to latch, feed effectively, or gain weight, the issue may not be milk supply or technique. One commonly overlooked cause is a tongue tie, a condition that can significantly interfere with an infant’s ability to breastfeed comfortably and efficiently.

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, Baton Rouge families receive compassionate, evidence-based care to identify tongue ties and provide gentle treatment options that support healthy feeding and development.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum (the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts normal tongue movement, which is essential for effective breastfeeding.

Studies estimate that 4–10% of newborns are born with a tongue tie, and the condition is more common in boys than girls. While some tongue ties are mild, others can severely limit tongue mobility.

How Tongue Ties Affect Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding requires coordinated tongue movement to create suction and transfer milk. When the tongue cannot extend or lift properly, babies may struggle to latch or maintain a seal.

Common signs of a tongue tie in infants include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched
• Clicking sounds while feeding
• Prolonged feeding sessions
• Poor weight gain
• Excessive gas or reflux symptoms

Tongue ties can also affect mothers. Many experience nipple pain, cracking, or mastitis due to improper latch. In fact, tongue tie has been linked to early breastfeeding discontinuation when left untreated.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Tongue ties do not usually resolve on their own. Without treatment, feeding challenges can persist and may lead to additional concerns as a child grows.

Beyond infancy, untreated tongue ties have been associated with:

• Speech articulation difficulties
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Oral hygiene challenges
• Mouth breathing and sleep issues

Addressing the problem early can help avoid these long-term complications while improving the quality of life for both the baby and parents.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple, safe and quick procedure that releases the tight frenulum, allowing the tongue to move freely. In infants, the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

Modern frenectomy techniques are designed to be gentle and precise. Most babies experience minimal discomfort and are able to feed immediately after the procedure. Many parents report immediate improvement in latch and feeding efficiency, sometimes during the very first feeding.

Clinical research shows that frenectomy can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes, maternal comfort, and infant weight gain when tongue tie is the underlying cause.

Supporting Long-Term Development

While breastfeeding improvement is often the primary goal, frenectomy can offer benefits beyond infancy. Proper tongue mobility supports normal speech development, healthy swallowing patterns, and balanced oral growth.

By correcting a tongue tie early, parents may reduce the likelihood of future speech therapy or feeding interventions later in childhood.

Personalized Care for Baton Rouge Families

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, evaluating and treating tongue ties is done with care, precision, and a focus on the whole child. Each baby is assessed individually to determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate and how it may benefit feeding and development.

The team works closely with parents and, when needed, lactation consultants or pediatric providers to ensure comprehensive support before and after the procedure.

When to Seek an Evaluation

If your baby is struggling to breastfeed, experiencing feeding frustration, or not gaining weight as expected, a tongue tie evaluation may provide answers. Early intervention can relieve stress, improve bonding, and help your baby thrive.

Breastfeeding challenges can feel overwhelming, but solutions are available. For many families, a simple frenectomy makes a profound difference, helping babies feed comfortably and setting the foundation for healthy growth and development. Contact Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, if you think your child may need a frenectomy.