Services

Tongue Tie / Lip Tie Treatment

At Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care, Dr Shehab Faragallah offers laser tongue tie and lip tie releases. We are passionate about helping correct this common problem as early as possible in life.

What is a Tongue Tie / Lip Tie?

A tongue tie or lip tie is a congenital condition that reduces the mobility of the tongue or lip. It occurs when the frenulum, a normal part of the body’s anatomy, is too thick, too short, or attached in the wrong position. In such cases, the frenum can restrict the natural range of motion of the tongue or lips.

Who is Suitable for a Laser Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Release?

The treatment is suitable for patients of all ages. It can be an effective solution for children experiencing speech difficulties, challenges with jaw growth, or oral posture issues. It is also beneficial for older children and adults who may have trouble eating, swallowing, or maintaining oral hygiene due to restricted tongue or lip movement. In some cases, a laser release can improve breathing patterns, reduce tension in the jaw and neck, and support overall oral and facial development.

Common Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Children (Age 5 and Above)

Tongue ties and lip ties can vary in severity and may become more noticeable as a child grows. While some signs appear early, others may develop or persist into later childhood and even adulthood.

• Speech difficulties or unclear pronunciation
• Trouble licking ice cream or cleaning food off the teeth
• Difficulty eating certain foods or swallowing properly
• Frequent gagging or choking on food
• Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
• Dental concerns such as gaps between the front teeth
• Jaw or neck tension from restricted tongue movement
• Incorrect growth or development of the face and jaws
• Crooked or misaligned teeth

Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Symptoms in Adults

Symptoms can arise at any age and may persist into adulthood if left untreated. Common signs in adults include:

• Speech difficulties
• Breathing dysfunction (mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea)
• Abnormal swallowing habits
• Head and neck pain or tension
• Postural issues

Diagnosis of Tongue Tie / Lip Tie

Every tongue tie or lip tie is unique in its shape and form. Dr Shehab is a specialist in the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction and its associated conditions, which can affect feeding, speech, sleep, and jaw development. He provides gentle and effective care tailored to each patient, using advanced techniques such as laser-assisted tongue- and lip-tie releases.

5-Step Diagnosis of Tongue Tie / Lip Tie:

1. Thorough visual examination
2. Comprehensive assessment of functional challenges
3. Symptom analysis
4. Manual palpation of the mouth
5. Diagnosis – for babies, this is performed in collaboration with a lactation consultant or midwife

A passionate educator, Dr Shehab has taught clinical dentistry at Griffith University and continues to share his expertise through public education and professional collaboration. He is also the co-founder of Myospots Australia, an innovative tool designed to improve breathing patterns and tongue posture, two key components of functional oral health.

With a strong focus on multidisciplinary care, Dr Shehab works closely with allied health professionals to support children’s growth and development. He provides early interceptive orthodontic treatment and oral myofunctional therapy to help young patients enhance their breathing, posture, and jaw function. Using advanced technology such as the Waterlase laser, he performs precise tongue- and lip-tie releases, often in collaboration with osteopath JP, offering integrative care for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and related conditions.

Tongue Tie / Lip Tie Surgery

The tongue or lip tie release (also called a frenectomy) is performed using a medical laser. The procedure typically takes around 2 minutes in the dental chair, though consultations may last up to 1 hour, and post-operative care around 20 minutes.

• For infants, a lactation consultant will be present. The laser uses light energy to remove the abnormally attached lip or tongue tie layer by layer, without the need for anaesthetics, sutures, or oral medications.

• For children and adults, local anaesthesia is used. Sutures may sometimes be required and can be discussed at the consultation, but are often not needed.

After Care

At Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care, we focus on patients’ overall health, which may involve referral to allied health practitioners. Long-standing tongue ties can cause compensatory muscle tension in the lips, cheeks, and neck. Gentle manual therapy from a cranial worker, such as a chiropractor or osteopath, can help relieve this tension and optimize results, ideally both before and after surgery.

Post-operative instructions typically include:

• Visits to a body worker (chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist)
• Post-operative stretches to reduce the chances of re-attachment
• Myofunctional exercises before and after the procedure (for children and adults)
• Continued contact with a lactation consultant for infants

Steps for Tongue Tie / Lip Tie Treatment

Step 1: Call our practice on (07) 5644 6000

Step 2: We will provide you with all the information you need for your circumstances

Step 3: We will help you book the appropriate consultation

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.