Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) and Lip Tie Treatment

Now Available in Pakenham, Officer, and Surrounding Suburbs

What is Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)?

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the membrane under a baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too tight or short, limiting the tongue’s movement. This condition can make breastfeeding difficult, leading to feeding challenges such as painful latching, poor milk transfer, and slow weight gain. Around 8% of newborns are affected by tongue tie, and it is more commonly seen in males.

Why Tongue Tie is a Problem for Breastfeeding

For successful breastfeeding, it’s essential that a baby can move their tongue freely to extract milk. A tight frenulum restricts this movement, causing feeding inefficiencies, which can lead to discomfort for both mother and baby. Babies with tongue tie may experience the following challenges:

  • Difficulty latching properly onto the breast

  • Nipple trauma for the mother due to improper latch

  • Poor milk transfer, which may impact weight gain in the baby and lead to low milk supply for the mother, potentially resulting in mastitis or blocked ducts

Signs Your Baby May Have Tongue Tie

If your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, it could be due to tongue tie. Look out for the following signs:

  • Flattened or misshapen nipples after breastfeeding

  • Visible nipple damage such as cracks or abrasions

  • Persistent pain during or after breastfeeding
  • Difficulty gaining weight or poor weight gain
  • A clicking sound while feeding or a shallow latch

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek consultation with a General Practitioner in Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, or surrounding suburbs to determine if your baby has tongue tie or another condition affecting their feeding.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tongue Tie

If tongue tie is suspected, a consultation with an experienced medical practitioner is essential to diagnose the condition and determine if a release procedure is needed to improve breastfeeding. A simple procedure to release the tongue tie can help restore normal tongue movement and significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes.

TESTIMONIALS

Louise Marsh
I Highly recommend Doctor Louis, a doctor who cares, rare these days.
Louise Marsh
If you are looking for quality medical care, look no further than Mercy Family Healt in pakenham. Dr. Peter Louis and his team offer excellence in health care with a range of services at this clinic.
MARGERET TINSDALE
Ramya Nadendla
Great service from Dr. Louis as he understands your requirements and provides the best care needed. I suggest him strongly for anyone. I am a picky person who won’t get satisfied easily, as he passes my review, I think he will do great for you 😉❤️ …
Ramya Nadendla
Sandeep Singh
Dr Peter Louis. He has been fantastic every time I’ve seen him. He always listens to our concerns, gives the best possible advice and takes the time to understand. I cannot recommend him enough!
Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

OPENING HOURS

Week Days 8:00 – 19:00
Saturday 8:00 – 16:00
Sunday 08:00 – 16:00

Tel: 03 5925 7777

CLINIC LOCATION

For privacy reasons Google Maps needs your permission to be loaded. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.

OUR VALUES

OUR MISSION

Here at Mercy Family Doctors, we are committed to making communities healthier. Caring for you means more than just diagnosis and treatment. It is about providing quality care where you and our local community call home.

What is Lip Tie?

Lip tie occurs when the membrane connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too thick or tight. This condition can restrict the movement of the upper lip, making breastfeeding difficult. Like tongue tie, lip tie can result in poor latch, pain during feeding, and slow weight gain. Though less common than tongue tie, lip tie can sometimes occur alongside it.

Managing Feeding with a Lip Tie

Breastfeeding with a lip tie can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some strategies to improve feeding:

  • Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions to achieve a better latch

  • Softening the breast with your baby’s saliva before attempting to latch

  • A clicking sound while feeding or a shallow latch
  • Using a breast pump to maintain milk supply while improving the latch
Mercy-Family-doctorts-tongue-tie
lip-tie-tongue-tie-mercy-family-blog

Complications of Lip Tie

In severe cases, lip tie can lead to long-term feeding difficulties, including trouble transitioning to solid foods. Untreated lip ties can also increase the risk of tooth decay in toddlers, as the tight frenulum can impact lip and mouth function.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lip Tie

If you suspect your baby has a lip tie, consulting with a General Practitioner is essential. In many cases, mild lip ties do not require treatment. However, if the lip tie is causing feeding difficulties, a simple frenectomy procedure may be recommended. This quick, minimally invasive procedure can be performed with a laser or surgical scissors to release the frenulum and restore normal lip movement.

Why Choose Dr. Peter Louis for Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Treatment?

Dr. Peter Louis is a trusted General Practitioner with a wealth of experience in treating tongue ties and lip ties in newborns. Serving families across Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, and surrounding suburbs, Dr. Louis offers expert diagnosis, personalised care, and minimally invasive procedures to improve breastfeeding outcomes for both mother and baby.

If you’re in Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, or nearby areas and your baby is facing feeding difficulties due to tongue tie or lip tie, contact Dr. Peter Louis today to schedule a consultation. Early intervention can significantly improve your baby’s feeding experience and overall health.

Dr Peter Louis