Oral ties — tongue ties (ankyloglossia) and lip ties — are disorders that are increasingly understood to influence infant feeding, speech, and oral health. For Gold Coast families, early diagnosis and effective treatment can be a big factor in establishing a child’s development and well-being. Here’s what parents and caregivers should know.
What Are Oral Ties?
Oral ties Gold coast happen when the thin flap of tissue (frenulum) underneath the tongue or upper lip is too tight, thick, or short. It can limit movement and function in both babies and older kids.
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): The lingual frenulum limits the movement of the tongue, affecting breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and speech.
- Lip Tie: The labial frenulum restricts the movement of the upper lip, impacting latching and occasionally dental development.
These can happen alone or in combination and usually are recognized by midwives, lactation consultants, GPs, or pediatric dentists.
Signs and Symptoms
In babies, signs can be:
- trouble latching or remaining latched during breastfeeding
- clicking sounds while feeding
- colicky or gassy behavior
- inadequate weight gain
- nipple soreness or damage in breastfeeding women
In older kids, signs can be:
- articulation delays or speech problems
- trouble moving the tongue to the top of the mouth
- difficulty eating solid foods
- Front teeth gaps (with lip ties)
Diagnosis and Assessment on the Gold Coast
Typically, diagnosis is a clinical examination by a trained practitioner. On the Gold Coast, assessments are commonly done by:
- Pediatric dentists
- ENT specialists
- Lactation consultants
- Chiropractors or myofunctional therapists (within a multidisciplinary consultation)
Functional assessment clinics may review how the tongue and lip ties impact feeding, speech, or breathing, instead of diagnosing by looks.
Treatment Options
The most frequent treatment is a frenectomy — a rapid procedure that frees the tie by cutting the frenulum. This can be performed:
- With laser technology (minimally invasive, less bleeding, faster healing)
- With scissors or scalpel (more conventional, usually under local anesthetic)
Practitioners on the Gold Coast providing oral tie release procedures include:
- Pediatric dental clinics
- ENT clinics
- Infant and maternal health centers
Some families also obtain bodywork therapy (for example, osteopathy or chiropractic) prior and subsequent to release to facilitate best results.
Cost and Medicare Rebates
Frenectomy costs on the Gold Coast differ:
- Laser frenectomy for infants: $300 – $700
- ENT specialist release (hospital): More expensive, but potentially eligible for Medicare rebates if medically necessary
Best to verify costs and rebate eligibility with specific providers.
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-release care is important for healing and avoiding reattachment:
- Gentle exercises in stretching (as recommended by your practitioner)
- Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding right after release
- Return visit with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or myofunctional therapist
Healing will usually happen in several days to a week, although continued therapy may be indicated for feeding or speech problems.
Why Early Intervention is Important
Unresolved oral ties can result in long-term issues, such as:
- Continued feeding problems
- Delayed speech development
- Dental crowding or spacing
- Orofacial developmental problems
For most families, early diagnosis and comprehensive care plan result in considerable improvement in feeding, bonding, and developmental milestones.
Final Thoughts
If you think your child has an oral tie, consulting a professional early on can make a big difference. On the Gold Coast, there’s a variety of qualified practitioners with assessment, treatment, and ongoing support available. Whether you’re a new mum struggling with breastfeeding issues or worried about your toddler’s speech, there is help available — and you’re not alone.
