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PENINSULA TONGUE TIE
Newborn/Infant Screening Tips
Our expert team treats a range of oral ties, including tongue, lip, and buccal ties, to improve feeding, speech, and overall oral health.
Scheduling is handled through Chompers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics — we're proud to be part of the same trusted care team.
Screening Steps for Tongue, Lip & Buccal Ties
Is Your Baby Struggling to Feed?
Feeding difficulties are often one of the first signs that a baby may have a tongue, lip, or buccal tie. These oral restrictions can limit movement and make latching or sucking inefficient — whether nursing or bottle feeding.
Common signs your infant may benefit from a tongue tie evaluation:
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Shallow latch or frequent slipping off the nipple
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Clicking or popping sounds while feeding
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Gassy, fussy, or irritable behavior during or after feeds
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Extended feeding times or falling asleep mid-feed
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Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding
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Nursing pain or nipple damage for the breastfeeding parent
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Difficulty using a pacifier or bottle
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Reflux-like symptoms without improvement from dietary changes
Every baby is different, but when these symptoms persist, a thorough evaluation can help identify whether a tie is contributing to the problem. Early treatment can improve feeding, reduce stress, and support healthy growth and bonding.
Tongue Ties
Visual Inspection for Tongue Tie
When your baby is calm and at rest, gently lift their tongue to check for any tight or string-like tissue underneath. This is called the lingual frenulum. In some cases, it may look like a thin cord reaching toward the tip of the tongue or cause the tongue to appear heart-shaped, notched, or unable to lift or move freely.
Feeding Observation for Tongue Tie:
Watch your baby during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Signs of a potential tongue tie may include difficulty staying latched, clicking sounds, noisy or inefficient sucking, or milk leaking from the mouth. You might also notice the baby tiring quickly, biting during feeds, or the breastfeeding parent experiencing pain or damage to the nipples.
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Could it be a Tie?
Tongue, lip, and buccal ties can sometimes be subtle — but early signs are often visible during feeding. We’re here to help you recognize potential oral restrictions in your newborn and understand how they might be affecting latch, milk transfer, or weight gain.
One important signal to watch is your baby’s weight gain. If your child isn’t gaining as expected despite frequent feeds, it could be a sign that milk transfer is inefficient — often due to difficulty maintaining suction or staying latched.
If you have concerns, trust your instincts. A feeding assessment by a trained provider — along with support from a lactation consultant — can help determine if a tie is contributing to the issue. Identifying and treating oral ties early can make feeding more comfortable for both baby and parent, and support healthy growth from the start.