What age should my child first visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Aurora Kids Dentistry accepts CDCP and other major dental insurance plans.

Do you specialize in dental care for anxious children?

Yes, we create a calm and fun environment and offer gentle care to help even the most nervous children feel comfortable.

What age should my child first visit a dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends your child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by one year of age.

Do you provide care for anxious or special-needs children?

Yes, our team is trained to provide gentle, compassionate care including sedation options and desensitization visits to make dental appointments comfortable for anxious or special-needs children.

What makes Aurora Kids Dentistry unique?

We create a fun, welcoming environment tailored for kids, with engaging amenities and specialized treatments, ensuring positive experiences in every visit.

(905) 726-8213

contact@aurorakidsdentistry.org

Home . Services . Tongue tie

Tongue Tie

What is a Tongue-Tie?

A tongue-tie (medically called ankyloglossia) is a condition where the thin piece of tissue under the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is too tight, short, or thick. This can restrict the tongue’s range of motion.

In babies and children, a tongue-tie can cause:

🔹 Difficulty breastfeeding (poor latch, low weight gain)

🔹 Speech challenges as they get older

🔹 Trouble eating (licking, swallowing, chewing)

🔹 Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture

🔹 Oral development and hygiene problems

Not all tongue-ties require treatment. However, if it’s affecting feeding, speech, or oral function, a pediaritan, pediatric dentist, lactation consultant, or midwife may recommend a quick procedure called a frenectomy (frenulotomy) to release the tie.

What Causes a Tongue-Tie?

A tongue-tie happens when the lingual frenulum doesn’t separate properly during early development in the womb. Instead of being loose and flexible, it remains short, thick, or tight, limiting tongue movement.

Present at birth – a congenital condition

May have a genetic link (runs in families)

Not caused by anything done during pregnancy

Not preventable

Tongue-ties can range from mild (causing no issues) to severe (interfering with feeding, speech, and development).

If a tongue-tie affects your child’s function, a Pediaritan, pediatric dentist or specialist trained in tongue-tie assessment can recommend the best next steps.

Understanding Tongue-Tie in Children: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options

Learn what tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is, its causes, and how it can affect breastfeeding, speech, and oral health in children. Discover how Aurora Kids Dentistry treats tongue-tie with gentle, laser-based frenectomy.

Tongue-ties can vary in severity. Some are mild and cause no problems, while others interfere with breastfeeding, eating, speech, or oral development. If a tongue-tie is affecting your child's function, your pediatrician, pediatric dentist, or a specialis

How Do You Fix a Tongue-Tie?

If a tongue-tie limits breastfeeding, eating, speaking, or tongue mobility, treatment may be needed. The most common treatment is a frenectomy or frenulotomy.

1. Frenulotomy (Tongue-Tie Release)

This quick, safe procedure releases the tight tissue under the tongue to improve movement.

Performed with scissors, laser, or cautery (Aurora Kids Dentistry uses gentle laser technology)
Infants: procedure takes seconds
Older children may require local anesthetic or light sedation
Healing is fast, especially in babies

2. Exercises After Release

Lip stretches – prevent reattachment
Tongue stretches – improve range of motion

3. Aftercare & Support

Myofunctional therapy for tongue movement and strength
Speech therapy, if needed
Lactation consultation for babies
Allied health support (Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Craniosacral therapy)

Your Partner in Protecting Young Smiles

At Aurora Kids Dentistry, our goal is to protect your child’s teeth, improve their sleep, and prevent future dental issues. If you suspect your child may have a tongue tie, schedule an appointment today. Early attention makes a lasting difference.

Now accepting new patients

We'd love to hear from you

(905) 726-8213

Book now

What Else We Are offering?

Dental Care for children

Restorative Dentistry

Pediatric restorative dentistry refers to the practice of restoring the function and integrity of a tooth that has been impacted

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene / Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain good oral health. It’s a combination of regular dental check-ups

Special Needs Dentistry

Special needs dentistry is the branch of oral health care that treats people with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions that limit

Dental Care With A Gentle Touch

Comprehensive Dental Care for Children