When feeding feels harder than it should, or speech isn’t developing the way you expected, a tongue tie could be part of the picture. Finding a tongue tie dentist in Greater Seattle, Washington State, who works well with kids makes a real difference, and that’s exactly what Highlands Kids Dentistry offers. Our team takes time to listen, explain what’s going on, and help families feel confident about next steps.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie happens when the frenulum, the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is shorter or tighter than it should be. This limits the tongue’s freedom of movement, which can create real challenges for young children.
Common signs include:
- Difficulty latching or frequent clicking during nursing
- Milk leaking or slow, tiring feeds
- Frustration during mealtimes
- Speech sounds that are unclear or hard to produce
- A tongue that can’t reach the roof of the mouth
Some tongue ties are caught early in infancy. Others only become noticeable as kids start talking or transitioning to solid foods. Either way, getting an evaluation sooner rather than later gives children a better chance to develop feeding and speech patterns without extra hurdles.
When to See a Tongue Tie Dentist in Greater Seattle
Not every tongue tie needs treatment, but when one is affecting how a child eats, speaks, or grows, it’s worth getting a proper look. Parents often notice the signs first: a baby who tires out during feeds, a toddler whose words sound muffled, or a child who avoids certain textures at the table.
Our pediatric dental services include tongue tie evaluations for children of all ages. We also work with children with special needs who may require extra patience and adapted care during visits. If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is a tongue tie, a conversation with our staff is a good place to start.
What Happens During an Evaluation
The evaluation is calm and straightforward. Dr Shadi Araghi will examine how the tongue moves, the position of the frenulum, and whether there’s restriction affecting function. We also ask about feeding history, speech development, and any patterns you’ve noticed at home, because context matters when figuring out the full picture.
Dr. Shadi Araghi brings careful, patient-centered care to every visit. After the exam, we walk through what we found in plain language and talk through options together. No pressure, no rushed explanations.
Laser Tongue Tie Treatment
When a release is the right choice, we use laser tongue-tie treatment to gently release the restricted tissue. The laser works quickly and precisely, resulting in less discomfort and a faster healing process than older methods. There are no stitches involved, and most kids handle it better than expected. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and children can typically eat soft foods and drink water shortly after.
Most families notice improvements in feeding or comfort within the first few days. Some kids show changes right away.
Home Care After a Tongue Tie Release
Recovery is usually smooth, but a few things help the healing process go well. We’ll show you gentle stretching exercises to keep the tissue from reattaching as it heals. These are simple to do at home and make a meaningful difference in long-term results.
For the first day or two, soft foods and cool liquids are easier and more comfortable. Think smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce rather than anything chewy or crunchy. Keep the area clean, watch for any unusual swelling, and reach out to us if something doesn’t feel right. We schedule follow-up visits to check healing and ensure everything is progressing as it should.
What Families Ask Us
How soon can my child eat after the procedure?
Most children can have soft foods and water right away. Regular eating usually resumes within a few days.
Is it painful?
Kids may feel mild pressure or tingling, but the laser method significantly reduces discomfort, and healing tends to progress quickly.
At what age can tongue ties be treated?
We see patients from infancy through adulthood.
What if the tongue tie comes back?
With the stretching exercises we teach after treatment, the chances of reattachment are low. Follow-up visits give us a chance to confirm everything is healing well.
Bring Your Child In
If something feels off with how your child feeds, speaks, or moves their tongue, it’s worth getting checked out. Schedule a consultation with our team, and let’s take a look together. We’re easy to find, and you can get directions straight to our office on Google Maps. Answers are closer than you might think.