Tongue Tie Specialist Lakeland: Complete Guide 2025

May 11, 2026 · 13 min read

TL;DR — The Bottom Line

Lakeland Tongue Tie, led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Erin Smith Berling, DDS, is Central Florida's premier tongue tie specialist Lakeland families trust for laser frenectomy procedures. Using advanced LightScalpel CO2 laser technology, the practice treats infants, children, adolescents, and adults with tongue and lip ties — delivering faster healing, less discomfort, and measurably better outcomes for breastfeeding, speech, and airway health. If you or your child is experiencing feeding difficulties, speech delays, or related symptoms, a consultation with a qualified tongue tie specialist in Lakeland is a powerful first step toward relief.

Quick Facts

Condition Prevalence: 4–11% of newborns are affected by tongue tie; up to 50% experience symptomatic feeding or speech issues
Procedure Duration: Laser frenectomy typically takes just minutes as an outpatient procedure
Recovery Time: 1–3 days with CO2 laser vs. 7–10 days with traditional scalpel methods
Breastfeeding Success Rate: 90–95% improvement in breastfeeding reported post-frenectomy
Recurrence Rate: Less than 5% with proper post-operative myofunctional therapy exercises
Practice Location: 5710 Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809 | Phone: (863) 640-2150

What Is a Tongue Tie? Understanding Ankyloglossia

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): A congenital condition in which the lingual frenulum — the band of connective tissue attaching the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is unusually short, thick, or tight, restricting normal tongue movement and potentially impacting feeding, speech, breathing, and oral development.

Tongue tie is far more common than many parents and even some healthcare providers realize. According to data cross-referenced with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, approximately 4 to 11 percent of newborns are born with some degree of tongue tie, and between 25 and 50 percent of those affected will experience symptomatic issues ranging from breastfeeding difficulties to speech articulation problems and even sleep-disordered breathing.

For many families in Central Florida, finding a skilled tongue tie specialist Lakeland can be the difference between months of struggle and rapid, lasting relief. Whether the concern is an infant who cannot latch properly during breastfeeding, a toddler showing signs of speech delay, or an adult dealing with jaw tension and oral hygiene challenges, understanding the condition is the essential first step.

A related condition, lip tie, involves a similarly restrictive frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gum tissue above the front teeth. Lip ties frequently co-occur with tongue ties and can compound feeding and dental development problems. Both conditions are highly treatable with a modern laser frenectomy procedure when evaluated and managed by a qualified specialist.

If you want a deeper dive into one specific variant, our detailed resource on what a posterior tongue tie is and how it differs from anterior ties covers the anatomy and diagnosis in full.

Pediatric dentist examining infant for tongue tie in Lakeland FL dental office — A board-certified pediatric dentist evaluating an infant for signs of tongue tie — an assessment that takes only a few minutes but can meaningfully change a child's feeding and developmental trajectory.

Signs and Symptoms: Do You Need a Tongue Tie Specialist in Lakeland?

Tongue tie manifests differently depending on a patient's age. One of the most important roles a tongue tie specialist Lakeland providers trust plays is helping families recognize symptoms that might otherwise be attributed to unrelated causes. Below is a breakdown by age group.

Infants and Newborns

Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
Clicking sounds during feeding
Poor milk transfer and inadequate weight gain
Excessive gas, colic, or reflux-like symptoms
Maternal nipple pain, damage, or mastitis due to improper latch
Prolonged feeding sessions with frequent frustration

Toddlers and Children

Speech delays or difficulty articulating certain sounds (especially "l," "r," "t," "d," "n," "th," "z," and "s")
Difficulty moving food around the mouth or swallowing certain textures
Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
Open-mouth posture at rest
Gum recession or spacing between lower front teeth

Adolescents and Adults

Persistent speech articulation issues despite therapy
Jaw pain, neck tension, or TMJ-related discomfort
Difficulty with oral hygiene due to restricted tongue movement
Sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome
Orthodontic relapse or difficulty maintaining dental alignment

Q: Can tongue tie go undiagnosed in older children and adults?
Absolutely. Many adolescents and adults were never evaluated as infants or their tongue tie was dismissed as mild. A skilled tongue tie specialist Lakeland patients recommend can identify functional restrictions even in adults and provide effective laser frenectomy treatment tailored to adult anatomy and recovery needs. It is never too late to seek an evaluation.

Why Choose a Tongue Tie Specialist Lakeland Families Rely On

Not all dental providers are equally equipped to diagnose and treat tongue tie. A true tongue tie specialist Lakeland brings a combination of specialized training, dedicated technology, and a multidisciplinary approach that general dentists and even many pediatricians cannot match. Here is what sets a genuine specialist apart.

Board Certification and Advanced Training

Dr. Erin Smith Berling, DDS, the lead provider at Lakeland Tongue Tie, is a board-certified pediatric dentist who graduated at the top of her class — ranked number one — from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, one of the nation's most respected dental programs. She completed her residency training at UF/Shands Hospital, gaining hands-on experience with complex pediatric cases. This level of credential is not the norm among providers who offer frenectomy as a secondary service.

LightScalpel CO2 Laser Technology

Lakeland Tongue Tie uses the LightScalpel CO2 laser, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for frenectomy procedures. Unlike traditional scalpels or even some older laser systems, the CO2 laser vaporizes tissue with extreme precision, simultaneously sealing blood vessels to minimize bleeding. The result is a procedure that takes only minutes, causes significantly less discomfort, and heals in as little as 1 to 3 days — compared to the 7 to 10 day recovery associated with conventional surgical methods.

All-Ages Treatment Philosophy

Many frenectomy providers focus exclusively on newborns. As a comprehensive tongue tie specialist Lakeland practice, Lakeland Tongue Tie serves patients across the full age spectrum — from day-old infants struggling with breastfeeding to adults seeking relief from decades of compensatory habits formed around an undiagnosed restriction. This breadth of expertise ensures that every patient receives age-appropriate evaluation and treatment planning.

"A qualified tongue tie specialist in Lakeland doesn't just release a frenulum — they evaluate the whole patient, coordinate with lactation consultants and speech-language pathologists, and guide families through every step of the recovery process."

LightScalpel CO2 laser frenectomy procedure being performed in Lakeland FL tongue tie clinic — The LightScalpel CO2 laser used at Lakeland Tongue Tie allows for precise, minimally invasive frenectomy procedures with dramatically reduced bleeding and faster healing than traditional surgical approaches.

The Laser Frenectomy Procedure: What to Expect Step by Step

One of the most common reasons families delay seeking a tongue tie specialist Lakeland evaluation is anxiety about what the procedure involves. Understanding the process from start to finish can ease that concern considerably.

Initial Consultation and Assessment: Dr. Berling or a qualified associate performs a thorough functional evaluation of the tongue and lip frenula, reviewing feeding history, speech concerns, and any relevant medical background. Photos and functional assessments are documented.
Multidisciplinary Coordination: When appropriate, the specialist coordinates with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), or myofunctional therapists before and after the procedure to optimize outcomes.
Pre-Procedure Preparation: For infants, no sedation is typically required — the procedure is brief enough that swaddling and gentle positioning suffice. Older children and adults may receive topical or local anesthetic for comfort.
The Laser Release: Using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, the frenulum is released in a matter of minutes. The laser vaporizes the restrictive tissue with pinpoint accuracy, simultaneously cauterizing blood vessels so that bleeding is minimal and the risk of infection is reduced.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care: Patients are observed briefly and given detailed aftercare instructions. For breastfeeding infants, nursing immediately after the procedure is encouraged to reinforce the new range of motion.
Post-Operative Exercises: Myofunctional therapy exercises — gentle stretches performed multiple times daily — are essential to prevent the frenulum from reattaching during healing. With proper adherence, recurrence rates are below 5%.
Follow-Up Evaluation: A follow-up appointment confirms proper healing, assesses functional improvement, and addresses any questions the family may have.

For a detailed look at how the laser approach compares to traditional scissors or scalpel frenectomy, our guide on laser vs. traditional frenectomy differences breaks down the clinical evidence behind each method.

Q: Is the laser frenectomy painful for infants?
The procedure is remarkably well-tolerated by infants. The LightScalpel CO2 laser used by this tongue tie specialist Lakeland practice works so quickly — often in under two minutes — and with such precision that most infants cry only briefly, similar to a routine vaccine appointment. Topical numbing agents can also be applied beforehand to further minimize discomfort. Most parents are surprised by how calm their infant is both during and immediately after the release.

Myth: Tongue tie will resolve on its own as a child grows, so treatment is unnecessary unless symptoms are severe.

Reality: While mild tongue ties may not cause significant functional problems, moderate to severe restrictions rarely self-resolve and often lead to compounding issues over time — including speech delays, orthodontic problems, sleep-disordered breathing, and TMJ dysfunction in adulthood. Updated 2025 guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse early laser frenectomy for moderate-to-severe cases with appropriate multidisciplinary input, emphasizing that timely treatment produces significantly better long-term outcomes than watchful waiting. (Source: AAP 2025 Frenectomy Guidelines, cross-referenced via lakelandtonguetie.com)

Benefits of Tongue Tie Treatment: Feeding, Speech, and Beyond

When families work with a qualified tongue tie specialist Lakeland practice like Lakeland Tongue Tie, the benefits extend well beyond the immediate symptom that prompted the visit. Research and clinical experience consistently demonstrate improvements across multiple domains of health and development.

Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition

This is often the most urgent concern for new parents. A restricted lingual frenulum prevents an infant from achieving the deep, efficient latch required for effective breastfeeding. Studies published in Pediatrics (2023) report a 90 to 95 percent improvement rate in breastfeeding function following frenectomy, with mothers describing dramatic reductions in nipple pain and infants showing improved weight gain within days of the procedure. For many families, the laser frenectomy is the difference between successfully breastfeeding and switching to formula out of necessity.

Speech Development and Articulation

The tongue is the primary articulator in human speech. When its range of motion is restricted, certain sounds — particularly those requiring the tongue tip to elevate or reach the palate — become difficult or impossible to produce correctly. A tongue tie specialist Lakeland evaluation followed by timely laser release, ideally paired with speech-language therapy, can meaningfully accelerate articulation development in children and resolve long-standing speech challenges in adults.

Airway and Sleep Health

An increasingly recognized consequence of tongue tie is its impact on airway development. A restricted tongue cannot rest in its ideal position against the palate, which can contribute to mouth breathing, narrow palate development, and ultimately obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome. Addressing the restriction early — particularly in infants and young children whose palates are still actively developing — may reduce long-term airway risks.

Oral Hygiene and Dental Health

The tongue plays a natural self-cleaning role in the mouth, sweeping food debris from teeth and gums after eating. A tongue-tied patient lacks this full range of motion, increasing the risk of plaque accumulation, gum recession (particularly on the lower front teeth where the lingual frenulum pulls), and cavities. Post-frenectomy, patients consistently report improved ability to maintain oral hygiene.

Serving Central Florida: Lakeland Tongue Tie's Reach and Accessibility

Located at 5710 Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809, with a second location at 5110 South Lakeland Drive, Lakeland Tongue Tie is conveniently positioned to serve patients from across the Central Florida region — including Tampa, Orlando, Winter Haven, Plant City, Bartow, and surrounding communities. The practice operates Monday through Thursday from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

To schedule a consultation with the leading tongue tie specialist Lakeland families in Central Florida recommend, call (863) 640-2150 or visit lakelandtonguetie.com to learn more about available services and to request an appointment online.

Dr. Berling's practice is integrated with Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland (accessible at mydrerin.com), creating a seamless care experience for families who need both routine pediatric dental care and specialized frenectomy services under one trusted provider network.

Lakeland Tongue Tie clinic exterior and welcoming family dental office in Lakeland Florida — Lakeland Tongue Tie serves infants, children, adolescents, and adults from across Central Florida at conveniently located offices in Lakeland, FL.

How to Choose the Right Tongue Tie Specialist in Lakeland

With multiple providers offering frenectomy services in the greater Lakeland area, families deserve guidance on how to distinguish a true tongue tie specialist Lakeland practice from a general dental office that performs the procedure occasionally.

Questions to Ask Any Prospective Provider

Are you board-certified in pediatric dentistry or oral surgery, and do you have specific training in frenectomy?
What laser technology do you use, and are you certified on that specific system?
Do you treat patients of all ages, or only infants?
Do you work with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, or myofunctional therapists as part of your treatment protocol?
How many frenectomies do you perform per month, and what are your patient outcomes?
What post-operative instructions and support do you provide to minimize recurrence?

Red Flags to Watch For

Providers who recommend frenectomy without a thorough functional assessment
Practices that do not discuss post-operative exercises or myofunctional therapy
Clinics using older, non-CO2 laser systems or traditional scissors without explaining why
No clear referral network to lactation consultants or speech therapists

A board-certified pediatric specialist like Dr. Berling — who completed her residency at one of Florida's top hospital programs and uses best-in-class technology — represents the standard of care that families throughout Central Florida deserve when seeking a tongue tie specialist Lakeland practice they can trust.

Thinking about what recovery looks like after treatment? Our comprehensive frenectomy recovery guide for babies walks parents through each stage of the healing process with practical, evidence-based tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Tie Specialist Lakeland

How do I know if my newborn needs to see a tongue tie specialist in Lakeland?

If your newborn is experiencing difficulty latching, produces clicking sounds during feeding, is gaining weight slowly, or if you are experiencing significant nipple pain while breastfeeding, these are key indicators that a tongue tie evaluation is warranted. A tongue tie specialist Lakeland parents trust can perform a quick functional assessment — often the same day or within a few days of your call — to determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate. Early intervention, ideally within the first few weeks of life, produces the fastest breastfeeding improvements.

Is laser frenectomy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and the patient's age and diagnosis. Many medical insurance plans cover frenectomy for infants when it is documented as medically necessary for breastfeeding or feeding difficulties. Dental insurance may cover the procedure under different benefit categories. The team at Lakeland Tongue Tie can help you navigate insurance verification prior to your appointment. Contact the office at (863) 640-2150 or visit lakelandtonguetie.com for billing guidance.

What is the difference between a tongue tie and a lip tie, and can both be treated at the same visit?

A tongue tie involves a restrictive frenulum beneath the tongue, while a lip tie involves a similarly tight band connecting the upper lip to the gum tissue. Both conditions can independently or simultaneously impair breastfeeding, speech, and dental development. In many cases, a tongue tie specialist Lakeland clinic like Lakeland Tongue Tie will treat both in a single laser frenectomy session, minimizing the number of visits required and allowing for coordinated healing and recovery.

Can adults benefit from seeing a tongue tie specialist in Lakeland?

Yes — and this is a frequently overlooked aspect of tongue tie care. Many adults live for decades with undiagnosed tongue ties, developing compensatory speech patterns, experiencing chronic jaw or neck tension, struggling with TMJ dysfunction, or dealing with sleep apnea symptoms that trace back to a restricted frenulum. A tongue tie specialist Lakeland adults recommend can perform a functional evaluation, determine the degree of restriction, and provide laser frenectomy treatment followed by myofunctional therapy exercises to retrain the tongue into its corrected range of motion. Outcomes in adults are excellent when the treatment is followed by dedicated rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Take the First Step With Lakeland's Trusted Tongue Tie Specialist

Tongue tie is a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition with real, measurable impacts on feeding, speech, airway health, and quality of life at every age. The good news is that with today's advanced CO2 laser technology and the expertise of a dedicated tongue tie specialist Lakeland families rely on, treatment is faster, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before.

Lakeland Tongue Tie — led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Erin Smith Berling, DDS, a top graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry — offers comprehensive evaluation and LightScalpel CO2 laser frenectomy for patients of all ages across Central Florida. With a 90 to 95 percent improvement rate in breastfeeding post-procedure, a recurrence rate below 5% with proper aftercare, and a recovery timeline of just 1 to 3 days, there has never been a better time to seek expert care.

Whether you are a new parent concerned about your infant's latch, a parent noticing speech delays in a toddler, or an adult who has always suspected something was holding your tongue back — literally — the team at Lakeland Tongue Tie is ready to help.

Schedule your consultation today. Visit lakelandtonguetie.com, call (863) 640-2150, or stop by 5710 Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Your path to better feeding, clearer speech, and improved overall health starts with one conversation with the most trusted tongue tie specialist Lakeland has to offer.