Ankyloglossia and Pediatric Dentistry: An Interdisciplinary Continuing Education Series (Part 3)-How Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Surgery Became a Big Business The New York Times

How Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Surgery Became a Big Business The New York Times

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The New York Times investigation reveals the rapid growth of tongue-tie and lip-tie surgeries, procedures aimed at easing breastfeeding difficulties by cutting tissue that restricts tongue or lip movement in infants. While tongue-tie has long been recognized as a genuine issue in some babies, recent years have seen an explosion in diagnoses and laser surgeries—even for babies showing no clear medical need. This rise is driven by dentists and lactation consultants aggressively promoting the procedures, often to anxious parents facing societal pressures to breastfeed. <br /><br />The article recounts stories of families whose infants suffered complications, including refusal to eat, dehydration, and in some cases, damage severe enough to require feeding tubes or therapy. Despite some parents reporting immediate relief and improved nursing, many experts warn the procedures are overused and are not solidly supported by scientific evidence. Complications can include pain, scarring, and impaired feeding, yet regulation is minimal: few states oversee lactation consultants, and dental boards seldom discipline practitioners.<br /><br />The business side is lucrative. Some dentists earn millions annually performing these brief procedures, while lactation consultants referring patients and assisting in surgeries receive payment. Laser companies capitalize on demand, hosting marketing events for dentists focused on tongue-tie releases. The investigation highlights cases in Boise, Idaho, where one lactation consultant drew repeated complaints for pressuring families into surgery and using questionable post-op methods.<br /><br />Medical professionals express concern over the "money grab" nature of the booming market, noting that many cases involve misdiagnosed or harmless conditions. Yet many parents remain convinced the surgeries are necessary, caught between social expectations and conflicting medical opinions. The article underscores the need for clearer guidelines, better oversight, and more research to protect infants and families from unnecessary or harmful interventions.

Keywords

tongue-tie surgery

lip-tie surgery

breastfeeding difficulties

infant feeding complications

laser surgery

lactation consultants

overdiagnosis

medical regulation

dental boards

infant health risks