About Us

The Tongue Tie Clinic

The Tongue Tie Clinic is a combined effort between Dr Cameron McIntosh (Specialist ENT surgeon) and Dr Lenee Castelyn (dentist). Both doctors, being parents of young kids, are passionate about optimizing both kids and parents lives. It is the first of its kind in Soutern Africa. The clinic model is based on the multiple tongue tie clinics which are run throughout the USA, UK, Australia and other parts of the world. With this initiative we hope to provide a service to breastfeeding mothers, create awareness and perhaps encourage other healthcare providers to do the same.

A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital anomaly characterised by an abnormally short lingual frenulum; the tip of the tongue cannot be protruded beyond the lower incisor teeth. This defect affects 4-11% of newborn babies and varies in degree, from a mild form in which the tongue is bound only by a thin mucous membrane to a severe form in which the tongue is completely fused to the floor of the mouth.

A frenotomy or frenectomy is a procedure used to correct a congenital condition in which the lingual (tongue) or labial (upper lip) frenulum is too tight, causing restrictions in movement that can cause significant difficulty with breastfeeding, and in some instances, other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech difficulties and digestive issues.

The Team

Lenee Castelyn Dentist
After completing her degree in dentistry in the Western Cape, Lenée moved to Port Elizabeth where she completed her community service. She has been employed full time at Livingstone Hospital Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery department since 2009 and enjoys the working in the state sector. She has since then completed post graduate diplomas in Minor Oral Surgery as well as Pediatric Dentistry and is currently enrolled at WITS in the SACLC programme. Lenée noted the need for the greater breastfeeding support and treatment of tongue ties in infants after starting a family of her own.
Cameron McIntosh ENT Surgeon
Cameron has a great passion for entrepreneurship and sports development and over the years has been involved with various start-ups in the Renewable Energies, Sport, Medical and Educational spaces. Cameron and his wife Colleen have 3 lovely little kids. (At least they think so!) As a family they love the outdoors, spending time with friends, being active in their local church and enjoying life. Their vision is to be able to serve the community of the Eastern Cape.

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