What parents need to know
Feeding a newborn should be one of the most natural and nurturing experiences for both parent and child. But for some families, what seems simple in theory can quickly become a source of stress and worry. A baby who struggles to latch, tires easily during feeding, or seems perpetually fussy may not just be “picky” or “colicky.” In some of these cases, the cause lies in a small but powerful piece of tissue: the frenulum – the tiny membrane connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth.
When this tissue is unusually tight or short, it can create what are known as lip and tongue ties. Though these conditions are common, they’re often underdiagnosed or misunderstood. For infants, they can interfere with essential functions like breastfeeding, swallowing, and even breathing. For parents, they can lead to feeding challenges, pain, and uncertainty about what’s wrong.
Understanding the signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for lip and tongue ties can empower parents to take action early. In this article, we’ll explore what lip and tongue ties are, how they’re identified, and the gentle, effective treatments available to correct them.
What are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties are congenital oral anomalies, meaning they’re present at birth. They involve the frenulum, a thin membrane of tissue that connects one structure in the mouth to another.
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenulum – the small fold of tissue under the tongue – is shorter, thicker, or tighter than normal. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion.
- Lip tie happens when the labial frenulum – the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums – is unusually tight or extends too far down toward the gumline.
Both conditions can restrict oral movement, which may interfere with essential activities like breastfeeding, swallowing, speech, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. While mild cases may go unnoticed, more severe ties can cause significant challenges if not identified and treated early.
Why Lip and Tongue Ties Matter
During infancy, a baby’s ability to feed efficiently is critical for both nourishment and bonding. The tongue plays a central role in breastfeeding: it must move freely to form a proper latch, express milk, and coordinate swallowing and breathing. A tight frenulum can interfere with these movements, leading to frustration for both baby and parent.
As the child grows, untreated lip or tongue ties can continue to cause problems. Toddlers and older children might struggle with:
- Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (especially “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” “n,” and “th”)
- Dental issues, such as spacing between the front teeth or gum recession
- Oral hygiene challenges, since restricted movement can make brushing and cleaning the mouth more difficult
- Sleep disturbances, including snoring or mild airway restriction during sleep
In short, these ties can affect multiple aspects of development, from eating and speaking to sleeping and smiling.
Diagnosing Lip and Tongue Ties
Identifying lip and tongue ties can sometimes be challenging, especially because not all symptoms are obvious. Every baby is unique, and the degree of restriction can vary widely. Some infants with mild ties adapt well and show no noticeable problems, while others with more pronounced ties may struggle significantly from birth.
Common signs parents should watch for:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Frequent feeding sessions that last longer than usual
- Fussiness or frustration during feeding
- Poor weight gain despite frequent nursing
- Audible clicking or popping sounds while feeding
- Excessive drooling, gas, or reflux symptoms
- For mothers: nipple pain, blocked ducts, or mastitis
At our dental practice, we take a comprehensive and functional approach to diagnosis. A typical evaluation includes:
- Visual Examination: We assess the anatomy of the mouth, including the length, thickness, and placement of the frenulum.
- Functional Assessment: We observe how the baby moves their tongue and lips during feeding or sucking.
- Parental Input: Parents’ observations about feeding behavior, discomfort, or speech concerns are valuable in forming a complete picture.
In some cases, we may work collaboratively with lactation consultants, pediatricians, or speech-language pathologists to ensure a well-rounded evaluation. Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent a cascade of complications later on.
Treatment Options
The good news is that lip and tongue ties are highly treatable. Once identified, the goal of treatment is to restore normal movement of the tongue and lips so that feeding, speech, and other oral functions can develop properly.
- Frenectomy: A simple procedure using a laser or scissors to loosen the tight frenulum, improving lip and tongue movement. Frenectomies can often be performed in-office without the need for general anesthesia. The average laser frenectomy only lasts about 2-3 minutes!
- Myofunctional Therapy: In some cases, especially when there are accompanying issues with oral function or speech development, myofunctional therapy may be recommended. This involves exercises and techniques to train mouth and face muscles for better function and alignment.
Our team works closely with parents to determine the most appropriate course of action for their child’s unique needs. We make sure patients are comfortable and safe during treatment, using gentle and effective methods based on evidence.
Myths and Misconceptions
Despite increasing awareness, several myths about lip and tongue ties persist. Let’s clear up a few common ones:
- “All babies have tongue ties.” While everyone has a frenulum, not every frenulum is restrictive or problematic. Only those that limit movement or cause functional issues require treatment.
- “They’ll grow out of it.” Tongue and lip ties don’t typically resolve on their own. The tissue does not stretch significantly with age. If left untreated, the restriction may continue to affect feeding or speech.
- “Frenectomy is painful and risky.” Modern laser techniques are safe, gentle, and quick. Most babies experience little discomfort, and serious complications are extremely rare.
- “It’s only about breastfeeding.” While feeding difficulties often prompt diagnosis, lip and tongue ties can affect speech, dental health, and even breathing patterns later in life.
Working Together for Your Child’s Oral Health
Lip and tongue ties may seem like minor anatomical quirks, but they can have a profound impact on a child’s ability to feed, speak, and thrive. The good news is that with early diagnosis and gentle, effective treatment options like laser frenectomy and myofunctional therapy, these challenges can be resolved quickly and safely.
If you suspect your baby may have a lip or tongue tie, don’t hesitate to reach out for an expert evaluation. At our dental practice, we’re committed to helping families understand their options and support each child’s journey toward healthy feeding, clear speech, and confident smiles.
Together, we can ensure your child starts life with the best foundation for oral health and well-being.
