Tongue and lip ties are common conditions present at birth that can affect feeding and oral function in some infants and children. While many children never experience problems, others may benefit from further evaluation if a tongue or lip tie interferes with normal function.
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What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
Tongue and lip ties occur when the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue or upper lip to the mouth, is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual, restricting normal movement.
Tongue Tie
A tongue tie affects the lingual frenulum beneath the tongue. Depending on its severity, it may limit tongue movement during feeding, swallowing, speaking, and other oral functions.
Lip Tie
A lip tie involves the upper labial frenulum that connects the upper lip to the gums. In some infants, a tight lip tie may make it more difficult to achieve a proper latch during breastfeeding.
Tongue and lip ties can occur separately or together. However, not every child with a tongue or lip tie develops symptoms or requires treatment.
How Can Tongue and Lip Ties Affect Your Child?
The effects of tongue and lip ties vary depending on a child’s age and the degree of restricted movement. Some children have no symptoms, while others experience challenges with feeding, oral function, or speech.
Infants
Lip and tongue ties in newborns are often first recognized during breastfeeding. Restricted movement may make it difficult for a baby to latch effectively or transfer milk efficiently.
Possible signs include:
- Difficulty latching
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Frequent or prolonged feeding sessions
- Poor milk transfer
- Slow weight gain
- Fussiness during feedings
Older Children
As children grow, restricted tongue or lip movement may contribute to functional challenges such as:
- Difficulty moving the tongue in certain directions
- Difficulty licking foods such as ice cream
- Difficulty clearing food from the teeth after eating
- Speech concerns involving certain sounds
- Oral hygiene challenges when tongue movement is limited
Not every feeding or speech concern is caused by a tongue or lip tie.
How Are Tongue and Lip Ties Diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes evaluating both the appearance of the frenulum and how well the tongue or upper lip functions during normal activities. For infants, feeding history and breastfeeding observations are also considered.
Symptoms and functional limitations play an important role in determining whether treatment may be beneficial. A comprehensive dental exam helps determine whether the frenulum is contributing to the problem.
When Is Treatment Recommended?
Not every tongue or lip tie requires treatment. Many children have mild ties that do not interfere with feeding, speech, or oral development.
Treatment may be considered when a tongue or lip tie contributes to:
- Persistent breastfeeding difficulties
- Poor weight gain related to feeding
- Ongoing functional limitations
- Speech concerns when appropriate
- Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene
Each child is evaluated individually, and treatment recommendations are based on function rather than appearance alone.
Frenectomy for Tongue and Lip Ties
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases the restrictive frenulum, allowing for improved movement of the tongue or upper lip. The procedure is typically brief and may be performed using surgical scissors or a dental laser, depending on the provider’s training and preferred technique.
A tongue tie or lip tie is typically treated with a frenectomy only when it causes feeding difficulties or other functional problems. After the procedure, parents may receive guidance on feeding techniques and stretching exercises to support healing and function.
Personalized Tongue and Lip Tie Evaluations at Stanley Pediatric Dentistry
Tongue and lip ties can affect each child differently, which is why a thorough evaluation is important. Dr. Kate Stanley assesses how the tongue and upper lip move, reviews your child’s symptoms and feeding history, and evaluates how these findings relate to their overall oral development.
If a tongue or lip tie is contributing to functional concerns, she will discuss your options and refer your child to a trusted provider if a frenectomy is recommended.
Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
FAQs
Does every tongue tie need a frenectomy?
No. Many tongue ties do not cause functional problems and can simply be monitored. A frenectomy is typically considered only when symptoms interfere with feeding, speech, or other oral functions.
Can tongue and lip ties improve as a child grows?
Some children adapt well and never develop symptoms. Treatment decisions are based on how the tongue or lip tie affects function rather than age or appearance alone.
Can a tongue tie affect speech?
It can occur in some children, although many develop normal speech despite having a tongue tie. If speech or other functional concerns develop, further evaluation may be recommended.
