Tongue Ties & Lip Ties: What Parents Need to Know
Many parents have heard the terms "tongue tie" and "lip tie," but not everyone knows what they mean or how they affect a child’s health. These conditions are more common than many people realize.
Understanding tongue ties and lip ties can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s oral development. Early evaluation and treatment, when necessary, can support better feeding, speech, and long-term oral health.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the frenulum) is too short or tight.
This tight tissue can restrict the tongue’s movement. Instead of moving freely up, down, and out, the tongue may be held back.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too thick or tight. This can limit the movement of the upper lip.
While less discussed than tongue ties, lip ties can also impact oral function and dental development.
How Do Ties Affect Children?
The impact of a tongue or lip tie varies from child to child. Some children have mild restrictions that cause no issues. Others may experience challenges that affect their daily life.
Common signs of a tongue tie include:
Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
Tongue not reaching the roof of the mouth
Speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing certain sounds
Gaps between the front teeth
Mouth breathing
Common signs of a lip tie include:
Difficulty creating a seal for breastfeeding
Gaps between the front teeth (diastema)
Gum recession as the child grows
Difficulty clearing food from the teeth
Not every child with a tie will have these symptoms. The effects depend on the severity of the restriction and how it interacts with the child’s unique anatomy.
When Should I Get My Child Evaluated?
Every infant should be evaluated for tongue and lip ties shortly after birth. If breastfeeding difficulties are present, early intervention can help.
If your child was not evaluated as an infant, or if you notice speech or feeding issues later in childhood, a pediatric dentist can perform an assessment.
At All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we evaluate the function of the tongue and lips during regular exams. We look at how the tongue moves, how the child swallows, and how the teeth are aligning.
Is Treatment Always Necessary?
No. Treatment is only recommended if the tie is causing functional problems.
If a tie is not affecting feeding, speech, or dental development, no treatment is needed. However, if restrictions are causing issues, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can release the tight tissue.
A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure. For infants, it is often done in the dental office with little to no discomfort. For older children, sedation or local anesthesia may be used depending on the child’s age and anxiety level.
Post-procedure therapy, such as gentle stretching exercises, may be recommended to ensure the tissue heals properly and the new range of motion is maintained.
Helping Your Child Thrive
Tongue ties and lip ties are manageable conditions. With proper evaluation and individualized care, children can overcome the challenges associated with these restrictions.
Our team at All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry is experienced in evaluating and treating oral ties. We work closely with parents to determine the best path forward for each child.
If you have concerns about your child’s tongue or lip movement, or if you are curious about whether an evaluation is right for them, we are here to help.
Schedule your child’s appointment today to discuss tongue tie and lip tie care.