Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie: How to Spot the Signs and Find Solutions
Feeding your baby is one of the first ways you bond as a parent. Sometimes, this can be harder than expected because of a condition called tongue-tie or lip-tie. Tongue-tie happens when a small piece of tissue under the tongue is too tight. Lip-tie is when the tissue under the upper lip is too tight. These can make it hard for babies to move their tongue or lip properly. If you think your child has tongue-tie or lip-tie, visit us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, to get proper help.
Dr. Slepak is pediatric dentist with over a decade of experience. Immediately following his graduation from the New York University College of Dentistry with Honors, Dr. Slepak continued his training at Maimonides Medical Center in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.
During his training, he mastered his knowlege and skills in the treatment of children of all ages.
Understanding Why Children Develop Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Tight Tissue Under the Tongue or Lip
These conditions occur when the connective tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) or lip (labial frenulum) is shorter, thicker, or less flexible than normal. This makes it harder for them to move.
Development During Pregnancy
These conditions form while the baby is still in the womb. The tissue that usually thins out or loosens does not develop fully in some babies.
Genetic Factors
Tongue-tie and lip-tie can run in families. If a parent had this condition, there is a higher chance their child might have it too.
Variations in Frenulum Structure
In some cases, the oral tissues and frenulum develop at different rates, which can leave the tissue tighter than it should be.
Differences in Growth Rates
Sometimes, the baby’s oral tissues grow at a different pace. This can leave the frenulum tighter than it should be.
Early Signs of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Children
Difficulty Latching During Breastfeeding
Babies with tongue-tie may struggle to latch onto the breast properly. This happens because their tongue can’t move freely to create a good seal.
Frequent Feeding but Poor Weight Gain
Babies might feed often but not gain enough weight. This can be due to ineffective milk transfer caused by restricted tongue or lip movement.
Clicking Sounds While Feeding
You may hear clicking noises during breastfeeding. This is often a sign of improper latching caused by tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Painful Breastfeeding for Mothers
Tight oral tissues can cause shallow latching, leading to sore or cracked nipples for breastfeeding moms.
Tongue or Lip Can’t Move Properly
The tongue may not lift to the roof of the mouth, or the upper lip may seem stuck and unable to curl outward.
Heart-Shaped or Notched Tongue Tip
A baby’s tongue may appear heart-shaped or show a small notch at the tip when they try to extend it outward. This is a common sign of tongue-tie.
How Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Affect a Child’s Health?
Speech Development Delays
Children with tongue-tie may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds. It can affect their ability to say letters like “r,” “l,” or “th.”
Dental Problems
Lip-tie can cause gaps between the front teeth. Tongue-tie may make it hard to clean teeth properly, leading to cavities or gum issues.
Difficulty Eating Solid Foods
Older children may find it hard to chew and swallow food. This is because the tongue cannot move freely to push food around the mouth.
Mouth Breathing and Snoring
In some cases, a tight tongue or lip may contribute to mouth breathing. This can also lead to mild snoring, especially if other underlying factors are present.
Speech Fatigue
Children with tongue-tie may tire easily while speaking due to the additional effort required for tongue movement.
Safe and Effective Treatments for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Children
Frenectomy
A frenectomy involves clipping or snipping the tight tissue to allow better tongue or lip movement. This procedure is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort.
Laser Frenectomy
A laser is used to release the tight tissue. It causes less bleeding and heals faster compared to traditional methods.
Frenuloplasty
This is a more advanced surgery used for severe cases. The procedure may involve stitches to loosen the tissue.
Essential Post-Treatment Care Tips for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Recovery
Perform Post-Procedure Stretches
Gently lift your baby’s tongue or pull their lip upward as instructed by the healthcare provider. This keeps the wound site open and prevents the frenulum from reattaching. Perform these stretches 4–6 times daily for the first few weeks.
Massage the Wound Area
Apply light pressure to the wound with a clean finger to prevent scar tissue buildup. This also keeps the tissue flexible during recovery.
Apply Safe Pain Management Techniques
Use over-the-counter infant pain relievers, as directed by the healthcare provider, to reduce discomfort. Cool compresses or frozen teething rings can help soothe the treated area.
Keep the Area Clean
Clean the treated area carefully using a clean finger or a soft cloth. This helps avoid infections while it heals.
Get Expert Care for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie at Our Clinic
Early treatment can make a big difference in your child’s health and development. Our team provides compassionate care and customized solutions for tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions. Visit us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, or call to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment can be done at any age, but earlier intervention is often better. Infants typically heal faster and adapt more easily.
For infants, local anesthesia or no anesthesia is often used. Older children or severe cases may require general anesthesia.
In mild cases, therapy and exercises may help improve tongue or lip function. However, for more significant restrictions, surgical intervention is often the most effective option.