Lip and Tongue Ties in Infants and Children: Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?

Lip and tongue ties occur when connective tissue restricts normal movement of the tongue or upper lip.

 

These restrictions can affect:

·       Feeding and weight gain

·       Speech development

·       Sleep and airway function

·       Tooth alignment and spacing

 

Common Signs of Oral Ties

Parents may notice:

·       Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding

·       Clicking sounds while feeding

·       Reflux, gas, or poor latch

·       Speech delays or articulation challenges

·       Mouth breathing or snoring

 

How Are Oral Ties Treated?

When treatment is needed, many pediatric dentists use laser frenectomy, which:

·       Is fast and precise

·       Minimizes bleeding

·       Promotes faster healing

·       Often requires little to no anesthesia

The procedure usually takes only minutes.

 

Is Treatment Always Necessary?

Not always. Evaluation focuses on function, not appearance. Some ties don’t cause problems and simply require monitoring.