What Are the Impacts of Tongue and Lip Ties on Babies?

Tongue tie and lip tie are common but often misunderstood conditions that can affect babies from birth. These disorders arise from an unusually tight or short band of frenulum tissue, which joins the mouth to the tongue or lips. While these conditions may seem minor, they can have significant effects on an infant’s ability to breastfeed, speak, and develop oral skills. Understanding tongue and lip ties and their potential impact on babies can help parents make informed decisions about treatment, including the possibility of tongue tie removal surgery.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

When the frenulum, which joins the lower part of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight, it can cause tongue knot, sometimes referred to as ankyloglossia. In infants, this restriction can make breastfeeding a challenge because the baby may not be able to latch properly or create the necessary suction for feeding. Tongue ties vary in severity. In some cases, the baby may be able to breastfeed, but may struggle with proper latch or experience nipple pain for the mother. In more severe cases, the baby may have difficulty latching altogether, which can result in poor weight gain and frustration during feedings.

What Is a Lip Tie?

Lip tie refers to a similar position associated with the frenulum, but this time, the tissue is located between the upper lip and the gum line. A tight lip tie can prevent the upper lip from moving freely, which can impact the baby’s ability to latch effectively during breastfeeding. If left untreated, a lip tie may also affect the development of the baby’s teeth and gums, as the lip’s restricted movement prevents it from clearing food particles from the mouth.

Although lip tie is less commonly discussed than tongue tie, it can still cause issues for both feeding and long-term oral health. Some babies experience mild issues while others may struggle significantly with feeding, which could lead to poor nutrition or weight gain.

Symptoms and Signs of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie in Babies

Both tongue tie and lip tie can affect a baby’s feeding behavior, and recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for addressing the problem before it becomes more complicated. Here are some common signs that a baby may have a tongue or lip tie:

Symptoms of Tongue Tie:

• Difficulty latching onto the breast or consistently staying latched.
• A shallow latch or pain during breastfeeding for the mother.
• Clicking sounds during breastfeeding, which can indicate an ineffective seal.

Symptoms of Lip Tie:

• Difficulty latching, often accompanied by a shallow latch or the inability to maintain suction.
• Gumming or chewing on the nipple, as the baby struggles to create an effective seal.
• Painful breastfeeding for the mother, due to improper latch or constant friction.
• Poor weight gain and frustration during feeding.
• Lip appears “stuck” to the gum line, limiting the baby’s ability to form a proper seal around the breast.

How Do Tongue and Lip Ties Impact Babies?

The most immediate and obvious impact of tongue and lip ties is on breastfeeding. Babies with these conditions may struggle to latch correctly, which can result in difficulty feeding, frustration for both the baby and the mother, and poor weight gain. Breastfeeding is vital for an infant’s development, as it provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and emotional bonding. Any disruption to this process can have lasting consequences for both the baby’s physical and emotional health.

In addition to breastfeeding problems, tongue and lip ties can also lead to future issues such as:

• Speech difficulties: A restricted tongue can impact the development of proper speech patterns. Children with untreated tongue ties may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds or experience delays in speech development.
• Dental problems: Both tongue ties and lip ties can lead to oral issues, including misalignment of the teeth, difficulty cleaning the teeth properly, and an increased risk of cavities.
• Oral hygiene issues: Babies with lip ties may have difficulty removing food debris from the mouth, which can lead to plaque buildup and other oral health concerns later on.

Surgery to Remove Tongue and Lip Ties as a Treatment

This is a relatively simple and quick surgery in which the tight frenulum is released to allow the tongue or lip to move freely. For tongue tie removal surgery, the procedure can be performed using scissors or a laser to cut or release the frenulum.

Tongue tie removal surgery is typically performed in babies who are experiencing significant breastfeeding difficulties, although older children and even adults may also benefit from the procedure if they have speech or dental problems due to a restricted tongue. The surgery is minimally invasive, requires little to no downtime, and can lead to immediate improvement in breastfeeding. Many babies are able to latch more easily and feed more effectively right after the procedure.

Lip tie removal surgery is similar, and a frenectomy is performed to release the upper lip’s frenulum. This surgery can improve breastfeeding and prevent future dental issues caused by a restricted lip. As with tongue tie surgery, recovery is usually quick, and many babies see improvements in their feeding and oral function soon after the procedure.

When Is It Time to Get Treatment for Lip or Tongue Tie?

If you notice any signs of tongue or lip tie in your baby, such as feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or signs of frustration during breastfeeding, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Pediatricians, lactation consultants, and pediatric dentists can help diagnose tongue and lip ties and determine whether tongue tie removal surgery or lip tie treatment is necessary.

Early diagnosis and treatment of tongue and lip ties can significantly improve breastfeeding, speech, and overall oral health for your baby. By addressing these issues early, you can help ensure your child’s healthy development and prevent complications later on.

Conclusion

Tongue and lip ties are conditions that can have a serious impact on a baby’s ability to feed, speak, and develop oral health. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment, including tongue tie removal surgery, can help resolve these issues and improve your baby’s overall well-being.