Signs Your Baby May Have a Lip or Tongue Tie: What to Look For and When to Seek Treatment
As a parent, you want to ensure that your baby is thriving and comfortable. However, some newborns experience feeding difficulties, discomfort, or slow weight gain due to a condition called a tongue tie or lip tie. These conditions can affect a baby’s ability to nurse or bottle feed properly, but with early detection and treatment, you and your little one can find relief.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin piece of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too tight or thick, restricting tongue movement. This can make breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and even later speech development more challenging for your child.
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the frenulum under the upper lip is too tight, limiting lip movement. This can make it difficult for your baby to latch onto a breast or bottle, causing feeding issues and discomfort. Also, this could cause a gap between the two front teeth (diastema).
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie
Not sure if your baby has a tongue or lip tie? Here are some common signs to look for:
- Difficulty Latching: Your baby may struggle to maintain a deep latch while breastfeeding, leading to frequent unlatching and frustration.
- Poor Weight Gain: Babies with a tongue or lip tie often have trouble getting enough milk, resulting in slow weight gain.
- Frequent Feedings: If your baby is constantly hungry and feeding sessions are prolonged, they may not be effectively extracting milk.
- Clicking Sounds During Feeding: This can indicate that your baby is breaking suction due to a restricted tongue or lip movement.
- Gassiness and Reflux: Swallowing excess air from an improper latch can cause gas, fussiness, and even reflux-like symptoms.
- Painful Nursing for Mom: If you experience nipple pain, cracking, or discomfort while nursing, your baby’s latch may be affected by a tongue or lip tie.
- Limited Tongue Mobility: If you notice your baby’s tongue cannot extend past the lower gums or move freely, a tongue tie could be the culprit.
When to Seek Treatment
If you suspect your baby has a tongue or lip tie, it’s essential to consult a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant for an evaluation. There are seven main frenums that should be evaluated. A simple procedure called a frenectomy (frenuloplasty) can safely release the tight frenulum, allowing for improved tongue and lip movement. This procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and can provide immediate relief for feeding issues.
How a Frenectomy Helps
A frenectomy is performed using a laser or scissors to release the restrictive tissue. Many parents notice an improvement in feeding, digestion, and overall comfort for their baby shortly after the procedure.
Advantages of using a laser
- Complete removal of tissue
- Reduced damage to adjacent oral structures
- Better precision
- Minimal bleeding
- Unlikely need for sutures in children
- Minimal inflammation
- Shortened healing time
- Low risk of infection
Next Steps
If your baby is showing signs of a tongue or lip tie, early intervention can make a significant difference. Our team at myKIDSdds specializes in diagnosing and treating tongue, lip and buccal (check) ties to help your baby feed and grow more comfortably. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
