Lip and Tongue Symptoms and Counseling
Lip and tongue ties are a common topic of conversation for new parents. A tongue-tie is a condition where an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lip tie is when the length and thickness of the band of tissue extends between the upper lip and gums above the upper front teeth.
Both lip and tongue ties are congenital conditions, which means children are born with them. They can restrict the movement of the lips or tongue and impact oral functions, such as speaking, feeding, and swallowing.
Lip and Tongue Tie Evaluations
We recommend having your child assessed for a lip or tongue tie during the early stages of infancy by a healthcare professional to determine if their oral tissues are developing correctly, though timing can vary based on your child’s age. During this assessment, we will ensure that the length and thickness of the lip and tongue tissues are appropriate and check for any signs or symptoms that your child may be experiencing.
During these evaluations, our goal is to diagnose a tie as early as possible to prevent any developmental restrictions. One of Smiles 4 Keeps specially trained providers will examine the frenulum, including the length of the tie, its point of attachment to surrounding tissues, and whether tongue movement or tongue mobility is limited, including by a posterior tongue tie. When feeding concerns are part of the evaluation, parents may also be referred to a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant. We will also ask and look for any symptoms that the child may be experiencing.
As far as physical symptoms, it is not unusual for there to be a large space between the upper front teeth, for lip frenulums such as the labial frenulum to affect the area near the upper teeth, or for the tongue to have a heart shape at the tip with a cupped appearance.
How to Recognize Tongue and Lip Ties During Breastfeeding
Some mothers may come to suspect a lip or tongue tie during their infant’s breastfeeding sessions. Infants with a lip or tongue tie may have symptoms such as reflux, colic, gassiness, breastfeeding difficulties, poor latch, shallow latch, and a clicking sound while nursing. This is because tongue-tied babies may not create a good seal against the roof of the mouth or produce the wave like motion needed for effective milk transfer, which can also lead to nipple pain or a sore nipple for the mother.
Some babies with tongue or lip ties may only be able to nurse just enough to grow in their first few weeks, and similar latch problems can also affect bottle feeding, but they are not able to maintain enough nourishment to continue growing. These same children may have difficulty managing solid foods when they are older.
Symptoms of a Tongue or Lip-Tied Breast-Fed Baby
Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment
If your child is experiencing a severe enough tie that negatively impacts their oral function or development, our maxillofacial surgery department can perform a simple procedure called a frenectomy to release restrictive tissue and restore proper function, whether the restriction involves the lingual frenulum or the tongue frenulum. Treatment options depend on the child’s age, the location of the tie, and whether the restriction involves the posterior tongue. More extensive surgical cases may be handled by a doctor and, in select situations, may require general anesthesia. From there, our team will continue to monitor your child’s oral development to ensure they are brought up with proper oral hygiene instruction.
We do not recommend a “wait and see” approach when it comes to lip and tongue ties due to the range of potential developmental difficulties. The treatment for these conditions is quick, simple, and virtually devoid of complications, and most children have little discomfort afterward when post-procedure guidance is followed. Proper healing includes caring for the wound site, and parents should fully understand home care recommendations to support their child’s well being. Therefore, if you suspect one of these conditional conditions, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, as many children benefit from early treatment with support from our experienced team.