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 to determine if their oral tissues are developing correctly and to address any concerns early in support of your child’s health. 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 Abra Dental’s (formerly ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles) specially trained providers will examine the frenulum, one of the oral structures called frenula, to see how this connective tissue connects the tongue or upper lip to nearby tissue. The doctor will also review treatment options and ask about any symptoms the child may be experiencing.
As far as physical symptoms, it is not unusual for there to be a large gap between the upper front teeth, sometimes with gum recession related to a restrictive lip tie, 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, and even a shallow latch that makes it hard to properly nurse. This is because tongue-tied babies are unable to draw the nipple as deeply into the mouth to receive adequate milk.
Lactation consultants may notice feeding problems early and help support feeding before a tie is confirmed. Some babies with tongue or lip ties may only be able to nurse just enough to grow in their first few weeks but 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 frenectomy procedure, a simple surgery that creates a release of the restricted tissue to restore proper function and improve tongue movement or lip movement, depending on the tie. It may be performed with laser surgery using a small incision, with minimal discomfort and short recovery time. Infants usually have little pain or discomfort, while older children may sometimes need 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. Therefore, if you suspect one of these conditional conditions, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our providers so you can feel confident asking questions, and our team can address concerns about whether a tie may require treatment and your child’s overall well-being.