Recognizing and Resolving Tongue and Lip Tie in Infants

Feeding a newborn can feel like a full-time job with a side of detective work. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your little one struggles to latch or seems frustrated during feeding. One sneaky culprit behind these challenges could be tongue and lip ties. These conditions can cause infant feeding complications that might leave both baby and caregiver scratching their heads. But don’t worry, understanding what tongue and lip ties are, spotting the signs, and knowing when to seek help can make a world of difference.

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties and How Do They Affect Infant Feeding?

Tongue and lip ties are conditions where the thin bands of tissue (called frenula) that connect the tongue or upper lip to the mouth are unusually tight or short. This restricts the natural movement of the tongue or lip, which can interfere with feeding.

• Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) affects the frenulum under the tongue.

• Lip tie affects the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gums.

  
  

When these tissues are too tight, babies may have trouble latching properly during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. This can lead to poor milk transfer, nipple pain for the caregiver, and frustration for the infant.

Close-up of infant’s mouth showing tongue and lip frenulum

Babies with tongue or lip ties might also experience other issues like:

• Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding

• Poor weight gain

• Clicking sounds while nursing

• Fussiness or prolonged feeding times

• Gassiness or colic symptoms

  
  

Understanding these infant feeding complications is the first step toward helping your baby thrive.

Infant Feeding Complications: Why Early Recognition Matters

Feeding difficulties can be stressful for everyone involved. If tongue or lip ties go unrecognized, they can lead to longer-term problems such as:

• Poor weight gain or failure to thrive

• Speech delays or articulation issues later in childhood

• Dental problems like gaps between teeth or gum recession

• Jaw development issues due to restricted oral movement

  
  

Early recognition and intervention can prevent these complications. If you notice your baby struggling with feeding, it’s important to consider tongue and lip ties as a possible cause.

Pediatric therapy room with feeding tools

Professional evaluation by a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or orofacial myofunctional therapist can help identify the issue. They will assess your baby’s oral anatomy and feeding patterns to determine if a tie is present and how severe it might be.

How to Know if Baby Has Lip and Tongue Tie?

Spotting a tongue or lip tie isn’t always straightforward. Some babies with ties feed just fine, while others show clear signs of difficulty. Here are some practical ways to tell if your baby might have a tie:

• Visual check: Look inside your baby’s mouth. Is the frenulum under the tongue very short or tight? Does the upper lip seem tethered and unable to flare outward?

• Feeding behavior: Does your baby have trouble latching or stay on the breast for very short or very long periods? Are feedings noisy with clicking or smacking sounds?

• Caregiver discomfort: Do you experience nipple pain, cracking, or bleeding during breastfeeding?

• Baby’s growth: Is your baby gaining weight slowly or not meeting feeding milestones?

  
  

If you suspect a tie, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist. They can perform a thorough assessment and discuss treatment options.

For more detailed information on tongue and lip tie symptoms, check out this helpful resource.

Treatment Options: What Can Be Done to Help?

The good news is that tongue and lip ties can often be treated effectively. Treatment depends on the severity of the tie and the symptoms your baby is experiencing.

Non-surgical approaches

• Lactation support: Sometimes, working with a lactation consultant can improve feeding techniques and positioning to help overcome mild ties.

• Therapy: Speech, occupational, or orofacial myofunctional therapy can strengthen oral muscles and improve feeding skills.

  
  

Surgical options

• Frenectomy: A quick, simple procedure where the tight frenulum is lasered to release the tongue or lip. It’s usually done in the office and brief outpatient procedure.

• Frenuloplasty: A more involved surgery for severe ties that may require stitches and a longer healing time.

  
  

After treatment, therapy and follow-up care are important to ensure your baby learns to use their newly freed tongue and lips effectively.

Pediatrician performing frenotomy on infant

Supporting Your Baby Through Feeding Challenges

Feeding difficulties can be emotionally draining, but with the right support, you and your baby can overcome them. Here are some tips to help:

• Stay patient and calm: Babies can pick up on stress, so try to keep feeding times relaxed.

• Seek professional help early: Don’t hesitate to reach out to pediatricians, lactation consultants, or therapists.

• Use proper positioning: Experiment with different holds to find what works best for your baby.

• Monitor growth: Keep track of your baby’s weight and feeding patterns to ensure they’re thriving.

• Join support groups: Connecting with other parents facing similar challenges can provide encouragement and advice.

  
  

Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to stay informed and proactive.

Moving Forward: Helping Your Child Thrive

Addressing tongue and lip ties early can set your child up for success in feeding, speech, and overall development. Brain Builders is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered therapy services in Bel Air and Abingdon, MD. Our team specializes in helping children overcome communication, feeding, and developmental challenges to improve their quality of life.

If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, don’t wait. Early intervention can make all the difference in their growth and happiness.

Therapy center waiting area with colorful decor

With the right knowledge, support, and care, feeding challenges can become a thing of the past - and mealtime can be a joyful bonding experience for you and your little one.