Tongue-tie and lip-tie are common among infants and toddlers. They not only restrict movement but can create speech and eating problems. Tongue-tie occurs when a band of tissue connects the bottom of the tongue to the palate. Lip-tie tethers the inside of the lip to the gums with a small band of tissue.
Cutting the band of tissue that causes tongue and lip ties frees the lips and tongue to make it easier for children to eat and eventually speak. Our dental office provides comfortable tongue and lip tie treatment with laser dentistry in Worcester, MA, helping children restore function to their smiles. We’re here to help you learn what signs of tongue and lip tie to look for in your child to get treatment as soon as possible.
What Are Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
Tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, happens when a band of tissue called the frenulum connects the bottom of your baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth. This band is too tight or too short, which restricts tongue movement.
Lip tie is similar. It happens when the frenulum connects the inside of your baby’s upper lip to their gums. This restricts lip movement. Both conditions are present from birth.
Common Tongue Tie Symptoms in Babies
If you are wondering whether your baby has a tongue tie, here are the most common tongue tie symptoms in babies to watch for.
- Difficulty Latching: One of the earliest and most frustrating tongue tie symptoms in babies is trouble latching. Your baby may struggle to open their mouth wide enough to latch properly. They may slip off the breast repeatedly. You might hear clicking or smacking sounds while they feed.
- Poor Weight Gain: If your baby is not getting enough milk, they will not gain weight as expected. This can be a sign of many things, but it is a common tongue-tie symptom in babies. If your baby is not transferring milk effectively, they are not getting the calories they need.
- Prolonged Feedings: Babies with tongue ties often take a very long time to feed. They may fall asleep at the breast and wake up hungry shortly after. What should take 20 minutes can stretch into an hour or more.
- Fussiness: Is your baby fussy, pulling away, or crying during feedings? This could be a sign that they are working too hard to get milk.
- Gassiness or Colic: When babies swallow too much air during feedings, they can become gassy or colicky. This is common in babies with tongue ties. The air comes from a poor latch and ineffective sucking.
Signs of Lip Tie in Babies
Lip tie can cause its own set of problems. Here is what to look for:
- Difficulty Flanging the Lip: When your baby latches, their upper lip should flare out. If they cannot do this because of a lip tie, they may not get a good seal. This can cause the same feeding problems as a tongue tie.
- A Gap Between the Front Teeth: As your baby grows, a lip tie can cause a gap between the front teeth. This is not a concern in infancy, but it can affect dental health later on.
- Tooth Decay: A lip tie can make it hard to clean the front teeth. Food and plaque can get trapped in the gap, leading to tooth decay in toddlers and older children.
- Speech Issues: In older children, a lip tie can affect speech. It can make it hard to pronounce certain sounds, like “p,” “b,” and “m.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Recognizing tongue-tie symptoms in babies early can make a big difference. Babies who are treated for tongue ties often feed better, gain weight faster, and are less fussy. They also sleep better because they are more comfortable.
Moms benefit too. A better latch means less pain and frustration during breastfeeding. It can also reduce the risk of mastitis and other breastfeeding complications.
What to Do If You Suspect a Tongue Tie
If you notice any of these tongue tie symptoms in your child, the first step is to talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant. They can help you identify the problem and refer you to a specialist.
Dr. Moheban is a board-certified pediatric dentist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties. He uses a gentle, laser-based treatment called BabyLase to release the frenulum. This treatment is quick, painless, and gives immediate relief.
How BabyLase Works
BabyLase is a laser treatment designed specifically for infants and toddlers. It uses light wavelengths to gently cut the band of tissue that restricts the lip or tongue. The laser is precise and does not damage surrounding tissue.
The treatment is quick, usually taking less than a minute. Your baby will feel only mild warmth. Dr. Moheban uses a gentle anesthetic to ensure your baby is comfortable.
After treatment, your baby can feed immediately. Many babies nurse better right away. The results are often life-changing for both baby and parent.
Treat Tongue and Lip Tie Today
At Children’s Dental Specialties, we are passionate about helping children receive comfortable dental care to improve the function of their smiles. Early dental care and prevention are key to years of happy and healthy smiles.
If you suspect your baby has tongue or lip tie, call our office to schedule a visit today at (508) 625-5534. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Daniel Moheban on our website.