What are tongue ties and lip ties?
The tissue under the tongue is the lingual frenulum, and the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is the labial frenulum. When either is short, tight or thick, it can restrict movement. The medical term for a tongue tie is ankyloglossia.
Lip Tie and Tongue Tie Care for Babies and Children
A tongue tie or lip tie is a tight band of tissue under the tongue or behind the upper lip that can limit movement. For some babies and children it affects feeding, speech or oral hygiene; for others it causes no problems at all.
How we evaluate
We look at how the tongue and lip actually move and function, not only how they look, and we ask about feeding and speech. Not every tie needs treatment. When feeding is the concern, we work alongside your pediatrician, therapists and/or lactation consultant.
Signs, treatment and common questions
Signs to watch for in babies
- Trouble latching or staying latched during breast or bottle feeding.
- Clicking sounds, leaking milk or very long feeds.
- Poor weight gain or a fussy, gassy baby.
- Painful nursing for the mother.
Signs in older children
- Difficulty with certain speech sounds.
- Trouble licking the lips or an ice cream cone, or sticking out the tongue.
- Difficulty cleaning food from the teeth with the tongue.
Treatment: frenectomy
When a tie is limiting function, a short procedure called a frenectomy (or frenotomy) releases the tissue. A procedure is typically provided with a laser to relieve any restrictions and restore function. We will explain the aftercare and any stretches or exercises we recommend, since healing instructions help the release hold.
Frequently asked questions
Does my baby need a release? Only if the tie is limiting feeding, speech or oral health. An evaluation will tell us.
How old does my child need to be? Babies and older children can be evaluated at any age.