In this article
Have you ever wondered why your baby seems to be struggling with breastfeeding? It might be an issue called a lip tie.
In this article, we’ll discuss its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. By understanding this condition, you can empower yourself to support your baby’s healthy growth and development.
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting a baby’s upper lip to the mouth is too short or thick, limiting the upper lip’s movement. It can also interfere with breastfeeding and proper weight gain for babies.
The tissue associated with lip ties (superior labial frenulum) provides stability to the upper lip. You can check for a lip tie by inspecting your baby’s labial frenulum, which is located between the top of the gum and the upper lip.
If they have a lip tie, you will see the tissue attached to the gum at a lower level than normal. You should take them to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment, as a lip tie can interfere with healthy growth.
Lip ties can be classified into four classes based on severity:
A class III lip tie may cause a gap between the front teeth, making it difficult to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay. Meanwhile, a class IV lip tie can cause severe feeding difficulties. Both of these classes require treatment to prevent further issues.
A severe lip tie is often easy to see. A baby’s labial frenulum may attach to the gums or even close to the teeth, causing a gap between the two upper front teeth.
Other common symptoms of a lip tie include:
Toddlers with an untreated lip tie may also have trouble pronouncing certain words.
Your doctor or dentist can diagnose your baby with a lip tie based on a quick physical examination.
Talk to your pediatrician if you notice your child having difficulty breastfeeding or moving their upper lip. You can also consult with a lactation specialist or a pediatric dentist.
There is no known leading cause of upper lip tie in children. However, a genetic component seems likely.
Lip ties can run in families or occur in children with other problems that affect the face or mouth. A common co-occurring birth defect is a cleft palate, where the tissues that form the roof of the mouth do not connect. Children with cleft palate often have lips that do not develop properly.
A lip tie can interfere with breastfeeding if it’s severe enough. However, not every class of lip tie will cause problems.
In milder cases, the baby can continue breastfeeding comfortably and gain weight normally. However, breastfeeding might be a challenge in the case of a Class IV lip tie as the baby may not be able to or constantly lose the nipple.
If you notice that your child is not nursing effectively due to a lip tie, here are some tips to help you feed your child effectively:
Class I and II lip ties don’t typically require treatment. Treatment is usually recommended for Class III and IV lip ties.
With a less severe lip tie, you can work with a lactation specialist on any breastfeeding issues. For more restrictive lip ties, doctors typically recommend a lip tie release, also called a frenectomy.
A frenectomy involves cutting off a piece of tissue from the labial frenulum to help loosen it. This may be accomplished through painless laser surgery or a scalpel or scissors after the baby is given a local anesthetic.
The process of preparing for, performing, and recovering from a frenectomy consists of the following steps:
A frenectomy is painless for your baby and is easy to heal from.
Since children are born with or without lip ties, there’s no way to prevent it. For severe cases, early diagnosis and treatment are vital to the baby’s successful recovery.
Severe lip ties in babies typically cause the following complications if left untreated:
Remember, timely intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s life, leading to improved feeding, speech, and overall oral health. If you suspect your baby may have a lip tie, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.
In this article