Updated on November 27, 2024
6 min read

Lip Ties in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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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.

What is a Lip Tie and What Does it Look Like?

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.

The 4 Types of Lip Ties in Babies and Toddlers

Lip ties can be classified into four classes based on severity:

  • Class I — A normal frenum attachment that doesn’t require treatment.
  • Class II — Refers to a frenum that attaches to the gum somewhere above the gum line. It’s usually asymptomatic, but it can cause hygiene issues or tears if left untreated.
  • Class III —  Refers to a frenum that attaches to the area where teeth will grow or to the alveolar ridge, making it difficult to lift the lip without blanching. 
  • Class IV — The most severe form of a lip tie. It refers to a frenum that extends to the palate or roof of the mouth. 

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. 

Signs Your Baby Has a Lip Tie

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:

  • Difficulty latching to a nipple or pacifier
  • Lack of healthy weight gain
  • Fatigue during or after nursing
  • Clicking sound when lactating
  • Trouble breathing when feeding
  • Colic

Toddlers with an untreated lip tie may also have trouble pronouncing certain words.

How are Lip Ties Diagnosed?

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.

What Causes a Lip Tie in Children?

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.

Can a Lip Tie Affect Breastfeeding?

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.

How to Nurse a Baby with a Lip Tie

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:

  • Bottle feeding — An infant with a lip tie may find it easier to drink from a bottle. This will keep your child on track with development while you figure out if they need treatment.
  • Express regularly — If you want to continue nursing, pump milk every time your baby takes formula milk to maintain your milk supply.
  • Soften the nipple — Try softening your breast with your baby’s saliva and practicing the correct latching technique to help your baby latch firmly to your breast.
  • Consider professional advice — A lactation consultant can help with additional methods to make breastfeeding more pleasant and efficient for you and your baby. 

What Treatments Are Available for Lip Ties?

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. 

Lip Tie Reversal Procedure (Frenectomy)

The process of preparing for, performing, and recovering from a frenectomy consists of the following steps:

  • Preparation — You’ll lie on a chair while holding your baby. The dentist will apply a topical numbing agent followed by a local anesthetic.
  • Revision — The dentist will use a handheld laser or sterilized scissor to cut part of the frenulum.
  • Recovery — It usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks for the wound to heal. Your dentist may recommend post-op exercises and check-ups to avoid reattachment.

A frenectomy is painless for your baby and is easy to heal from.

Can You Prevent Lip Ties in Babies?

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.

Possible Complications of an Untreated Lip Tie

Severe lip ties in babies typically cause the following complications if left untreated:

  • Difficulty nursing and eating — A lip tie can impact a baby’s feeding abilities, from being unable to latch correctly to having difficulties shaping their lips around a spoon.
  • Impaired speech — Your toddler’s early babble may sound ordinary, but as they grow, an untreated lip tie can cause significant impairments to their speech. 
  • Abnormal growth patterns — Toddlers with a lip tie may develop abnormalities in skeletal structures. Poor latching can lead to the directional growth of their facial bones.
  • Increased risks of dental issues — Lip ties can promote tooth decay because food can become trapped in this area. The location also makes it difficult to clean.
  • Breastfeed more frequently — Since babies with lip ties have difficulties consuming enough breast milk, they may need to breastfeed more frequently.
  • Sleep issues — Babies who try to nurse with lip ties can become fatigued with the effort. They can fall asleep and some may develop a severe snoring habit.

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.

Last updated on November 27, 2024
8 Sources Cited
Last updated on November 27, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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