What is a tie?

An upper lip tie is a band of tissue that connects the bottom lip and gums to the upper lip. It can cause the upper lip to pull forward, which can interfere with normal lip function. It can be treated with a frenectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes tissue in the upper lip and releases the lip from pulling.

A tongue tie is a band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It can prevent the tongue from moving freely, which can interfere with speech and normal eating. It can be treated with a frenectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes tissue in the tongue and releases the tongue from pulling.

How common is it?

The exact rate of lip and tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) is unknown, but it appears to be significantly more common in boys than in girls. This is in part because girls with ankyloglossia are often born with a less severe form of the disorder.

In 2011, the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics published a study that found lip and tongue tie to be significantly more common in boys than in girls. This study concluded that, of the 1,000 children studied, 15 percent of them had lip or tongue tie. However, only 1.5 percent of them had a severe form of the disorder.

What are the consequences?

When a baby’s lip or tongue is tied, it can affect their ability to function properly. The mouth and tongue develop together and are dependent on each other. When a baby has a lip or tongue tie, this can affect their suction and feeding.

Treatment for lip and tongue tie

A lip or tongue tie restricts the movement of a baby’s lip or tongue, and this can impact their ability to breastfeed or eat. A baby with a lip or tongue tie will find it difficult to latch or swallow properly.

If the baby is unable to latch properly, the baby may not get enough milk, and this can lead to excessive weight loss. If they are unable to eat properly, the baby can suffer malnutrition.

Since a tongue or lip tie can cause issues for breastfeeding, tongue- and lip-tie surgery is a common treatment. Fortunately, there are techniques that can help the baby breastfeed successfully if the surgery is delayed.

How to spot a tie?

A tongue or lip tie is a piece of tissue that blocks a baby’s airway. As a result, babies with tongue or lip ties often have difficulty feeding. They are often irritable, may refuse to eat, and may have trouble gaining weight.

When to see a doctor?

In many cases, lip and tongue tie can be corrected without surgery. However, if the condition is evident at birth, your doctor may recommend early treatment.

Is it safe?

The procedure for frenectomy and frenuloplasty is extremely safe. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Alternative treatments

If your lip and/or tongue tie is impacting your child’s eating and speech, there are treatments that can help. Tongue and lip ties are normal for newborns but can cause issues as your baby grows.

Tongue and lip ties is a term used to describe the frenulum, a thin piece of tissue that tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This frenulum can vary in size from person to person; some people have very short frenulums while others have much longer ones. In babies, this frenulum allows newborns to breastfeed, as they aren’t able to lift their tongue far enough to latch on.