What are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties?
The tongue and lip are comprised of an extremely complex group of muscles. They are vital for all oral functions. Approximately 20% of the population is affected by a physical condition called a tongue-tie, which limits the use of the tongue. Such restrictions typically lead to various issues with eating, speech and sleep. A lip-tie is a condition that affects the upper lip and also causes restrictions. These restrictions prevent the upper lip from normal movement which can result in issues breastfeeding, difficulty keeping teeth clean and tooth positioning problems.
Infants
The symptoms listed indicate the need for your infant to undergo a proper evaluation for a tongue-tie or lip-tie. If you or your infant are suffering from more than a few of the following symptoms, despite adequate weight-gain, we recommend scheduling a consultation today.
Mother’s Symptoms
- Painful nursing
- Nipples that are creased, flattened, blistered or cut
- Unfinished breast drainage
- Plugged ducts or mastitis
- Inability to nurse without the use of a nipple shield
- Reduced milk supply
Baby’s Symptoms
- Poor latch
- Insignificant weight gain
- Reflux or recurrent spitting up
- Frequent gassiness and fussiness
- Clicking or smacking sounds when eating
- Dribbling milk out of the mouth
- Frustration when eating
- Inability to hold a pacifier
- Lengthy nursing or bottle-feeding sessions
Toddlers and Older Children
Tongue-ties and lip-ties can be a hidden problem until your child reaches a certain age. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lynn if your child:
- Cannot touch the roof of their mouth with their tongue when their mouth is wide open
- Is experiencing speech delay
- Has unresolved speech issues
- Is having difficulty eating
- Struggles to achieve a restful sleep
A tongue restriction can affect every individual’s speech differently. For some children, having a tongue-tie can require an increased effort when speaking. Other children may experience a speech delay or difficulty pronouncing different sounds in the alphabet. Often, we see a drastic improvement in speech following a tongue-tie release.
A child that is tongue-tied will typically experience eating issues during their early years, this includes difficulty nursing or drinking a bottle. As they transition to solid foods, they may choke, gag, or find it challenging to swallow particular textures. According to studies, 84% of children noticed an improvement in feeding issues following a tongue-tie release.
Children with tongue-ties, usually grind their teeth while sleeping or experience other sleep-disordered breathing issues. Sleep-disordered breathing can lead to disrupted sleep, restlessness, wetting the bed, issues with focusing, and waking up feeling unrested. It has been reported that after a simple tongue-tie release, there is a significant improvement in sleep.
Unfortunately, many infants experience difficulties related to tongue-ties and lip-ties that go unnoticed until later on in life. Tongue-tie conditions can restrict a growing child in many ways, some of these ways are listed below:
Children’s Symptoms
- Difficulty chewing food
- Delayed speech/speaking ability
- Lisp
- Oral health issues such as tooth decay
- Jaw, neck, and/or back pain
- Migraines
Once Dr. Lynn has heard all your concerns and conducted a comprehensive assessment, he may perform a tongue-tie release. Dental sedation or general anesthesia won’t typically be necessary to complete this procedure. Following the procedure, babies can return to their mother and nurse right away.
How the Procedure Works
Once Dr. Lynn has heard all your concerns andconducted a comprehensive assessment, he willperform a tongue-tie release. Dental sedation or general anesthesia won’t be necessary to complete this procedure.
Release
With our CO2 laser, tongue-ties are released in 10-15 seconds with little to zero bleeding.
Recover
Following the procedure, babies can return to their mother or our nurse if necessary.
Re-check
Dr. Lynn will provide you with exercises to practice at home for optimal results and follow up with you one week post-op.
For more information about tongue-tie and lip-tie release, read more about the procedure.
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FAQs
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) inhibits how far the tongue can reach, which can make it hard to latch well, cause a shallow suck, drag out feedings, cause fussiness after feeds, inadequate (poor) weight gain, and create sore, painful nipples for the mom.
Look for a tight band under the tongue (frenulum), clicking or slipping during feeds, gumming instead of sucking, long or painful feeding sessions, poor milk intake, fussiness, speech delays, or chewing difficulties as they grow.
Yes. If not released, tongue-tie can lead to unclear speech sounds, difficulty pronouncing “t,” “d,” or “l,” mouth breathing, gum recession, tooth alignment problems, poor oral hygiene, and self-confidence challenges in school or social settings.
We recommend checking for tongue-tie in newborns if feeding is hard. If feeds improve but speech issues appear, evaluation by age two to four is wise. Early treatment often brings faster, easier feeding and clear speech.
Yes. Our gentle tongue-tie release (frenotomy) uses a sterile tool or laser. It’s quick, takes seconds, uses topical numbing, and carries very low risk. Most babies cry only briefly and feed comfortably afterward.
Many parents notice better latch, stronger suck, and shorter feeds immediately—often within the first feeding after release. Complete comfort and ease continue to improve over the following 1-2 days.