The Ties That Bind: Will Your Child’s Lip or Tongue-Tie Resolve Naturally?

As a parent, it’s common to be met with various challenges and questions regarding your child’s development. There’s no universal rule book to help you navigate every obstacle. When it comes to your child’s oral health, your dentist is the authority. So, what would they say about your child’s lip or tongue tie? Will it go away on its own?

If you want to learn more about lip and tongue ties and how they can be treated, continue reading.

What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?

Lip and tongue ties occur when the strip of skin beneath the upper lip (labial frenulum) or under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual. This condition can restrict the movement of the lip or tongue, potentially affecting various functions such as breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene.

The “Wait-and-See” Approach

As a new parent, you may not be aware of the developmental challenges that a child with a lip or tongue tie may face. It’s because of this inexperience that some parents adopt a “wait-and-see” approach to the condition. They may believe that the tie will stretch or tear on its own.

In some cases, this may happen. If the frenulum is thinner, it could work out this way. However, relying on this will lead to injury for your child and stress for you. More severe cases will require intervention from their dentist.

What Happens if the Condition Isn’t Treated?

Some common developmental issues can arise as the result of a lip or tongue tie such as:

• Difficulty with Breastfeeding: The child may have persistent challenges with latching or feeding.
• Speech Development Concerns: Delays or difficulties in speech and articulation can occur with limited tongue or lip mobility.
• Dental and Oral Health Issues: Complications such as dental misalignment or difficulties with oral hygiene can happen. Added stress put on the inside of a child’s mouth due to dealing with a lip or tongue tie can cause the teeth to shift.

How Are Lip or Tongue Ties Treated?

Instead of waiting, you should be proactive in your approach to your child’s tie. There is a very simple and effective treatment for lip or tongue ties called a frenectomy. Your child’s dentist will use special instruments to gently remove the tie. The frenulum has very few nerve endings and blood vessels so the process will be painless and clean.

As a parent, if you’ve never been through this scenario, it can be nerve-wracking to navigate. There are plenty of people on social media and help blogs out there who may be well-meaning when they offer advice, but you should trust your child’s oral health to professionals. If your child has a lip or tongue tie, contact their dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent developmental issues and keep your child smiling.

About the Author

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is a passionate and talented dentist who loves hearing the stories of her patients and helping them through their treatment. She earned her dental doctorate from Fairleigh Dickinson University where she focused on periodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Call (908) 859-5260 to schedule a lip or tongue tie consultation at DeMartino Dental Group, P.C., or visit the website to learn more.