Tongue-tie & Lip-tie FAQ:
What are tongue and lip-ties?
Everyone is born with a small fold of tissue (frenum, frenulum) that extends from the floor the mouth to the bottom of the tongue, but when this tissue is too thick or too short, it can limit the function of the tongue, and is called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). The same situation can occur at the top lip, resulting in a lip-tie. Recent studies have found that ties are much more common than was previously thought, and that up to 20% of the population may be born with one.
Symptoms in Infants
Most often, parents don't notice the lip or tongue-tie itself, but rather the symptoms resulting from it. For infants, these symptoms typically present themselves during breast-feeding. While all babies experience some of these conditions on occasion, the number of symptoms, as well as frequency and intensity are significantly increased for babies with functional restrictions.
Baby's symptoms:
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Poor latch
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Frustration when eating
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Very long feeding times
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Poor weight gain
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Reflux or frequent spitting up
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Frequent gassiness and fussiness
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Clicking or smacking noises when eating
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Dribbling milk out of mouth
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Inability to hold a pacifier
Mother's symptoms:
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Painful nursing
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Blistered or cut nipples
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Creased or flattened nipples
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Incomplete breast drainage
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Plugged ducts or mastitis
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Inability to nurse without using a nipple shield
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Decreased milk supply
Symptoms in Older Children and Adults
Sometimes a tongue-tie or lip-tie goes undiagnosed in infancy, and may not be identified until later in life. Even then, many individuals develop compensations that may mask the restriction. For those who are unable to fully adapt to the restriction, speech, feeding, and even sleep may be effected.
Speech:
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Lip-tie: Difficulty with (- b, p, m) "bi-labial" sounds
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Tongue-tie: Difficulty with (- l, r, t, d, n, th, sh, and z) sounds
Feeding (tongue-tie):
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Choke or gag often
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Very slow eaters
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Picky with textures
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Packing food in cheeks
Sleep (tongue-tie):
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Snoring
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Unrested after a full night sleep
I see what looks like a tongue or lip tie, or my child has these symptoms. What should I do next?
Not all ties cause functional problems, and a procedure to correct the condition is only necessary if issues with oral function (functional restrictions) are present. There are also other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Having an examination by a trained professional who works with the tongue is an important first step to determining whether there is a functional restriction that requires treatment. These professionals include, but are not limited to:
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Dentist or ENT who performs tongue-tie and lip-tie releases (frenectomy/frenulectomy/frenotomy)
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Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
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Speech therapist (SLP)
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Myofunctional therapist
Ready to take the next step? Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation at 508-720-2121.