What Parents Should Know About Lip and Tongue Ties
Lip and tongue ties are more common than many parents realize — and they can affect everything from breastfeeding and bottle feeding to speech development and dental health.
If your baby struggles to latch, seems fussy during feedings, or if your toddler has trouble speaking or eating, it may be time to evaluate for a possible oral restriction. At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we specialize in identifying and guiding parents through treatment options for lip and tongue ties with a gentle, informed, and family-first approach.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
- A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the small band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too tight or short, restricting tongue movement.
- A lip tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too thick or tight, limiting movement of the upper lip.
Both conditions are considered oral tethered tissues, and when left untreated, they can interfere with basic functions like eating, swallowing, and speaking.
Signs Your Baby or Toddler Might Have a Lip or Tongue Tie
In Babies and Infants:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
- Clicking or noisy feeding sounds
- Excessive gassiness, reflux, or fussiness
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feedings
- Shallow latch or pain for the breastfeeding parent
- Milk dribbling from the sides of the mouth
In Toddlers and Older Children:
- Trouble chewing solid foods
- Preference for soft or pureed foods
- Delayed or unclear speech
- Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
- Difficulty sticking out the tongue or moving it side-to-side
- Gaps between front teeth (especially upper front teeth)
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Identifying and addressing lip or tongue ties early can help prevent:
- Poor nutrition and weight gain in infancy
- Long-term feeding or speech issues
- Dental spacing problems and misalignment
- Challenges with sleep and breathing
At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we assess ties during routine exams and offer full evaluations when concerns are raised. We always take a conservative, evidence-based approach and never recommend treatment unless it’s clearly needed.
Treatment Options for Lip and Tongue Ties
If a tie is causing functional issues, we may recommend a frenectomy, a simple procedure that gently releases the restricted tissue.
We offer:
- Laser and traditional treatment options (depending on your child’s needs)
- Local anesthesia only — fast, safe, and minimally invasive
- Aftercare guidance and follow-up support
- Coordination with lactation consultants, feeding therapists, and speech pathologists for integrated care
Many parents ask about holistic alternatives. While stretches and therapy may help in very mild cases, true ties often require minor surgical intervention to restore full function.
Why Parents Trust Tooth + Tongue Dental
- Gentle, kid-centered care focused on building trust
- Team of pediatric specialists who understand oral development
- Family-first approach: we explain every step, respect every concern, and provide options
- Coordinated referrals to trusted lactation and feeding experts when needed
- Minimally invasive options tailored to your child’s age and tolerance
We believe in empowering parents with clear information — and supporting every decision with compassion and clinical expertise.
Have Concerns About a Possible Tie? Let’s Talk.
Whether you're just noticing signs or already received a recommendation for treatment, we’re here to help.
📞 Call or text Tooth + Tongue Dental at +1 (925) 949-8427
We offer evaluations, second opinions, and expert guidance — all in a kid-friendly, no-pressure environment.
