What Is a Lip Tie? Causes, Signs, and Simple Ways to Help Your Child
You see that bit of skin you have below your upper lip? It is known as the frenulum, and everybody has one. In some cases, however, it is a little narrower, or stouter, or is tied a little lower than usual, then we say it is a lip tie.
When it occurs, your upper lip is not able to move in the manner in which it is supposed to. And that could make even such simple tasks as feeding, brushing the front teeth, or cleaning the area a little bit tricky. Nothing to be afraid of, just a thing to know.
Where Is the Lip Tie Exactly?
If you gently lift your upper lip in front of a mirror, you’ll notice a small, thin piece of skin connecting your lip to your gum. This little band is called the frenulum, and everyone has it. It helps guide the lip when you talk, smile, or eat.
In a typical mouth:
- The frenulum is soft and flexible,
- The lip can lift easily, and
- You don’t feel any pulling or tightness.
But in a lip tie:
- The frenulum is tighter than normal,
- It pulls the lip down when you try to lift it, and
- The lip may feel “stuck” or unable to move freely.
Others even observe that the upper lip does not move upwards naturally, particularly when eating or smiling. It is this tight pull that makes a lip tie visible and even uncomfortable.
Why Do Lip Ties Happen?
A baby is just born with lip ties. In early childhood development in the womb, the frenulum may be a little tighter or lower than normal. This is simply a variation of nature, as there are babies who are born with curly hair and others with straight hair.
One should be aware that there is nothing parents did or did not do to cause a lip tie. It is not through feeding, habits or anything during pregnancy. It is simply how the tissue grows, and in most cases, it does not create any issues in babies.
Common Signs of a Lip Tie (Especially in Babies)
A lip tie can make feeding a little tricky for babies. Because their upper lip can’t move freely, they might have trouble getting a good latch during breastfeeding. This can show up in several ways:
- Trouble latching: The baby may pull away often or not be able to take enough of the nipple into their mouth.
- Slow feeding: It might take much longer for the baby to finish a feeding because it’s harder to suck effectively.
- Gas or fussiness: Babies may swallow extra air while feeding, which can make them gassy or irritable.
- Milk leakage: You may notice milk spilling from the sides of their mouth instead of going straight down.
- Weight gain issues: If feeding is difficult, some babies may gain weight more slowly than expected.
- Upper lip doesn’t flip out: The top lip may stay tight against the gums and not curl outward during feeding.
Due to these difficulties, breastfeeding may be uncomfortable or even painful for the parents. When the baby is not able to latch correctly, the nipple can be sore, cracked or sensitive.
Not all babies with a lip tie experience all these signs, and some may experience mild feeding problems. However, these signs can be detected early and help parents and paediatricians determine whether any support or treatment is required.
Signs in Older Kids or Adults
Not all lip ties are noticed in babies. Sometimes they are only discovered later in childhood or even in adulthood.
Older kids or adults with a lip tie may notice:
- Trouble brushing the upper front teeth properly because the tight lip makes it harder to reach certain areas.
- Food is getting stuck around the gums more often than usual.
- A gap between the two front teeth, which can appear because the tight frenulum pulls on the gum.
- Difficulty keeping the upper lip relaxed, especially when talking, smiling, or eating.
- Gum irritation or redness in the upper front teeth from constant friction or pulling.
Due to these problems, it becomes particularly important to keep the mouth clean. Good brushing habits and an appropriate dental routine can be used to keep the gums and teeth safe, minimise irritation, and prevent cavities. Dental checkups are also useful in order to monitor and control any issues at an early stage.
Extra teeth can pop up in all sorts of places and shapes, which is why dentists often rely on X-rays to get a clear picture of what’s going on in your mouth. Not every extra tooth requires treatment, but understanding its type and location can help determine if it should be removed or just monitored.
Is a Lip Tie Dangerous?
The majority of lip ties are not harmful and do not lead to severe issues. Most children live without any problems being noticed. In other instances, however, there are a few difficulties that a lip tie may cause, especially in feeding and oral care.
Babies whose lips are tied might not be able to latch well, thus making feeding more challenging. The frenulum may also be tight, and this may cause the gums to be pulled, which results in sensitivity on the upper front teeth. Due to the lack of freedom of movement of the lip, it can be more difficult to clean the front teeth properly, and it can raise the risk of the food remaining in the mouth and causing tooth decay along the gum line.
In uncommon instances, a lip tie can also have an impact on speech, whereby the upper lip cannot move freely as the child learns to speak. Children with a habit of food getting stuck around the teeth or gums could easily develop cavities. Good oral care is therefore very vital. Problems can be prevented by brushing teeth regularly, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to ensure the teeth and gums are in good health. Using fluoride treatments can further protect children from cavities.
How Lip Ties Are Treated
Not all lip ties require treatment, but a tight upper lip may occasionally cause feeding or oral care to be more difficult. It can be assisted in a few ways, including watching and supporting the feeding of minors and expedient procedures. The appropriate solution would be determined by the extent to which the lip tie would impact the child.
We shall examine the primary methods of dealing with lip ties by dentists and experts.
Observation
Many children with a lip tie do not need any treatment. If the baby feeds well and the mouth is healthy, the dentist may simply watch and monitor it as the child grows. Often, the lip tie does not cause any problems, so no action is needed.
Help With Feeding
For babies who have trouble breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help. They teach parents different feeding positions and techniques to make latching easier. This guidance often improves feeding without needing any surgery. You can also check our most asked dental questions to understand common oral health concerns in children.
Frenectomy (Simple Procedure)
In some cases, when the lip tie causes noticeable issues, a dentist may perform a simple procedure called a frenectomy. The tight skin under the upper lip is gently released using a small laser or tiny scissors. The procedure is quick, and healing usually happens fast, helping the baby feed more comfortably.
Can a Lip Tie Fix Itself?
In some children, a lip tie can improve naturally as they grow. As the mouth and facial muscles develop, the frenulum may loosen over time. This allows the upper lip to move more freely, making feeding and oral care easier. Parents may notice that breastfeeding becomes smoother or that older kids can lift their lips better while brushing or smiling. In these cases, no treatment is usually needed.
However, not all lip ties fix themselves. For some children, the tissue remains tight and continues to cause difficulties. This can affect feeding, oral hygiene, or even speech in rare cases. When the lip tie does not improve, a dentist or specialist can help guide treatment or perform a small procedure to release the frenulum. Early monitoring ensures any problems are addressed before they become more serious.
Simple Prevention Tips
For kids with lip ties:
- Brush gently around the front teeth every day
Take care to brush softly around the upper front teeth, where the lip tie can make cleaning tricky. This helps remove trapped food and plaque and keeps the gums healthy. - Clean the gums well
Especially for younger children, gently cleaning the gums prevents bacteria buildup and reduces the risk of irritation or early cavities. This is similar to how you can prevent swollen or inflamed taste buds by keeping the mouth clean. - Watch for bleeding or irritation.
If the gums bleed or feel sore, it may be a sign to brush more carefully or use a softer toothbrush. Keeping an eye on this helps prevent long-term gum problems. - Keep sugar snacks low.
Limiting sugary foods and drinks protects the teeth from decay and keeps the mouth healthier overall. - Visit the dentist regularly
Regular dental checkups help monitor oral health and catch any issues early. Professional cleaning ensures teeth and gums stay strong, even with a lip tie.
This routine helps prevent tooth decay, gum problems, and bacterial buildup while making oral care easier for children with lip ties.
Conclusion
A lip tie is a common dental condition where the small piece of skin under the upper lip is tighter than usual. While it may cause feeding difficulties in babies or make oral care a little harder in older children, most lip ties are not dangerous. Many improve on their own, and there are safe ways to help when needed, from gentle feeding support to minor procedures like a frenectomy.
With careful brushing, good oral habits, and regular dental checkups, children with a lip tie can maintain healthy teeth and gums. Paying attention to feeding, gum health, and hygiene ensures any potential problems are caught early. Understanding lip ties and knowing how to manage them helps parents keep their children comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Care at 65 Broadway Dental
At 65 Broadway Dental, we help parents understand lip ties and how they affect children. We explain the causes, signs, and easy ways to help in simple words. Our goal is to make feeding, speech, and smiles easier and healthier for your child.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my baby has a lip tie?
Common signs include trouble latching while breastfeeding, slow feeding, milk leaking from the mouth, fussiness, and the upper lip not flipping out easily.
2. Can a lip tie fix itself?
Sometimes, yes. As children grow, the frenulum may loosen naturally. However, in some cases, it stays tight and may require help from a dentist.
3. Is a lip tie dangerous?
Most lip ties are not harmful. They can cause feeding difficulties, gum sensitivity, or make oral hygiene harder, but serious problems are rare.
4. How is a lip tie treated?
Treatment depends on the severity. Options include observation, feeding support from a lactation consultant, or a minor procedure called a frenectomy.
5. When should I see a dentist for a lip tie?
See a dentist if your baby struggles to feed, your child gets cavities often near the upper front teeth, or the upper lip cannot move properly.
6. Can lip ties affect older kids or adults?
Yes, they can make brushing harder, cause food to get stuck, or create a gap between front teeth. In rare cases, they may affect speech.
Dr. Alexander Heifitz (Author)
Dr. Alexander Heifitz is the founder of 65 Broadway Dental in NYC, where he combines advanced dental expertise with a patient-first approach. He specializes in cosmetic and restorative treatments such as dental implants, veneers, Invisalign, and smile makeovers, helping New Yorkers achieve both oral health and confidence.
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