How a Lip Tie Can Affect Babies and Toddlers
Many parents hear the term “lip tie” for the first time when their baby is having trouble feeding or gaining weight. Others may not notice a problem until their child is older and experiencing speech, dental, or oral health concerns. Understanding what a lip tie is and how it can affect babies and toddlers can help parents know when to seek guidance.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, called the labial frenulum, is unusually tight or thick. This restriction can limit how well the upper lip moves. While everyone has a frenulum, problems arise when it prevents normal lip function.
How Lip Ties Can Affect Babies
In infants, a lip tie most often shows up during feeding. Because the upper lip cannot flange or curl outward properly, babies may struggle to get a good latch.
Common signs in babies include:
Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Frequent clicking sounds while feeding
Gassiness or fussiness during or after feeds
Longer feeding times or frequent feeds
Poor weight gain
Lip blisters from compensating during feeding
For breastfeeding parents, a lip tie can also cause discomfort, nipple pain, or frustration due to inefficient feeding.
How Lip Ties Can Affect Toddlers
As children grow, the effects of a lip tie may change. Some toddlers adapt well, while others continue to experience challenges.
Possible concerns in toddlers include:
Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
Messy eating due to limited lip movement
Speech delays or difficulty making certain sounds
Increased risk of cavities on the front teeth due to food and plaque getting trapped
A gap forming between the upper front teeth
Mouth breathing or difficulty keeping lips closed at rest
Not every child with a lip tie will experience all of these issues, but ongoing symptoms are worth evaluating.
Does Every Lip Tie Need Treatment?
Not all lip ties require treatment. Some children have mild ties that do not interfere with feeding, speech, or oral health. The decision to treat depends on symptoms, function, and overall development rather than appearance alone.
A pediatric dentist can evaluate how the lip tie affects movement, feeding, and oral hygiene and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
How Lip Ties Are Treated
If treatment is recommended, a procedure called a frenectomy may be suggested. This involves gently releasing the tight tissue to allow better lip movement. For babies and toddlers, the procedure is typically quick and performed with comfort and safety in mind.
Your pediatric dentist will discuss:
Whether treatment is necessary
The best timing for the procedure
What to expect during healing
Exercises or stretches that may be recommended afterward
When to Seek an Evaluation
You should consider an evaluation if your child:
Has ongoing feeding difficulties
Struggles with weight gain as an infant
Has speech concerns as a toddler
Gets frequent cavities on the front teeth
Has difficulty with lip movement or mouth closure
Related Article: Why Pediatric Dentists Are Different
The Bottom Line
A lip tie can affect babies and toddlers in different ways, from feeding challenges early on to oral health or speech concerns as they grow. Early evaluation helps ensure your child gets the support they need at the right time.
At All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our team is experienced in evaluating lip ties and guiding families through their options with care and confidence. If you have concerns, we are here to help you understand what is normal and what steps may be helpful for your child’s healthy development.