As children grow, their mouths and oral structures play an important role in eating, speaking, and overall development. One condition that can affect toddlers is a lip tie, a tight or thick band of tissue (the labial frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gums. While some lip ties are mild and cause no problems, others can interfere with daily functions and comfort. Understanding how lip ties affect toddlers can help parents know when it’s time to seek evaluation or treatment.
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum, which naturally connects the lip to the gums, is unusually short, thick, or restrictive. This condition limits the upper lip’s range of motion. Lip ties are often noticed in infancy because they can cause breastfeeding challenges, but they may also continue into toddlerhood and affect oral health, speech, and feeding.
Feeding Difficulties
For toddlers transitioning from bottles or breastfeeding to solid foods, a lip tie can make eating harder. Restricted lip movement may prevent a child from properly closing their lips around a spoon or straw. This can lead to messy eating, frustration, or difficulty chewing certain foods. In some cases, children may swallow excessive air while eating or drinking, which can cause gas, bloating, or discomfort.
Speech Development Concerns
Clear speech requires precise tongue and lip movements. A toddler with a significant lip tie may struggle to form certain sounds, especially those that require the lips to move freely, like “b,” “m,” or “p.” While not all speech delays are caused by lip ties, restricted lip mobility can be one contributing factor. If speech development seems delayed, an evaluation by a pediatric dentist, ENT specialist, or speech-language pathologist may be helpful.
Oral Health Issues
Lip ties can also impact oral hygiene. The tight tissue can create a small gap between the front teeth (a diastema), making it harder to clean effectively. Food particles and plaque may get trapped, increasing the risk of cavities or gum irritation. In addition, toddlers with lip ties may find brushing uncomfortable, which can make developing good oral hygiene habits more challenging.
Discomfort and Behavior
Toddlers may not always be able to explain discomfort, but parents might notice signs. A child with a lip tie might frequently tug at their lips, resist feeding, or become upset during tooth brushing. These behaviors can stem from the tension and restriction caused by the lip tie. Over time, these struggles can lead to frustration for both the child and parents.
Treatment Options
Not all lip ties require treatment, but when they significantly affect feeding, speech, or oral health, a simple procedure called a frenectomy may be recommended. This involves gently releasing the tight tissue to allow for greater mobility. Pediatric dentists and specialists can determine if intervention is necessary based on the severity of the tie and its impact on the child’s daily life.
Lip ties in toddlers can affect more than just the appearance of the smile—they can influence feeding, speech, and oral health. While some children adapt without difficulty, others may benefit from professional evaluation and treatment. If you suspect your toddler has a lip tie, consulting with a pediatric dentist can provide clarity and help your child thrive with a healthy, functional smile.
About the Practice
Do you want to remove all barriers to your child’s oral health? Here at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we can quickly and efficiently remove your little one’s lip tie. Our experienced and friendly pediatric dentists use advanced soft tissue laser technology to make the procedure a breeze! And with flexible financing options available, we’ll make sure you focus on your child instead of costs. Schedule your appointment online or call (925) 425-9292.