If your baby cries for hours despite being fed, changed, and comforted, you may be dealing with colic, a condition that leaves many parents feeling helpless. While colic can have several causes, one that’s often overlooked is a lip or tongue tie. These oral restrictions can interfere with feeding, digestion, and comfort, leading to symptoms that mimic or contribute to colic. Understanding the connection can help you find relief for your baby and peace of mind for yourself.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie occurs when the thin piece of tissue (the frenulum) beneath the tongue is too tight or short, restricting the tongue’s movement. A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually thick or tight. These ties can make it difficult for a baby to latch properly during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
When a baby can’t move their tongue or lip effectively, they may swallow air while feeding, have trouble maintaining suction, or feed inefficiently. Over time, this can cause discomfort, gas, and excessive crying—symptoms often mistaken for colic.
How Lip and Tongue Ties Can Contribute to Colic
Feeding issues caused by lip or tongue ties can lead to a cycle of distress. Here’s how:
- Swallowed air: Poor latch leads to more air intake, causing gas and bloating.
- Digestive discomfort: The trapped air can make a baby’s stomach feel full and painful.
- Frequent, short feedings: Babies may struggle to feed effectively, leading to frustration and hunger.
- Parental stress: Constant crying and discomfort can affect both the baby’s and parents’ well-being.
In many cases, babies with untreated lip or tongue ties appear colicky simply because they’re uncomfortable during and after feeding.
Finding Relief Through Treatment
If you suspect your baby’s colic may be related to a lip or tongue tie, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant experienced in diagnosing and treating oral restrictions. A simple, quick procedure called a frenectomy can release the tight tissue and allow for better movement of the tongue or lip.
After treatment, many parents notice immediate improvements in feeding, digestion, and overall comfort. Babies can latch more effectively, swallow less air, and experience less gas and fussiness.
While colic can have many causes, lip and tongue ties are often an overlooked contributor. Identifying and treating these ties can make a world of difference—not only for your baby’s feeding success but also for their comfort and happiness.
About the Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we can provide lip and tongue tie treatment for your little one. Our experienced and friendly pediatric dentists use advanced soft tissue laser technology to perform the procedure in hardly any time at all! And with flexible dental financing available, we can help make sure you’re able to manage costs. Don’t hesitate – schedule an appointment online or call (925) 425-9292.