Many parents first notice signs of a lip or tongue-tie when their child struggles to breastfeed, becomes unusually fussy, or has difficulty gaining weight. These conditions occur when the frenulum—the thin tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums—is too short, tight, or thick. While it’s common to hope the issue will simply improve with time, lip and tongue-ties rarely resolve on their own.
What Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) limits the tongue’s ability to move freely. A lip-tie restricts the upper lip, making it difficult for babies to form a proper seal during feeding. Both conditions can affect infants, children, and even adults when left untreated.
These ties can interfere with essential functions such as sucking, swallowing, and later, speech. In breastfeeding infants, the inability to latch properly often leads to frustration, prolonged feedings, maternal discomfort, and inadequate milk transfer.
Do Lip and Tongue-Ties Go Away Naturally?
Despite common myths, lip and tongue-ties do not typically stretch or loosen enough on their own to resolve functional issues. The frenulum is made of connective tissue that does not naturally lengthen with age. In fact, as children grow, the impact of an untreated tie can become more noticeable.
For babies, this may involve feeding problems, gas, colic-like symptoms, and slow weight gain. As children get older, ties may contribute to speech difficulties, dental spacing issues, or trouble eating certain foods. Without intervention, these long-term challenges can persist well into adulthood.
Signs Your Child May Have a Tie
Early detection helps prevent complications. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched while breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Excessive gas or fussiness
- Poor weight gain
- Maternal nipple pain
- Limited tongue movement (inability to lift, extend, or sweep the tongue)
Older children might experience trouble pronouncing certain sounds, mouth breathing, or discomfort when eating.
Why Treatment Is Necessary
A lip or tongue-tie must be released through a simple procedure known as a frenectomy. This treatment removes or loosens the restrictive tissue to allow normal movement. Modern frenectomies are quick, minimally invasive, and often performed with a gentle laser to minimize bleeding and speed up healing.
Correcting the tie allows babies to feed more effectively, reduces discomfort for breastfeeding mothers, and supports better oral development as children grow. Many families notice improvements in feeding, sleep, and comfort almost immediately after treatment.
Supporting Your Child After Treatment
Following a frenectomy, your pediatric provider may recommend exercises to prevent reattachment and ensure optimal mobility. Consistent follow-up helps support healthy healing and long-term success.
Early treatment ensures your child can eat, speak, and grow comfortably.
About the Practice
Dr. Santiago and Dr. Brandon of Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ensure families receive compassionate, specialized care for lip and tongue-tie concerns. Our team provides thorough evaluations and gentle frenectomy treatments to support healthy feeding and oral development.
Call us at (925) 425-9292 or request an appointment online.