Lip Tie & Infant Feeding: What You Need to Know

If you’re a parent or caregiver navigating feeding challenges with your baby, you may have encountered the term "lip tie." This condition can affect feeding and beyond, often requiring the guidance of healthcare professionals like lactation consultants and pediatric dentists. Understanding what a lip tie is and how it impacts your child’s development is the first step in seeking appropriate treatment and care.

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What Does a Lip Tie Look Like?

A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum—the thin strip of connective tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums—is unusually tight or thick. This restriction can limit the upper lip’s ability to move freely, making it harder for your baby to latch during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Lip ties are often identified during a physical exam by healthcare providers such as a board-certified pediatric dentist, lactation consultant, or a speech therapist with specific training in this area.

A lip tie can appear as:

• A visibly short or thick labial frenulum.
• A pronounced gap between the upper lip and gums.
• Limited ability to flange the upper lip outward during feeding.

Lip ties are sometimes accompanied by a posterior tongue tie, where the lingual frenulum—the connective tissue under the tongue—is also restricted. Other oral ties, such as a lingual frenulum "tongue tie" or buccal ties "cheek ties are also common. These conditions often occur together and can exacerbate feeding issues.

Lip Tie Symptoms

Lip ties can cause a range of challenges for both the baby and the breastfeeding parent. Common symptoms include:

For the Baby:

• Difficulty latching properly during breastfeeding.
• Gassiness or “colic” from swallowing air while feeding.
• Poor weight gain despite frequent feedings.
• Fussiness or fatigue during feeding sessions.
• Popping on and off the breast or bottle causing “clicking” sounds

For the Parent:

• Painful breastfeeding due to improper latch.
• Sore or cracked nipples.
• Recurrent clogged ducts or mastitis.
• Poor milk supply 

Other signs to watch for include milk leaking from the sides of the baby’s mouth and difficulty transitioning to solid foods later on. If you suspect a lip tie, consulting a lactation consultant or speech-language pathologist can help confirm the diagnosis and guide you toward solutions.

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Does a Lip Tie Affect Speech?

Many parents wonder if a lip tie could affect their child’s speech development. While lip ties alone are less likely to cause significant speech delays, they can sometimes contribute to articulation issues if left untreated. For example, restricted movement of the upper lip might make it harder for a child to form certain bilabial sounds such as /p/ or /b/.

When lip ties coexist with a tongue tie, the impact on speech can be more pronounced. A tight lingual frenulum may restrict tongue movement, making it difficult for the child to pronounce sounds like "t," "d," "l," or "r." or /s/.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, a consultation with a speech-language pathologist can help evaluate their needs and recommend appropriate interventions.

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Lip Tie Procedure

The most common treatment for a lip tie is a frenectomy, a minor surgical procedure that releases the tight frenulum. This can be performed using traditional surgical tools or with a CO2 laser, which minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing. The procedure is often quick, lasting just a few minutes, and can be performed by a board-certified pediatric dentist or an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ENT).

Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Evaluation: A thorough examination by a specialist to assess the severity of the lip tie and discuss treatment options.
• Procedure Day: Your baby will be positioned securely, and local anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort.
• Post-Procedure Care: Instructions will be provided on wound care and exercises to prevent scar tissue from reforming.

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What to Expect After Lip Tie Release

After a lip tie release, many parents notice immediate improvements in feeding, such as a deeper latch and reduced nipple pain. However, it’s also normal for the baby to experience some discomfort or fussiness for a few days. Here are some post-procedure tips:

1. Pain Relief: Use pediatrician-approved pain relief methods, such as infant acetaminophen, to keep your baby comfortable.
2. Stretching Exercises: Perform the recommended stretches to prevent the frenulum from reattaching. These exercises are critical in ensuring the success of the procedure.
3. Follow-Up Care: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your pediatric dentist or lactation consultant to monitor healing and feeding progress.
4. Lactation Support: Working with a lactation consultant can help you and your baby adjust to the new feeding dynamics. They can provide guidance on positioning and latch techniques to optimize feeding.

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A lip tie can pose challenges for infant feeding, speech development, and overall well-being, but it’s a treatable condition. Early identification and intervention by a team of specialists—including a lactation consultant, pediatric dentist, and speech-language pathologist—can make a significant difference in your baby’s feeding journey and development.

If you suspect your baby has a lip tie, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome the challenges and ensure your child thrives.

Article medically reviewed by Abigail A. Boursiquot, MA, CCC-SLP, IBCLC