Thrive Kids Dentistry

SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE & LIP TIES IN BABIES

The tissue that connects your upper lip to your upper gums and the tissue that connects your tongue to the base of the mouth is called a frenulum. The piece that connects the lip to the gums is called the labial frenulum and the connective tissue under the tongue is called the lingual frenulum. Some babies are born with a frenulum that is shorter, thicker, or stiffer than it is supposed to be. This condition is called a lip tie or a tongue tie and it can keep the upper lip or tongue from being able to move properly.

Lip ties are less common than tongue ties, though both can also happen at the same time. This is not necessarily dangerous for an infant, as long as the condition is not affecting the infant gaining weight, but it can be easily corrected once it is diagnosed.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A TONGUE OR LIP TIE?

There are a few key symptoms to look out for that can give you an indication that your child may be having a problem with a tongue or lip tie. Difficulty breastfeeding is one of the most commonly noticed indicators.

These are some of the symptoms you may notice:

  1. Your baby struggles to latch on to the breast during feeding
  2. Your baby has difficulties breathing during feeding
  3. Your baby makes a clicking sound while nursing
  4. Your baby is falling asleep often when nursing
  5. Your baby acts extremely fatigued by nursing
  6. Your baby is gaining weight at a slower rate than it should be
  7. Your baby is not gaining weight at all
  8. Your baby is experiencing colic symptoms

    If you are breastfeeding and your child has either of these conditions, you may notice these symptoms happening:

  9. You experience pain during and after breastfeeding
  10. Your breasts feel engorged, even immediately after breastfeeding
  11. You have blockages in your milk ducts, a condition known as mastitis
  12. You have fatigue from breastfeeding often, even though your baby never seems to be full

    Severe lip ties in babies can be dangerous, as it can cause problems with gaining weight. Children with lip ties can also have trouble eating from a spoon when they reach that stage.

    Some pediatricians believe there is a connection between lip ties and a higher chance of tooth decay in toddlers as well. Tongue ties can also cause problems with speech when a child begins to learn.

DIAGNOSING A LIP OR TONGUE TIE IN EDMONDS

A pediatric dentist can diagnose a lip or tongue tie if you suspect that your child may have one and can then advise you on what steps you can do to correct it if that is needed.

If you have questions about tongue and lip ties, or if you would like to make an appointment, contact Dr. Christie Lee at Thrive Kids Dentistry in Edmonds, WA. Call us now at (425) 329-4949 or contact us online to book your appointment.

MINDFUL CARE FOR THE MODERN FAMILY

ENJOY CONVENIENT SCHEDULING