Tongue-tie and Lip-tie Conditions

What Are They?

Tongue-ties and lip-ties are present at birth and are sometimes noticed while an infant is still in the hospital. Tongue-tie is a condition that restricts the tongue’s range of motion, and lip-tie keeps the lip from moving freely. Doctors don’t always check for them, and sometimes they are not easily seen. Fortunately, these conditions can be treated even when the child is older.

With tongue-tie, the band of tissue that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, thick or tight. With lip-tie, the piece of tissue behind the upper lip is too thick or too stiff.

What Are The Symptoms?

Some children show symptoms immediately, and others don’t show any signs until they get older. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth 
• Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side
• Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
• Notched or heart-shaped tongue
• A tongue that appears notched or heart-shaped when stuck out
• The child complains of tongue problems that interfere with eating, speaking or reaching the back teeth

What Are The Risks of Leaving Them Untreated?

Tongue-ties and lip-ties often cause no issues; however, sometimes, they can cause issues. These issues may cause difficulty with the following:

• Oral health – Formation of a gap or space between the two bottom front teeth, tooth decay, swollen and irritated gums.
• Eating and Swallowing – Gagging or choking on foods.
• Speaking – Problems making certain sounds — such as “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” “th,” “r” and “l.”
• Challenges with everyday activities – licking an ice cream cone, licking the lips, kissing or playing a wind instrument.

How Does Wake Pediatric Dentistry Treat Tongue-tie and Lip-tie?

Wake Pediatric Dentistry can treat treating tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants and young children. A simple procedure called a frenectomy removes the troublesome connective tissue under the tongue or between the upper lip and the gums.