How Can a Lip-Tie Affect My Baby?

Are you a new parent who just recently welcomed your little one into the world? This can be an exciting time as you begin to embrace your new role; however, it can also be challenging, especially if your baby has a lip-tie. Although you may be currently unaware of the potential problems this can cause, it’s important to know the signs so that you can seek professional help. Read on to discover how a lip-tie can negatively affect your infant and what you can do to help.

A Lip-Tie’s Effect on Babies

Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed your new baby, you may wonder if all the fussiness and difficulty you’re experiencing are normal. While some cases require a “see what works and what doesn’t work” approach (i.e., using the right type of bottle nipple, getting into the right breastfeeding position, etc.), other instances point to a more serious issue – a lip-tie.

A lip-tie is the restricted band of tissue that exists behind the upper lip and prevents a child from being able to move this part of their mouth freely.

Below are a few of the ways this restricted band of tissue can create problems for your baby:

• Difficulty latching while breastfeeding. When a baby cannot latch properly, they cannot adequately retrieve the milk you produce. In turn, they will become fussy.
• Poor weight gain. Problems with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding because of a lip-tie can result in your baby being unable to gain the necessary weight. It’s essential for your little one to get the proper nutrition at an early age so they will grow and develop healthily.
• Dental issues. An untreated lip-tie can make common oral health problems a reality for your child. As they grow older, they might experience tooth misalignment as well as dental decay.
• Speech impediment. When your little one begins to speak, a lip-tie can limit the movement of their upper lip, causing them to develop a speech impediment.
• Lack of confidence. Whether it is your baby or child who is experiencing issues with a lip-tie, they can become frustrated. Older children may suffer from low self-esteem because of a gap between their teeth or poor oral health, while babies will cry often because of their inability to nurse or feed properly.

How You Can Help Your Child

The moment you believe there is a potential problem, do not wait to seek professional help. Seeing a lip-tie expert is the first step toward improving your child’s condition. With the help of a frenectomy – a procedure that involves releasing the restricted band of tissue – your baby will begin to experience greater lip movement.

The procedure is quick and easy, and many professionals use laser technology for a more comfortable approach. The fast movement of the laser ensures minimal bleeding and swelling, and your little one will be able to nurse or bottle-feed immediately following the procedure.

As a result, you and your child will begin to experience positive results.

While a lip-tie might seem like an unfortunate reality, it doesn’t have to be a long-term problem. With the help of a trusted expert, you can help your baby achieve the wider range of movement they need to grow healthy and happy.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is certified in treating infant and pediatric tongue-ties and lip-ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery, and she is a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTs: Tethered Oral Tissues Program. If your baby has a lip-tie and you’re unsure of what to do, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website. We’ll be here to discuss your options and how we can help.