Parents tend to have endless questions, especially when it comes to the well-being of their little ones. Among the many concerns that may arise throughout this journey are lip and tongue ties – two conditions that can affect a baby’s ability to breastfeed, latch, and even speak as they grow. While these issues can go unnoticed, they can profoundly impact a child’s early development and leave parents wondering about the differences between the two conditions. Put simply, tongue ties impact the tongue’s mobility, whereas lip ties can affect both the tongue and lips.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, our talented oral surgeons are adept at treating tongue and lip ties in patients of all ages. We take a patient-first approach to every treatment plan and will work with you to determine the best path forward to treat your child’s oral health concerns. Our team prioritizes painless procedures and can provide a smooth treatment and recovery process.
Understanding Tongue Ties and Lip Ties
Tongue ties and lip ties are conditions that can significantly affect the movement of a baby’s tongue and lips. A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when a band of tissue called the frenulum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting the tongue’s movement.
On the other hand, a lip tie happens when the frenulum connects the upper lip to the gums, limiting the lip’s mobility. These conditions can be present at birth or develop later, and while the exact causes are still unclear, research suggests that genetic factors might play a role in their development. Understanding these conditions is crucial for addressing any feeding or speech issues that may arise.
What Is the Difference Between Tongue Ties and Lip Ties?
Both tongue ties and lip ties impact the frenulum, the connective tissue between the lips, tongue, and gums. When the frenulum is too short or stiff, it can affect your baby’s ability to breastfeed, gain weight, and stick their tongue out, often due to a lip or tongue tie. Tongue ties and lip ties are similar conditions, yet there are key differences that can impact your child, making it critical to understand the difference.
Tongue Ties
A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is either too thick, short, or deformed. Tongue ties can cause health complications related to a child’s tongue. Children with tongue ties can have challenges feeding and swallowing; in some cases, the condition may even affect their speech.
Lip Ties
While a tongue tie impacts the frenulum between the bottom of the mouth and the tongue, children with lip ties have a frenulum that extends down to the gum. In addition to issues with feeding, a lip tie can cause complications with tooth development. Sometimes, they can restrict teeth from growing, cause misalignment, and quicken tooth decay. Lip tie treatment is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excessive connective tissue to enhance lip movement.
Causes and Development of Tongue and Lip Ties
Tongue and lip ties are congenital conditions, meaning they generally develop before birth. During fetal development, the lingual frenulum (which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) and the labial frenulum (which connects the upper lip to the gum) form. In some cases, these tissues do not separate properly, resulting in a tongue tie or lip tie.
The exact reasons for this incomplete separation are not well understood, but there is evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition. Tongue and lip ties often run in families, and certain populations may be more prone to these conditions. Recognizing the congenital nature of these ties can help in early diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Tongue Ties and Lip Ties
Babies with tongue ties and lip ties can exhibit a variety of symptoms that may affect their overall well-being. Common signs include difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, and nipple pain for breastfeeding mothers.
These babies might struggle to latch onto the breast or bottle, leading to inefficient sucking, swallowing, and even breathing issues. As they grow, children with untreated tongue ties and lip ties may face challenges with speech and communication, such as difficulties with articulation and pronunciation.
Older children and adults might also experience similar problems, including speech difficulties, breathing issues, and trouble with eating and swallowing. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
Impact on Feeding and Nutrition
Tongue ties and lip ties can significantly impact a baby’s ability to feed and receive proper nutrition. A tongue tie can restrict the baby’s tongue movement, making it challenging to latch onto the breast or bottle effectively. This can result in poor weight gain, nipple pain for the mother, and overall feeding difficulties.
Similarly, a lip tie can cause problems by creating a tight upper lip that traps milk, potentially leading to enamel decalcification and tooth decay. Babies with these conditions may also struggle with bottle feeding, as they might find it hard to create a proper seal around the nipple. Addressing these issues promptly can help ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition and avoids further complications.
Impact on Speech and Communication
Tongue ties and lip ties can also affect speech and communication, both in children and adults. A tongue tie can limit the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult to articulate certain sounds and words, which can lead to pronunciation and communication challenges. Speech therapy may be necessary to help overcome these difficulties.
Similarly, a lip tie can impact speech by restricting the movement of the upper lip, affecting the formation of specific sounds and words. Additionally, these conditions can make eating and swallowing more challenging, as the restricted movement of the tongue and lips can hinder the manipulation of food and liquids in the mouth. Early intervention can help mitigate these issues and improve overall quality of life.
How to Treat Tongue and Lip Ties
A simple surgery known as a frenectomy, which removes or reduces an abnormal frenulum, is the most popular and effective tongue tie treatment for improving oral function in infants. The procedure is worth considering in cases of restricted lip or tongue movement, especially if it is causing your child discomfort, pain, or other health concerns.
A frenectomy can be performed quickly, and the recovery time is short. The surgeon will numb the area and make a small incision in the frenulum to either remove it or make it smaller. Sometimes, the surgeon will use laser technology for the procedure, which shortens recovery time and reduces the risk of complications. Follow any postoperative instructions to ensure the best results and quickest possible recovery.
Schedule an Appointment With a Skilled Oral Surgeon at Union City Oral Surgery Group
If your child is suffering from tongue ties or lip ties, it is essential to contact a talented oral surgeon without delay. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, our founder, Dr. Nancy Herbst, has over 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages. We use state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest level of care in a comfortable setting. When you contact our office, we will ensure you and your child are supported through every stage of the treatment process.
To schedule an appointment with a first-class oral surgeon, call us today at (201) 601-9262 or complete our online contact form today.
