What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Lip Tie in Babies and Toddlers?

As a parent, it's important to be aware of potential health issues that can affect your little one. While you may have heard about a tongue tie before, another condition that may have a significant impact on your baby or toddler is a lip tie. A lip tie is a condition where the piece of skin (called the frenulum) that connects the upper lip to the gum is too short, thick, or tight. This can restrict the movement and function of the lip, leading to a variety of issues for your baby or toddler.  
 

What is a Lip Tie and How Does it Affect Babies and Toddlers?

A lip tie is a congenital condition that can be present from birth. It occurs when the frenulum, the small piece of skin that connects the upper lip to the gum, is too short, thick, or tight. This can limit the mobility and function of the upper lip, leading to a range of potential problems for your little one.
 

When a baby or toddler has a lip tie, it can affect their ability to breastfeed effectively. The restricted lip movement can make it difficult for them to flange well and latch onto the breast properly, leading to issues like poor milk transfer, painful nursing for the mother, and even difficulty gaining weight. In some cases, a lip tie can also contribute to the development of dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, later in life.
 

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Lip Tie

Identifying a lip tie in your baby or toddler can be crucial for their overall health and development. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms to look out for:
 

1. Breastfeeding difficulties:

• Trouble latching onto the breast
• Painful or uncomfortable nursing for the mother
• Frequent slipping off the breast during feeding
• Blisters on the upper lip

2. Oral and dental issues:

• Difficulty moving the upper lip, such as when trying to smile
• A noticeable gap between the upper teeth
• Tissue between the teeth making it harder to brush
• Tooth decay at an early age

3. Other potential signs:

• Speech difficulties, such as problems with certain sounds or articulation (P, B, M sounds)
• Air induced reflux or digestive issues

If you notice any of these signs in your baby or toddler, it's important to have them evaluated by a pediatric dentist, to determine if a lip tie is the underlying cause.
 

Treatment Options for Lip Tie

If your child is diagnosed with a lip tie, the most effective treatment option is a procedure called a frenectomy. This involves the surgical removal or release of the restrictive frenulum, allowing for improved lip mobility and function. At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we utilize the advanced Solea laser technology to perform frenectomies. This innovative approach offers several benefits compared to traditional surgical methods:

• Minimally Invasive: The Solea laser allows for a precise and controlled procedure, resulting in less discomfort for your child.
• Faster Healing: The laser's precise targeting promotes faster healing and reduced recovery time, allowing your child to return to their normal activities more quickly.
• Improved Comfort: The Solea laser is designed to provide a more comfortable experience for patients, with less bleeding, swelling, and post-operative discomfort.
• Enhanced Safety: The laser's precision and advanced features ensure a safer procedure, with a lower risk of complications or infection compared to traditional surgical methods.

Get in Touch with Poplin Pediatric Dentistry Today

Recognizing and addressing a lip tie in your baby or toddler is important for their overall health and development. At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your little one. We are committed to using the latest advancements in dental technology, such as the Solea laser, to deliver safe, effective, and comfortable lip tie treatment. By addressing this condition early on, we can help prevent long-term oral health issues and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.  If a procedure is needed, Dr. Poplin recommends to either do the procedure before a year old or between about 4-6 years old.  
 

If you suspect your baby or toddler may have a lip tie, schedule an appointment with Poplin Pediatric Dentistry. We will thoroughly evaluate your child's condition and provide the personalized care and treatment they need. Visit our office in Austin, Texas, or call (512) 346-1283 to book an appointment today.