As a parent, it’s natural to notice every little detail about your baby’s mouth, especially when feeding challenges or speech concerns arise. One issue that often comes up in early childhood is a lip or tongue tie—a condition where a short or tight band of tissue (called a frenulum) restricts the movement of the lip or tongue. Many parents wonder if these ties will simply stretch or disappear as their child grows. The truth is a bit more nuanced. Let’s take a closer look at what lip and tongue ties are, whether they can resolve naturally, and when it might be time to seek treatment.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the strip of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too tight or short, limiting how the tongue can move. Similarly, a lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gumline is overly restrictive. Both conditions can affect feeding, swallowing, oral development, and even speech in some children.
Tongue and lip ties are fairly common and vary in severity. Some are so mild that they don’t cause any problems, while others can interfere with everyday functions like breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or even brushing teeth later on.
Do Lip and Tongue Ties Go Away on Their Own?
In mild cases, some ties may stretch slightly over time as a child grows, allowing for improved movement. However, it’s uncommon for a significant lip or tongue tie to fully resolve without intervention. The frenulum is connective tissue—not a muscle—so while it can loosen a little, it typically doesn’t “go away” completely on its own.
If your baby or child isn’t showing symptoms, such as difficulty feeding or speaking, their dentist or pediatrician may recommend simply monitoring the situation. But if your child experiences ongoing issues, waiting too long can sometimes lead to further complications, like speech delays or dental problems.
Signs That a Tie May Need Treatment
You may want to consult your dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant if your child shows signs such as:
- Trouble latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Clicking sounds while feeding.
- Slow weight gain or fatigue during feedings.
- Difficulty sticking out or moving the tongue.
- Speech difficulties or unclear pronunciation (in older children).
- Gaps between the front teeth (for lip ties).
If any of these symptoms are present, a professional evaluation can determine whether a frenectomy (a simple procedure to release the tie) is needed.
What Treatment Looks Like
A frenectomy is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight tissue, allowing for greater mobility. Many pediatric dentists now use laser technology, which makes the treatment virtually painless and reduces healing time. Most children experience almost immediate improvement in feeding and movement afterward.
While minor lip or tongue ties might loosen slightly as your child grows, most will not go away entirely on their own, especially if they’re causing noticeable symptoms. The good news is that treatment is simple, effective, and can make a world of difference in your child’s comfort, feeding success, and speech development. If you suspect your child may have a lip or tongue tie, don’t wait and wonder—schedule an evaluation with a pediatric dentist or specialist.
About the Practice
Does your little tyke need lip or tongue tie treatment? Here at Garland Pediatric Dentistry, you can expect board-certified and general pediatric dentists Dr. Ben and Dr. Ghods to provide your child with the best care possible. We use a comfortable soft tissue laser, which means easier and efficient treatment and recovery. Also, we’re in-network with many dental insurance plans and will maximize your benefits. Schedule an appointment with us online or call (972) 674-9966.
