Discovering that your child has a lip tie or tongue tie can raise many questions for parents. One of the most common concerns is whether the condition will improve naturally over time or require treatment. The answer depends on the severity of the tie and whether it is causing problems with feeding, speech, oral development, or comfort.
In some mild cases, a lip or tongue tie may become less restrictive as a child grows. However, not all ties resolve on their own, and some may continue causing issues if left untreated.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue under the tongue is unusually tight, short, or thick. This can limit the tongue’s range of motion.
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is overly restrictive, limiting lip movement.
These conditions are present at birth and vary widely in severity.
Can They Improve Naturally?
As children grow, the mouth and surrounding tissues develop and change. In some mild cases, the tissue may stretch enough over time to reduce restrictions without treatment.
However, more significant tongue ties or lip ties often do not fully go away on their own. If the tissue remains tight, it may continue interfering with normal oral function as the child grows older.
Because every child is different, monitoring symptoms and development is important.
Signs a Tie May Need Treatment
Not all lip or tongue ties require immediate treatment. However, parents should watch for signs that the condition may be affecting their child’s health or development.
Possible symptoms include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- Poor latch during feeding.
- Slow weight gain.
- Clicking sounds while nursing.
- Excessive gas from swallowing air.
- Speech difficulties later in childhood.
- Difficulty sticking out the tongue.
- Gaps between front teeth.
- Trouble with oral hygiene.
Mothers may also experience pain or discomfort during breastfeeding if an infant has a tongue or lip tie.
Treatment Options
If a tie is causing problems, a healthcare provider may recommend a procedure called a frenectomy or frenotomy. This involves releasing the restrictive tissue to improve movement.
These procedures are often quick and relatively simple, especially in infants. Many babies feed more comfortably shortly after treatment.
A dentist, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant can help evaluate whether treatment may be beneficial.
Some mild lip or tongue ties may improve naturally as a child grows, but more restrictive ties often persist and may continue causing feeding, speech, or oral development issues. The best approach is to monitor your child’s symptoms and consult a qualified healthcare professional if concerns arise.
About the Practice
Does your little one have a lip or tongue tie that needs treatment? We’d be happy to serve you at Hyland Dental, where our expert team can care for them with a frenectomy. In hardly any time, we’ll use a soft tissue laser to gently and quickly release the tethered tissues so that the tongue and/or lip can move freely. We’ll take steps to ensure your child is calm and comfortable. Ready to get started? Book online or call our Mankato office at (507) 387-3249.