The primary distinction between lip tie and tongue tie in infants lies in their respective locations in the mouth. A lip tie is diagnosed when the tissue linking the upper lip to the gums is too tight for the baby to manoeuvre the lip with ease. A tongue-tie is diagnosed when the tissue attached to the underside of the tongue is too short or thick, which will impact the movement of the tongue. Both conditions may affect the feeding process, speech, and oral development. Seeing a pediatric dentist in Santa Clarita can help you know if your child’s lip tie requires treatment.
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie is defined as a tight labial frenulum, which is the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. Depending on the degree of lip tie, it may cause (or contribute to) the following issues:
- Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
- Spacing between the front teeth
- Gum irritation
- Speech problems later in life
What is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie occurs when a short or thick lingual frenulum, or tissue underneath the tongue, impacts movement. Your baby may show the following signs:
- Not being able to stick out their tongue
- Making clicking sounds during breastfeeding
- Delayed or poor weight gain because of feeding
- Delayed speech development
If you are looking to find out if your baby has a lip tie or tongue tie release in Santa Clarita, your dentist can provide a quick oral exam and determine if either diagnosis is present.
Key Distinctions Between Lip Tie and Tongue Tie in Infants
| Characteristic | Lip Tie | Tongue-Tie |
| Location | Upper lip and gum | Under the tongue |
| Feeding difficulties | Trouble latching, leaking milk | Poor suction, difficulty swallowing |
| Dental issues | Gap between teeth, pulling gums | Restricted tongue mobility, speech delay |
| Diagnosis | Thick tissue is visible above the teeth | Short and thick frenulum under the tongue |
| Treatment | Frenectomy (lip tie release) | Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) |
Influence of Lip Tie and Tongue Tie on Children
Both conditions can complicate feeding and oral development. For infants, it often means struggles with breastfeeding, and for older children, it could lead to speech and dental problems.
A trusted children’s dentist in Santa Clarita can evaluate your child’s condition and determine if release treatment is appropriate.
Treatment Options for Lip Tie and Tongue Tie
In the case of a diagnosis for your child of a restrictive frenulum, treatment is a simple and effective process.
Dentists often recommend:
- Tongue tie surgery near you—A short, simple procedure to release the tongue, allowing for better movement.
- Lip tie release near you—A short, simple treatment releases the lip, allowing for better movement and comfort while feeding.
Utilizing the latest techniques, treatment for lip ties and tongue ties is performed using a laser or other surgical tool, offering minimal discomfort, bleeding, and rapid healing.
When Does a Baby Need a Tongue-Tie Release?
Parents often wonder, When do I know it is time for treatment? Here are some common signs of lip and tongue ties:
- Baby struggles to latch or stay latched when breastfeeding.
- You have chronic nipple pain while nursing.
- Baby seems fussy and is not gaining weight appropriately.
- As your child grows, have they displayed speech issues?
- A gap between the upper front teeth.
If you notice any of the signs above, you should schedule an evaluation with a children’s dentist near you.
Conclusion
By knowing more about the difference between lip tie and tongue tie in infants, parents can more easily recognize symptoms early and pursue treatment. Both conditions can be simply diagnosed and treated by the appropriate specialist. Our team at Smile Republic Pediatric Dentistry is well acquainted with the gentle and effective procedures offered, including the lip tie release in Santa Clarita and tongue tie releases for feeding, speaking, and growing with confidence. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist near you, don’t wait and schedule an appointment today. Your child deserves the healthy start to life that they are worthy of.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell if a baby has a lip tie or tongue tie?
A baby can have a lip tie or a tongue tie if it experiences latching difficulties while breastfeeding, has trouble with movement of the tongue or upper lip, or you can see a tight band of tissue impairing movement.
How do I know if my baby has a tongue-tie?
Signs include some feeding difficulties, signs of limited tongue movement or limited movement of their tongue, and/or a clicking sound while nursing.
Is a lip tie as serious as a tongue tie?
Yes. Both will lead to feeding and dental issues down the line if not treated.
Is it painful for babies?
The modern frenectomy can be performed quickly, safely, and typically with minimal discomfort.
Do ties affect speech?
Yes. A severe tongue-tie can be the reason for delayed or unclear speech without treatment.
