Julian Center

Lip tie is a condition in which the labial frenulum, a strip of tissue between the upper lip and the upper gums, is unusually short or tight. It restricts lip movement to a great degree and disrupts numerous developmental processes. Unfortunately, very few parents and medical professionals are aware of the harmful effects of lip tie. Among those who do know the condition, many still believe that it’s something a child can grow out of and is not serious enough to require treatment.

Learning the symptoms of lip tie is a big step towards getting it diagnosed and corrected. In this article, we will take a close look at the warning signs that a kid has lip tie and how to confirm it.

Breastfeeding Difficulties

The negative effects of lip tie are evident as early as the first breastfeeding. Because the lip cannot move properly, the baby is unable to create an adequate seal for successful suction. Here’s a comparison of a proper and improper seal: Normal Upper Lip versus Lip Tie During Breastfeeding
Source: Speech Pathology Graduates Struggles with nursing include:

• Shallow latch
• Failure to sustain the latch
• Spilling and dribbling
• Colic and reflux
• Feeds that take too long
• Refusal to nurse
• Chewing and gumming on the breast
• Inability to use a bottle or a pacifier
• Restlessness and irritability after feeding
• Sliding off the nipple
• Falling asleep at the breast
• Lack of coordination between breathe, suck, and swallow patterns
• A callous on the upper midline of a baby’s lip

Breastfeeding Support also stresses that mothers suffer as well when their infant has lip tie. Typical signs are:

• Bleeding nipples
• Cracked nipples
• Bruising
• Pain during breastfeeding
• Inadequate milk supply
• Inefficient emptying of the breast

More Feeding Challenges for Children with Lip Tie

As a baby starts getting weaned off the breast or bottle, the difficulties just continue. These are some of the challenges they face as they graduate to spoon feeding and finger feeding:

• Failure use the top lip to clean the spoon
• Fatigue and inefficiency during spoon feeding
• Inadequate stimulation of the gum tissue which leads to oral sensitivity
• Abnormal swallowing patterns due to lip restriction
• Poor appetite
• Inability to swallow, chew, and bite food properly
• Development of selective and hesitant eating due to texture and food aversions
• Choking and gagging on food

Oral Health

Lip ties also affect dental health significantly. Limited lip movement prevents the child from cleaning and brushing the teeth thoroughly. In addition, food is often trapped between the lip and the gums which accelerates tooth decay. This can eventually lead to periodontal disease in adults.

On top of this, lip tie can cause a gap to form between the front teeth. Worse, these negative effects tend to continue despite a child’s attempt at practicing good dental hygiene.

Speech Problems

Correct lip movements are essential to speech development. Speech Pathology Graduates warn that a child with lip tie may find it hard to pronounce certain sounds and might talk with a lisp. To compensate for the restricted movement, they often speak too fast or too slow. Because of this, speech therapy is strongly advised following lip tie treatment during childhood and adulthood.

Some children and adults with lip ties also complain of jaw pain, neck pain, incorrect jaw posture, and migraines in connection to the tie.

How “Flipping the Lip” Can Help You Spot Lip Tie

If all of these problems sound familiar, your child (or you yourself) may have a lip tie. Pediatricians, lactation specialists, and dentists encourage people to just “flip the lip” in order to check for the presence of a labial frenulum. Parenting site Mommypotamus describes several steps to checking for a lip tie:

1. Place the baby on another person’s lap, with the head facing the same direction as you are and the feet facing away from you.
2. Check the lip for a lip callus.
3. Examine the sucking pattern. Weak sucking and compression at the front of the mouth can indicate a lip tie.

If you think a lip tie is present after taking these steps, then it’s time to take your child to a dentist or lactation specialist trained in lip ties to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options such as a frenectomy, also known as snipping the lip tie.

Bottom Line: Harmful Effects of Lip Tie

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a lip tie will go a long way towards helping a child receive correct treatment and diagnosis. If you suspect that your child has a lip tie, schedule an appointment with a dentist trained in sleep disorders As Soon As Possible. Sources:

https://www.mommypotamus.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-diagnosing-tongue-ties/

https://breastfeeding.support/lip-tie-and-breastfeeding/

https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/ankyloglossia-and-lip-tie-issues/[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]

Awareness of infant lip tie and its effects on feeding, dental, and general health is on the rise. This has led more parents to seek lip tie release to help their babies’ breastfeed. But what about those who still have lip ties later in life?

Lip ties in older children and adults get much less attention than in infants. Unfortunately, the much more complicated demands of their environment make the consequences of lip tie more severe and devastating. However, there is hope. In this article, you’ll learn more about the life-changing benefits of lip tie release and what you can expect from the procedure.

Quick Facts on Lip Ties

According to the National Health Service, lip ties are due to an unusually short, thick, or tight labial frenulum (a membrane the connects the upper lip to the gums). The exact cause of lip ties is still unknown, but it is considered a congenital condition and does not develop after birth.

Because the movement of the upper lip is restricted, the most common symptoms of lip tie in babies and young children are feeding difficulties, speech delays, and dental issues. As one grows older, however, the list of symptoms expand to include:

• Frequent dry lips
• Chronic pain in the shoulder, neck, and back
• TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
• Inadequate height/weight for age because of feeding problems
• Sleep apnea
• Mouth breathing
• Migraines
• Gapped and crooked teeth
• Periodontal disease
• Anxiety and depression
• Maladaptive habits to compensate for the effects of lip tie
• Teeth grinding
• Tooth and gum sensitivity
• Digestive diseases and issues
• Chronic fatigue

Since few medical professionals at present are trained to identify lip ties, WebMD advises consulting dentists trained in sleep disorders, ENTs, and oral surgeons familiar with the condition if you think you or your child have it.

Lip Tie Release in Older Children and Adults

Lip tie release is a generally simple and minimally invasive procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete. Complications from lip tie revision are very rare. One of the most common methods is called a frenectomy.

The Mayo Clinic describes this procedure as releasing or clipping the labial frenum to allow for greater freedom of movement. Traditional frenectomy involves scissors to clip the membrane. There’s almost no pain since the frenulum does not have a lot of blood vessels and nerves.

On the other hand, your dentist might suggest the use of a laser to revise the tie. Laser lip tie surgery offers unique benefits such as:

• Little to no bleeding
• Better visibility means enhanced precision
• Total removal of labial frenum
• Very short treatment time
• Minimally invasive
• Much less trauma to layers beneath affected area
• Rapid recovery and healing
• Less chance for reattachment

Frenectomy for simple lip ties is typically a quick outpatient procedure that does not require the use of numbing drugs.

For a frenulum that’s too thick, however, your dentist might suggest a frenuloplasty instead. The patient is put under while the doctor cuts the frenulum and finishes up with soluble stitches. Either way, both procedures have amazing success rates and positive results are immediate.

Recovery After Lip Tie Release

The wound can take between three to seven days to fully heal. Allow for some post-op discomfort. Your dentist might prescribe mild pain killers before and after treatment. You might also experience some soreness and swelling.

You may eat right after the treatment, but if there was anesthetic involved, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests waiting until it wears off. Avoid spicy or hot food for a few days to avoid irritating the surgery site, and consider a liquid diet for a few meals if solid food hurts your gums. To avoid the lip tie from reattaching, massage the site gently and lift the lip up about three times a day.

Benefits of Lip Tie Release

For many patients, improvements after lip tie revision are immediate. They are able to speak clearly and chew food properly. Other benefits include:

• Being able to breathe through the nose
• Small structural shifts in the mouth and face
• Reduce tension and pain
• Boost in mood
• Improvement in posture
• Better sleep
• Better dental health

Of course, some changes require more time to become obvious. For instance, speech therapy is highly recommended after lip tie revision to correct speech patterns that developed to compensate for the lip tie. Orthodontics might be needed to fix gap tooth irregularities stemming from a lip tie. Your dentist will help you develop a recovery plan to address the issues caused by the condition.

Bottom Line

Older children and adults suffer the most from lip ties, but they are also the least diagnosed demographic. Fortunately, a person can break free from lip ties at any age. In the hands of a dentist trained in lip tie release, it won’t take long before you can finally experience normal function and improve your quality of life. Sources:

https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/ankyloglossia-tongue-tie

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tongue-tie/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378456

https://www.drghaheri.com/blog/2014/4/3/laser-vs-scissors-how-to-choose-your-provider

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095637/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tongue-tie/[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]

Breastfeeding is one of the earliest and most important milestones in an infant’s life. The mother and child bond deeply through nursing, and the baby receives many fundamental nutrients. However, a little-known condition called lip tie can make this a frustrating experience. It can also lead to significant developmental deficits over time. If you suspect your child is suffering from this condition, learning key lip tie facts is a step in the right direction.

Discover what you need to know about this issue and what you can do about it in the article below.

What is Lip Tie? 

The upper gum and the upper lip are connected by a small strip of tissue called the maxillary labial frenulum. A lip tie happens when this membrane is too tight, too thick, or too short, therefore restricting movement.

Not everyone has it, but according to Healthline, it’s normal to have a maxillary labial frenulum. Its presence doesn’t always lead to a lip tie. If there are no problems resulting from its presence, then we can say that an infant simply has a labial frenulum.

The key to diagnosing lip tie is finding out whether that labial frenulum restricts upper lip movement or not. If your child can’t move his lips properly due to that membrane, he probably has a lip tie.

Lip Ties and Tongue Ties

Lip ties can occur in conjunction with another oral malformation called a tongue-tie. They are very similar, except with tongue tie the abnormal frenulum is located between the tongue and the bottom of the mouth. Tongue tie currently remains little-discussed except in breastfeeding circles and select specialists, but it’s quickly gaining traction among the medical community as new research and data emerge.

In comparison, lip tie awareness is even lower than tongue tie. Because so many lip ties go undiagnosed, numerous older children and adults continue to suffer. The good news is that lip ties can be corrected quickly and easily at any age once you know what you’re looking for.

Is your child in danger from lip tie?

Not immediately, no. A lip tie is not life-threatening by itself. But the restricted movements of the mouth can, and often do, cause unwanted consequences. The very first time a baby latches to the breast it becomes an unpleasant experience for both the mother and child. It only grows worse as the child grows bigger and starts to perform more complex actions.

Early Signs

One of the most common lip tie facts is breastfeeding difficulties. Symptoms include:

• Colic
• Difficulty breathing during nursing
• Acting extremely tired after nursing
• Clicking or loud sucking sounds during breastfeeding
• Difficulties latching
• Inadequate milk transfer
• Lack of or slow weight gain
• Irritability and fussiness
• Gas and reflux
• Biting or chewing the nipple

As the infant is introduced to solid foods, he or she might not be able to chew properly and exhibit excessive drooling. It will also be difficult to pronounce certain sounds and to observe good oral hygiene. Once you observe these symptoms, visit a dentist trained in diagnosing lip ties to receive a definite diagnosis.

Causes of Lip Tie 

Due to lack of research, the causes of lip tie are still not known. We do know that it forms in the womb and doesn’t develop after birth. Lip ties occur in an equal number of boys and girls.

However, some evidence points to a genetic component. Mama Natural explains that a gene called MTHFR is involved in the formation of the mouth and the lips. A study reported that particular MTHFR mutations increase the possibility of a cleft palate by seven times, which might contribute to lip ties.

In addition, some experts suspect that lip ties may be hereditary. When an infant has a lip tie, it’s common to find a known relative that also has the condition.

Classification System

Lip ties are divided into four classes depending on where the frenulum is attached:

• Class 1: Little to no visible attachment
• Class 2: Frenulum is somewhere above the gum line edge
• Class 3: Frenulum is located at the very edge of the gumline
• Class 4: Frenulum is attached all the way to the hard palate

Parenting emphasizes that these classes just indicate anatomy, not severity. To determine how severe a lip tie is, the dentist or lactation consultation will try to elevate the lip to mimic the flanging motion required during breastfeeding. How freely the lip can be elevated will show the extent and thickness of the tie.

How to Get a Lip tie Diagnosed

Not all doctors are trained to diagnose a lip tie. In fact, some even deny the existence of lip tie or refuse to treat it, believing that lip ties will go away on their own. If you suspect that your child has lip tie, schedule a consultation with an IBC-certified lactation consultant or a dentist trained in sleep disorders instead.

Bottom Line: Lip Tie Facts

All babies deserve a great start in life. Therefore, even something that seems harmless like a tight frenulum should be given serious attention. Correcting a lip tie as early as possible helps ensure that babies undergo proper growth and development throughout their lives. Sources:

https://www.drghaheri.com/blog/2014/10/8/the-difference-between-a-lip-tie-and-a-normal-frenulum

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/lip-tie-in-babies-causes-signs-and-treatmen/#How_Common_Is_It

https://www.healthline.com/health/lip-tie

https://www.mamanatural.com/lip-tie/

For the longest time, lip ties were generally considered a non-issue in the medical field. While it’s known to interfere with breastfeeding, parents were advised to just wait until it resolved itself. Not until breastfeeding advocates and institutions like the American Academy of Pediatrics weighed in on the issue did more parents, guardians, and doctors start paying serious attention to lip ties. Unfortunately, there’s still a ton of misinformation out there despite the rise of new studies, clinical trials, and research into lip ties. In this article, we debunk major lip tie myths and reveal the facts behind this little-known condition.

Common Lip Tie Myths, Debunked

There’s a lot of things doctors won’t tell you about lip ties, and in some cases, even refrain from discussing it.

MYTH: Lip ties are normal

Most people have a labial frenulum, the strip of tissue involved in lip ties. According to Healthy Children, this tissue is essential for mouth development in the womb, but it’s supposed to recede and become thinner when the job is done. Lip ties occur when the labial frenulum remains thick and tight after birth, thereby restricting lip mobility.

Depending on where the tie is located, some lip ties do not interfere with the movement of the upper lip. However, most lip ties cause significant issues with feeding, speaking, dental health. When this happens, the lip tie is considered abnormal and requires intervention.

MYTH: The Lip ties will go away on its own without treatment

Some lip ties do go away on their own within a few months up to the first three years of a child’s life. Unfortunately, this is not true for everyone. In fact, the National Institutes of Health warns that most untreated lip ties get worse as the child grows older, eventually causing physical, emotional, and behavioral issues through the years.

MYTH: Lip ties only affect breastfeeding

This myth probably stems from the fact that one of the most obvious symptoms of lip tie is present during breastfeeding. Newborn Care International explains that lip ties can lead to poor latching, colic, failure to gain weight, and other nursing problems for the child. Mothers also experience bruising and pain in the breasts after feeding, as well as weak milk supply.

The truth is that breastfeeding difficulties are only a small part of the problem for lip ties. Feeding issues persist as the child grows up. Children with lip tie usually have a hard time eating with a spoon or with their fingers. Early-onset tooth decay and gum disease are typical. Because the upper lip can’t move or curl freely, children are also in danger of speech delays.

These complications simply continue into adulthood. Periodontal disease, pain in the neck and shoulders, as well as digestive issues are common. Due to a lifetime of compensating for improper upper lip movement, patients may develop maladaptive habits, isolation, anxiety, and depression.

MYTH: Any doctor can treat a lip tie

False. Numerous medical professionals still refuse to acknowledge the existence of lip ties and actively discourage treatment. Many pediatricians don’t know how to check and classify lip ties. At present, ENTs, lactation specialists, and dentist are your best allies in diagnosing and treating lip tie.

MYTH: Lip ties can be corrected just by massaging the frenulum regularly

The only effective way to release a lip tie is through frenectomy. During this procedure, a dentist will use a surgical scissor, scalpel, or laser to snip the tie. He might also place stitches or sutures onsite which will melt away in a few days.

Only after the tie is released does massaging the frenulum help. This, in addition to lifting the upper lift three times a day, will prevent the tie from reattaching.

MYTH: You only need frenectomy for lip tie treatment

Frenectomy addresses the physical aspect of lip tie. For full recovery, however, patients are advised to undergo speech therapy and do lip exercise to help them speak properly and get used to the change. Since lip ties can cause a gap in the front teeth plus numerous dental problems, Parents.com suggests talking to your dentist about how to fix these problems.

While these particular changes do take time, patients experience improvement almost immediately after lip release. They are able to enjoy eating, pronounce certain letters and sounds, less painful jaws, a boost in mood, better sleep, and more.

Bottom Line

There’s still a long way to go before lip tie is universally accepted as a valid condition. This has caused many infants, children, and adults to struggle with the consequences of lip tie with no idea what’s causing their symptoms.

Fortunately, there’s a steady and growing movement that’s pushing lip tie to the forefront of public consciousness. Until then, debunking lip tie myths and increasing awareness about this lip tie will help more people break free from this condition. Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2082757/

http://newborncareinternational.org/newborn-care/update-to-the-aap-tongue-tie-controversy/

http://www.aappublications.org/content/36/6/11

The lips represent a very complex group of muscles that are essential for oral function. Because of this, malformations in the lips can lead to speech, dental, and feeding problems that can worsen with age. A type of malformation called the lip tie is gaining attention among breastfeeding circles and medical professionals today. We answer the most important FAQs about lip tie in the article below.

What is the difference between a normal labial frenulum and a lip tie?

As babies develop in the womb, a strong cord of tissue positioned in the center of the mouth (called the labial frenum) guides mouth structures as they develop. Over time, this tissue is supposed to thin out and recede. You can touch and see this if you look under your lip.

According to Essential Baby, the problem happens when the frenum fails to recede or is especially tight. This is called a lip tie and it prevents the upper lip from curling and moving normally. This mobility issue causes all sorts of developmental issues after the baby is born.

There is no known cause for lip tie, though evidence suggests a hereditary component. Since it forms in the womb, lip tie is congenital and will not develop once the baby is born.

I’ve never heard of lip tie before this. Why?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association explains that decades ago, lip ties and a related condition called tongue tie were routinely snipped during an infant’s first few days of life. Since a lip tie can cause breastfeeding problems and failure to thrive, midwives and pediatricians would correct it as soon as possible.

The rise of bottle feeding caused the practice of lip tie release to fade into obscurity. Suddenly, breastfeeding was not the only way to feed babies anymore, and releasing lip ties ceased to be a matter of survival.

Awareness of lip-tie diagnosis and treatment may be at an all-time low, but its consequences are still as real as ever. In fact, parents and doctors alike are starting to recognize lip ties as a possible cause of many feeding, dental, and speech issues. Thanks to new studies and research, we’re learning more about lip tie and what can be done about it.

What are the effects of a lip tie?

Since the lips are so important for mouth function, they impact a lot of developmental processes. Symptoms of lip tie vary with age. Healthline lists some top warning signs of lip tie:

Infancy

• Weak or unsuccessful latch
• Fatigue, fussiness, and irritability while nursing
• Failure to gain weight
• Clicking noises and gumming or chewing the breast
• Pain and discomfort for both the mother and baby during breastfeeding

Childhood

• Tooth decay
• Speech delays
• Development of feeding issues such as food and texture aversions
• Excessive drooling
• Digestive issues due to inability to chew food properly
• Mouth breathing
• Sleep problems

Adulthood

• Neck, jaw, and shoulder pain
• Periodontal disease
• Anxiety and depression
• Speaking too fast or too slow
• Sleep apnea
• Poor posture

Since these symptoms are also present in many other conditions, it takes a professional with special training and experiences with lip ties to recognize the signs.

How can I tell if I (or someone else) have a lip tie?

To check for lip tie, Parents.com recommends flipping the lip and running a finger gently under the middle part of the upper lip. If you feel a significant bump or ridge, then it’s possible that a lip tie is present. Depending on the severity of the restriction, lip ties can be classified into four classes:

1. no significant attachment
2. lip tie is located in the gum tissue
3. lip tie is located where the middle front teeth will erupt
4. lip tie extends into the palate

Once a lip tie is detected, consult a dentist to confirm the diagnosis. Aside from dentists, you’re more likely to get an accurate diagnosis from lactation specialists and ENTs since many pediatricians and doctors still don’t have adequate training about lip ties.

How is a lip tie treated?

Treating lip tie is fairly simple and straightforward. Upon confirming that a person has lip tie, the dentist may suggest a frenectomy. This a procedure that involves cutting or snipping the abnormal frenum to “release” the tie. Frenectomies are traditionally done with surgical scissors or scalpels, but lasers are now increasingly being used as a much more modern alternative.

Lip tie release typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Children may be required to be under sedation to prevent them from moving around. Depending on the severity, soluble sutures or stitches may be placed.

Recovering from lip tie surgery is quick, easy, and rarely involves complications. You may have to take painkillers to offset some discomfort, swelling, and soreness, but most patients don’t need this. You can usually eat and drink right after the procedure.

To ensure proper healing and optimal results, make sure to complete all therapy exercises post-op. This will prevent the lip tie from reattaching. Even before the wound is completely healed, however, patients report immediate improvement in sleep and breathing patterns, mood, eating, speech, and more.

Bottom Line

Even though leaders in the medical field, such as the American Pediatric Association, already recognize the existence and complications of lip tie, there are still too many doctors, pediatricians, and other professionals who disagree and even refuse to treat it.

A dentist trained in sleep disorders is your best chance at having lip tie diagnosed and released. In the meantime, learning all you can about this problem will help you advocate for you or your child should you find yourself facing this condition. Sources:

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/index.php?/topic/1107807-lip-tie-corrected-in-older-children/

https://www.healthline.com/health/lip-tie

https://blog.asha.org/2015/03/10/just-flip-the-lip-the-upper-lip-tie-and-feeding-challenges/

https://www.parents.com/baby/development/problems/could-your-child-have-tongue-tie-ankyloglossia/

Conventional wisdom dictates that tongue-tie will eventually correct itself. Baby Center estimates that, as the structure of the mouth changes, most tongue-ties go away during the first weeks of a baby’s life. But what about those that persist into childhood and adulthood?

Children that have an unusually short lingual frenulum face many challenges as they grow up (The frenulum is the strip of skin that links the bottom of the mouth with the tongue). As the child grows into an adult, these challenges can significantly reduce their quality of life.

Poor Advice Surrounding Tongue-Ties

Before bottle-feeding and formula came into fashion, tongue-ties, physicians routinely snipped them moments after birth. Until recently many believed that tongue-ties are a mere fad, even actively discouraging tongue-tie release or surgery as an unnecessary procedure.

Today, a number of foremost medical experts and institutions are starting to acknowledge tongue-tie as a real medical condition. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this condition can compromise oral health, speech development, and feeding.

Despite these findings, emerging facts about tongue-tie are largely obscured by poor advice. Here are some of the most common myths about this condition:

Children will always grow out of tongue-tie.

Some certainly do, but it can take weeks or months to resolve and for some, it does not happen at all. Furthermore, difficulties caused by tongue-tie manifest very early on. It can cause a lot of serious issues with breastfeeding such as difficulty latching, failure to thrive, as well as pain and reduced milk production for the mother.

Tongue-tie doesn’t interfere with development.

Because a tongue-tie tends to be small and hard to spot, a lot of people mistakenly assume that it’s no big deal. The truth is that restricted tongue movement can cause profound developmental deficits in children, such as:

• Early onset dental problems such as irritated and swollen gums and tooth decay
• Speech difficulties (slow speech, lisps, inability to pronounce particular sounds like “t” and rolling “r”)
• Choking and gagging on food or other eating issues such as aversion to certain textures
• Inability to do basic movements such as licking and extending tongue past the lips
• Slumped or forward posture
• Gapped or crooked teeth and jaw formation issues
• Back and neck pain

The emotional effects of tongue-tie can also be far-reaching. Eating and issues caused by this condition can lead to low self-esteem and social issues as the patient struggles to compensate. Patients also develop maladaptive habits that can be hard to break without professional interventio

All tongue-ties are the same.

According to First Class Parenting, classification of tongue-ties is based on where the tongue-tie is located. It’s also a good indicator of severity. Tongue-tie is broken down into four categories:

• Class I: Tie is located at the tip of the tongue
• Class II: Tie is located near the middle of the tongue
• Class III: Tie is located at the base of the tongue
• Class IV: Tie is located underneath the mucous membrane; also known as Posterior Tongue Ties

Tongue-tie diagnosis can be done by a dentist trained in sleep disorders, pediatricians, surgeons, ENTs, and lactation specialists. WebMD explains that the process often requires physical examination of the tongue and detailed history of symptoms.

The Truth

Negative Impact of Tongue-tie into Adulthood

Adults with tongue-tie face a broader set of symptoms and even potential diseases compared to their younger counterparts. Lifelong tongue-tie manifestation includes:

• Chronic dry lips
• Lack of energy, tiredness, brain fog,
• Waking up with fatigue
• Irritability
• Chronic shoulder, back, and neck pain
• TMJ and jaw pain
• Intense migraines
• Mouth breathing
• Teeth grinding or bruxism
• Depression and anxiety
• Sugar cravings
• Oral sensitivity
• Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
• Digestive diseases

Adults with tongue-tie experience remarkable reduction in quality of life. While awareness about tongue-tie is steadily rising, it remains an undertreated condition.

Tongue-Tie Can Be Treated at Any Age

The symptoms of tongue-tie worsen with age. However, more and more specialists are being trained on tongue-tie release and management thanks to breakthroughs in tongue-tie research.

A well-trained professional will be able to make a comprehensive assessment of issues related to tongue-tie restriction. He or she will check posture, airway, sleep, speech, and other indicators beyond the appearance of the tongue. If you suspect that you or another person is suffering from tongue tie, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with a dentist familiar with sleep disorders.

Children and adult tongue-tie patients report positive results shortly after tongue-tie release. Recovery is usually fast and uncomplicated as well.

Bottom Line

Tongue-tie myths are surely but steadily getting dispelled as new research enters the field. This is excellent news for affected individuals. While tongue-tie release surgery is typically quick and painless, there is now greater access to the procedure. As more people get educated about tongue-tie, less people will need to suffer through a condition that’s easily corrected and managed.  Sources:

https://www.babycenter.com/0_tongue-tie_3651248.bc

https://www.webmd.com/children/tongue-tie-babies#1

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/tongue-tie

Proper tongue function and its significance to oral health, sleep disorders, anxiety, and other issues have become a hot topic in recent years. One of the most debated topics today is a condition called tongue-tie.

Previously thought of as something children will simply grow out of, new research into tongue-tie has brought some alarming information to light.

The negative effects of tongue-tie are present the moment the child is born — for both the infant and the mother. According to The Royal Women’s Hospital, it can cause poor breast milk intake for the baby, and nipple trauma, pain, and decrease in milk supply for the mother.

Unresolved, the consequences of tongue-tie become worse as the child grows. Here’s what you should know about tongue-tie and what to do if your child has it.

Defining Tongue-Tie

The medical term for tongue-tie is ankyloglossia. Health Link explains that tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, which is the thin piece of tissue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is abnormally short. This severely restricts tongue movement.

Tongue-tie is congenital and does not develop after birth. It occurs in up to 10% of babies and is three times more prevalent in boys. So far, there is no known cause for tongue-tie, but genetics is a common explanation since we know that tongue-tie can run in families.

Why Many Tongue-Tie Cases Go Untreated

Tongue-tie is a controversial issue. Some maintain that tongue-tie does not need intervention and will loosen over time. However, more and more experts believe that tongue-tie should be corrected as early as possible. In fact, in the past, tongue-tie was traditionally “snipped” right after birth.

According to the parenting blog The Little Ones, records of snipping tongue-ties go back as early as 1697. Older pediatricians also had a “thrive or die” approach. They automatically screened for factors which could adversely affect breastfeeding such as tongue-tie, and these were then corrected as soon as possible. So why did the practice stop?

During the second half of the 20^th century, bottle feeding and formula became popular. Because breastfeeding is not the only way to feed babies anymore, diagnosing tongue-tie become a lost art.

Consequences of Tongue-Tie in Childhood

Untreated tongue-tie in children can have severe consequences. These include many various physical, emotional, and psychological problems.

Physical Appearance

Starting from infancy, tongue-tie can have a profound effect on a patient’s facial features. The tethered tongue fails to put pressure on the upper jaw, making it grow narrower and longer than it should. It also results in smaller lower jaws. Combined, these make for what is called in dentistry an open bite. Gaps in the front lower teeth and crooked teeth are also typical.

Eating and Oral Hygiene

Throughout their life, these children will find it hard to chew age-appropriate solid foods and tend to have persistent food fads. They usually gag, choke, or vomit while eating. Furthermore, Tongue Tie can cause profuse dribbling.

These poor eating habits are closely connected to bad dental hygiene since it’s difficult to eliminate all food debris from the mouth. Children with tongue-tie are highly prone to dental caries, gingivitis, and other oral health problems.

Developmental Delays

Children can experience severely delayed speech development and deterioration of speech as they grow older. Due to limited lingual mobility, they cannot properly memorize and achieve correct speech movements. Clear, rapid speech is almost impossible.

Behavioral Problems

All of these have a negative, cumulative effect on a child’s confidence and self-esteem. They can develop lifelong maladaptive habits in an attempt to fit in.  Patients can be withdrawn, irritable, and insecure. Summing up this experience, researchers Mukai, Mukai, & Asaoka described it as “living in a state of stress.”

Diagnosis and Treatment for Tongue-Tie

Many parents and guardians may not be aware that their child has the condition in the first place. A dentist trained in sleep disorders will be able to put together the tell-tale signs of tongue tie – such as poor oral hygiene, myofascial problems, sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea – to reach a correct diagnosis.

Depending on the severity of the condition, minor surgery such as frenotomy or frenuloplasty may be required. Tongue-tie release can be performed by oral surgeons and dentists. Before and After Tongue-Tie Release
Source: Tiny Sparks Complications are rare, and healing is often quick and painless. After the surgery, tongue exercises and speech therapy are used to lower scarring and help the child relearn proper tongue movements.

Bottom Line

The consequences of tongue-tie affect children on so many levels. Fortunately, tongue-tie release is safe, fast, and can be done at any age. An experienced dentist will be able to guide you through this life-changing process from diagnosis to post-treatment management. Sources:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw183100

https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/tongue-tie

https://www.littleones.co/blogs/our-blog/tongue-ties-and-their-effect-on-babies

Tongue-tie is a condition wherein the strip connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is abnormally tight, short, or thick. This disorder can cause significant problems in children, infants, and adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10% of newborn babies are born with tongue-tie.

Because of stubborn myths about the insignificance of tongue-tie, many of these infants grow up struggling with untreated tongue-tie and its consequences. This is unfortunate, especially since tongue-tie treatment is typically quick and easy if it’s addressed in childhood.

As a child grows up, it becomes harder to spot the signs of tongue-tie. More often, ENTs, pediatricians, and dentists only recognize tongue-tie based on its most common symptoms – feeding difficulties, dental issues, and sleep problems.

Feeding Difficulties

From the very first time, breastfeeding will be problematic for babies with tongue-tie. According to Pathways, they won’t be able to latch properly, will consume far less milk than their counterparts, and tire out faster because feeding requires more effort than normal.

As the baby grows older, this pattern continues. Children with tongue-tie are often fussy eaters and frequently gag or choke on their food due to impeded jaw and tongue function.

Dental Issues

Feeding problems directly contribute to dental issues among tongue-tie patients. Limited tongue movement means that they cannot efficiently sweep food debris from the mouth. This paves the way for tooth decay.

Other medical-dental indicators of tongue-tie are:

• Facial deformity due to underdevelopment of upper jaw and overdevelopment of lower jaw
• Progressive spreading of lower and/or upper front teeth
• Relapse after braces and other orthodontic treatment
• Teeth grinding
• Crowded and crooked teeth
• Malocclusion

The Dental Council explains that without a background in dentistry, other medical professionals might not be able to put these symptoms together and check for tongue-tie. Therefore, a dentist becomes an invaluable ally when it comes to achieving correct diagnosis of this condition.

Sleep Problems

Finally, sleep issues are some of the lesser-known and most damaging signs of tongue-tie in children. According to Spear Education, steady pressure from the tongue, cheeks, and lips are crucial to proper jaw development. Any disruption to this balance – such as tongue-tie – can negatively affect airway health.

A tethered tongue is strongly correlated with chronic mouth breathing because of the skeletal and oral structures obstructing the airway. Other manifestations include difficulty sleeping, chronic asthma, and snoring. Lifelong tongue-tie in adults often causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Tongue-Tie Release is Typically Fast, Easy, and Painless

Tongue-tie release should be done as soon as possible, preferably right after an infant is born. However, it’s never too late to treat tongue-tie. To date, children and adults have four available choices for tongue-tie correction

Frenotomy

The practice of snipping a tongue-tie dates as far back as 1697. It’s a simple, effective way to release a short or tight lingual frenulum. This method is usually done for neonates and causes minimal discomfort and bleeding for the baby. It requires no analgesic or anesthetic. Typical results are 57% instant breastfeeding improvement, and 80% by 24 hours.

Frenectomy

From six months onwards, frenectomy or surgical release of the tongue-tied may be required to deal with more advanced cases. The patient will fast for half a day prior to the operation and will then be placed under general anesthesia, which usually lasts an average of 4 minutes.

Some discomfort can be experienced during recovery, which can take around 10 days. Speech therapy is often undertaken after the surgery. There are no contraindications to frenectomy and it is considered to be very safe.

Revision by Laser

This is one of the latest options for tongue-tie patients of all ages. General anesthesia is rarely required, and your dentist may only use an analgesic gel instead. This incredibly quick procedure can last for a mere two to three minutes.

Patients can expect no pain, no bleeding, and zero risk of infection. Tonguetie.net estimates the healing period to be as fast as 2 hours. A dentist with a background in tongue-tie revision is best to perform this laser procedure.

Revision by Electrocautery

This can be done as an outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic. It’s the safest and most economical way to release mild tongue-tie.

When used in the appropriate circumstance, all of these methods have proven to offer amazing success rates.

Bottom Line

Much has been said about the validity of tongue-tie as a medical concern. For those with this condition, however, the struggle that accompanies tongue-tie is as real as any other condition. While it’s certainly best to address tongue-tie during infancy, dentists trained in tongue-tie diagnosis and release can help correct tongue-tie at any age. Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tongue-tie/symptoms-causes/syc-20378452

https://pathways.org/news/articles/feeding-difficulties-infants-tongue-tie-lip-tie/

https://www.dcnz.org.nz/resources-and-publications/publications/newsletters/view/26?article=8

http://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2017/08/the-tongues-role-in-pediatric-sleep-disorders-and-skeletal-growth-and-development

https://tonguetie.net/surgery/

When we say that someone is tongue-tied, we often refer to a person who finds it difficult to say what they want due to embarrassment or shyness. However, it turns out that this popular figure of speech is rooted in a very real condition.

Tongue-tie is a malformation of the tongue common among infants. Left untreated, it can lead to a host of problems for children and adults. In this article, learn what tongue-tie is and why it should be taken seriously.

What is Tongue Tie?

Tongue-tie is an oral anomaly also known as ankyloglossia. According to the Mayo Clinic, tongue-tie involves the lingual frenulum, a short stretch of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The problem occurs when this tissue is too tight, too short, or attached too near the tip of the tongue.

Diagnosing Tongue-Tie

Raisingchildren.net classifies tongue-tie as a congenital condition, meaning that babies with tongue-tie are born with it. It will not develop after birth. While the exact causes are unknown, some theories suggest that genetic factors may contribute to its occurrence.

To diagnose tongue-tie, your doctor will physically examine your child’s mouth and ask for a detailed description of his or her symptoms. In children and adults, the doctor typically checks the movements and shape of the tongue.

These are top symptoms that doctors look for:

In infants

• Difficulty latching
• Sliding off the nipple
• Irritability or refusal during feeds
• Restlessness after feeding
• Unusually long feeds
• Chewing or gumming
• Spilling and dribbling
• Stridor (clicking noise during the latch)
• Unable to use the bottle or hold the pacifier
• Colic
• Excessive gas
• Reflux

In Older Children

• Inability to poke tongue out past lips
• Inability to touch the roof of the mouth with the tongue
• Square- or flat-looking tongue
• Heart-shaped or notched tongue tip
• Gap in the lower jaw’s front teeth

Aside from these indicators, doctors will also observe developmental signs such as delayed speech, posture problems, food aversions, and tooth decay. Beyond the physical appearance of the tongue, tongue-tie involves a wide range of symptoms that requires a medical professional to confirm.

Types of Tongue-Tie

Contrary to popular belief, not all tongue-ties are the same. Ongoing research divides tongue-tie into four major classifications. These are based on where the tongue is attached to the bottom of a child’s mouth.

• CLASS 1: The tie is located at the very tip of one’s tongue. The most well-known type, this is what most people think of when thinking of tongue-tie.
• CLASS 2: The tie is found farther back going to the middle of the tongue.
• CLASS 3: The tie is at the base of the tongue.
• CLASS 4: Since the tie is located under the mucous membrane, it must be felt to be diagnosed. Class 4 is also called Posterior Tongue Ties (PTT), and it is often mistaken for another oral issue: the short tongue.

Who Is At Risk for Tongue-Tie?

Basically, anyone. Recent studies pegged the prevalence of tongue-tie somewhere between 4% to 10.7%. In a study published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health, 171 out of 1, 102 newborns at the pediatric service in Hospital de Nens, Barcelona were observed to have tongue-tie. In addition, more boys were diagnosed with tongue-tie than girls. Tongue-tie can also run in families.

Is Tongue-Tie Dangerous?

Yes and no. By itself, tongue-tie is not life-threatening. However, unresolved tongue-tie can lead to many adverse consequences as a child grows older:

• Speech difficulties: Children with tongue-tie have a hard time making sounds that depend heavily on tongue-mobility (e.g. “t”, “d”, “s”, “l”, “z”).
• Poor oral hygiene: Tongue-tie makes it difficult to remove food debris from the moth and teeth. This means that no matter how much a child tries to observe good oral habits, they are vulnerable to gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay. Tongue-tie can also lead to an unsightly gap in the front lower teeth.
• Limited activities: Children with tongue-tie may find it challenging to perform common activities like playing a wind instrument or licking an ice cream cone.
• Emotional and psychological distress: Due to speech problems, bad oral hygiene, and other issues related to tongue-tie, children may become withdrawn and exhibit low self-esteem.
• Sleep apnea: Another disturbing effect of untreated tongue-tie is the potential development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) later in life.

Bottom Line

Who knew something so simple can cause so many problems for children? Tongue-ties have long been dismissed as an issue that children will just grow out of. Unfortunately, new information has revealed that this is far from the truth. Tongue-tie is a complex oral problem that, if unresolved, can lead to more physical and emotional problems later in life. Sources:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/tongue-tie

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tongue-tie/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378456

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29380619

Tongue-tie is known by several other names – ankyloglossia, looped tongue or crooked tongue. It affects thousands of babies, children, and adults but remains little understood. The National Health Service estimates that up to 11% of newborns have tongue-tie.

Tongue-tie can be hard to spot. Also, many health professionals do not routinely check newborns for include tongue-tie. As a result you have many people who grow up and suffer from this undiagnosed condition.

For those with tongue-tie (as well as their parents, and professional guardians), being informed is the very first step towards successful treatment. To that end, here are the answers to top Frequently Asked Questions about tongue-tie.

Does tongue-tie really exist?

This question is at the heart of the tongue-tie controversy. There are people and experts who continue to view it as a fad among the breastfeeding community which does not require intervention. But recent research into tongue-tie is starting to say otherwise.

International board-certified lactation consultant and craniosacral therapist Dr. Alison Hazelbaker points out that tongue-tie has a unique genetic code. Historically, midwives and pediatricians routinely snipped tongue-tie to allow for optimal breastfeeding. With the rise of formula and bottles, however, the practice became less prevalent over time.

Today, numerous studies are being done all over the world to achieve a better understanding of tongue-tie. As more information comes to light, one fact in particular has been proven correct – that tongue-tie is a very real medical condition with its own presentation, complications, and treatment.

What Causes  Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie is a malformation of the lingual frenulum. This tissue connects the tongue to the bottom part of the mouth. When it’s unusually short, thick, or tight, tongue movement is significantly restricted. Furthermore, it’s a congenital anomaly. It can only occur during the embryonic period and never after birth. Abnormally Short Lingual Frenulum in Tongue-Tie
Source: First Coast Cardio According to Breastfeeding Basics, around 22 babies per 1, 000 births present with tongue-tie. More boys have it than girls. It has a strong tendency to run in families which supports the theory that tongue-tie is genetic.

How can you tell if a child has tongue-tie?

Diagnosing tongue-tie depends on age and severity. It can be diagnosed by dentists, sleep specialists, family doctors, ENT doctors, lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and surgeons.

It’s best to leave the diagnosis up to specialists, but as parents, a simple way to check for tongue-tie is to gently swipe your finger under your child’s tongue. How it feels will be a good indicator of the tongue-tie grade:

• Grade I: A noticeable but slight bump can be a sign of submucosal tongue-tie
• Grade II: Significant interference that feels like a bump or tag
• Grade III: Watch out for membrane or skin-like material that catch the finger
• Grade IV: If you touch a flap of membrane or skin that reaches up the tip of the tongue, it can be an indicator of serious anterior tongue tie. In some cases, swiping under the tongue may not be possible at all.

What are the symptoms of tongue-tie?

Swiping under the tongue may not come to mind to those who are not aware of what tongue-tie is in the first place. Fortunately, there are some obvious symptoms that will alert your child’s dentist to possible tongue-tie:

• Speech disorders such as lisps, slow speech
• Excessive salivating
• Problems with swallowing, chewing, and choking/gagging on food
• Difficulty pronouncing specific sounds such as “t” or “s”
• Dental problems like gingivitis and tooth decay due to inability to sweep food debris using the tongue
• Inability to extend the tongue
• Gap in the lower front teeth
• Neck, back, and jaw pain
• Snoring
• Sleep issues
• Overbite
• Unusual tongue shape

Once tongue-tie is diagnosed, your dentist will perform a more thorough examination to identify its class.

Can anything be done about tongue-tie?

Since tongue-tie is a structural anomaly, it needs to be corrected physically. Your dentist may recommend minor tongue-tie release surgery such as a simple frenotomy, or a frenuloplasty for older children.

Complications are rare in tongue-release surgery. Healing is fast, and it only takes a few weeks to dissolve stitches for more complex case. Disruptions to normal routine will be minimal.

Regardless of the procedure, most patients would benefit from speech therapy to correct articulation and improve tongue mobility.

Is it too late for adults?

No. According to Tongue-Tie.net, tongue-tie release can be done safely at any age. Improvements are usually immediate, such as better chewing ability, enhanced sense of space in the mouth, speech improvements, migraine and headache relief, and improved oral health. Another important advantage is treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

However, strong oromuscular habits are more ingrained in adults with tongue-tie. Speech therapy is a must to revise these habits.

Bottom Line

Thanks to developments in tongue-tie research, an increasing number of medical professionals are taking steps to diagnose and correct tongue-ties. Learning more about tongue tie is a crucial step in protecting infants, children, and adults from its damaging effects. Sources:

https://www.nhs.uk/news/

https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/tongue-tie

http://www.alisonhazelbaker.com/blog/2015/9/1/modern-myths-about-tongue-tie-the-unnecessary-controversy-continues

https://www.firstcoastcardio.com/

http://www.katiehowser.com/blog/2016/4/13/vro2zyeomsi2d8y4fwjd2e6nxg42vh