Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Infants

October 1, 2025

Noticing that your infant is struggling to breastfeed or bottle-feed can be incredibly stressful for a new parent. While there can be several reasons for feeding difficulties, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie are common yet often overlooked conditions. At Speedway Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, we understand the concern and confusion these issues can cause. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants, from identifying the symptoms to understanding the simple revision process that can offer life-changing relief for both baby and parent.

What Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie?

In simple terms, a tongue-tie is a condition present at birth where the strip of skin connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is unusually short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion. Similarly, a lip-tie occurs when the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too thick or tight, restricting lip movement.

These conditions are not rare, but their impact can vary significantly from one baby to another. While some infants with a tongue-tie or lip-tie may feed without any issues, others experience considerable challenges that require intervention.

Common Symptoms

It’s important to look for symptoms in both your baby and yourself (if breastfeeding). If you observe several of the following signs, it may be time to consult a specialist like your pediatric dentist in Indianapolis.

Symptoms in the Baby:

Difficulty Latching: The baby cannot maintain a deep latch or keeps slipping off the breast or bottle.
Clicking Noises: A frequent clicking sound during feeding indicates a poor seal and loss of suction.
Excessive Gassiness and Colic: Poor latch leads to swallowing too much air.
Poor Weight Gain: The baby isn’t transferring milk efficiently, leading to inadequate nutrition.
Fussiness During Feeds: The baby may become frustrated, arch their back, or pull away frequently.
Extended Feeding Sessions: Feedings take a very long time, and the baby seems unsatisfied afterward.
Gagging or Choking: Due to an inability to manage the milk flow properly.

Symptoms in the Breastfeeding Parent:

Painful Nursing: Significant pain during and after feeding sessions.
Damaged or Creased Nipples: Nipples may appear flattened, blanched, or cracked.
Plugged Ducts or Mastitis: Inefficient milk removal can lead to recurrent blockages and infections.
Low Milk Supply: Inadequate stimulation due to poor feeding can cause a drop in milk production.

Why Treatment is Important?

Addressing a tongue-tie or lip-tie is about more than just improving feeding. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to long-term issues, including:

Speech Difficulties: Restricted tongue movement can affect the ability to make certain sounds.
Oral Hygiene Challenges: A tight lip-tie can trap food and make brushing the front teeth difficult, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
Digestive Problems: Chronic air swallowing can contribute to reflux and discomfort.
Sleep Breathing Issues: In some cases, restricted oral function can influence airway development and sleep patterns.

The Revision Procedure

The thought of any procedure on your newborn can be daunting. However, a tongue-tie revision or lip-tie revision is a quick, minimally invasive procedure often performed in our office. The most common modern technique is laser frenectomy.

What to Expect with a Laser Frenectomy:

Consultation: Our pediatric dentist will conduct a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if a revision is the best course of action.
The Procedure: Using a precise, soft-tissue laser, the dentist gently releases the restrictive frenulum. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, which means the procedure is virtually bloodless and promotes faster healing.
Duration: The entire process typically takes only a few minutes.
Comfort: For young infants, the procedure is often performed with minimal or no anesthesia. The laser is so precise that discomfort is minimal, and many babies can breastfeed immediately afterward for comfort.

Aftercare

Success depends on proper aftercare. We will provide you with simple stretching exercises to perform for a few weeks after the procedure. These exercises are crucial to prevent the frenulum from reattaching and ensure full mobility is gained.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my baby’s tongue-tie needs to be revised?
A: Not every tongue-tie requires revision. The decision is based on whether it is causing functional problems, like feeding difficulties. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, a consultation with a specialist is the best next step.

Q: Is the laser procedure safe for my newborn?
A: Yes. Laser frenectomy is considered very safe for infants. It offers greater precision and less discomfort, bleeding, and swelling compared to traditional scissors.

Q: Will my insurance cover a tongue-tie revision?
A: Many insurance plans cover the procedure when it is deemed medically necessary to address feeding problems. Our office in Speedway, Indiana, can help you verify your benefits.

Q: What’s the difference between a tongue-tie and a lip-tie?
A: A tongue-tie specifically affects the tongue’s movement, while a lip-tie affects the upper lip. They often occur together but can also present separately.

Q: Who can diagnose a tongue-tie?
A: While lactation consultants often spot the signs, a diagnosis should be confirmed by a qualified professional, such as a pediatric dentist or an ENT specialist who has experience with oral ties.

Don’t Navigate This Alone. We’re Here to Help

If you suspect your infant might have a tongue-tie or lip-tie, you don’t have to face the challenge alone. The team at Speedway Pediatric Dentistry is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions with compassion and expertise. We serve families from across Indianapolis and Indiana, providing the care your family needs to thrive.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you and your baby find comfort and get back to enjoying those precious feeding moments.

Schedule Your Consultation:

Website: https://speedwaypediatricdentistry.com
Phone: (317) 299-0353

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