Checking Your Baby For Lip/Tongue Ties: Everything You Need To Know

Tongue and lip ties can cause difficulties with breastfeeding and speaking, and may contribute to other oral-function concerns later in life. At Colorado Tongue Tie, our team specializes in evaluating and treating tongue and lip ties.

If you think that your infant or toddler may have a tongue or lip tie, there are several signs you can watch for at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to recognizing when a professional evaluation may be helpful.

What Are Tongue And Lip Ties?

To understand what you’re looking for, it helps to understand the basics. Tongue and lip ties are forms of tethered oral tissue. Tongue tie is also referred to as ankyloglossia.

Tongue ties occur when the lingual frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually tight, short, thick, or restrictive.

Lip ties involve the frenulum connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums. When that tissue is restrictive, it can limit normal lip mobility.

Checking For Tongue And Lip Ties

If you believe your baby may have one of these conditions, here are a few signs to consider:

1. Look for issues when nursing. Tongue and lip restrictions can make it difficult for a child to latch properly. Watch for clicking while feeding, excessive drooling, poor weight gain, difficulty maintaining suction, or discomfort during nursing.
2. Observe tongue and lip movement. A restricted tongue may have difficulty lifting, extending, or moving side to side. With the upper lip, look for difficulty flanging outward or noticeable tension when lifting the lip.
3. Get a professional opinion. At-home observations are useful, but a professional functional evaluation is the best way to determine whether a restriction is present and whether treatment may be beneficial. Our team can evaluate your child and explain the available options.

Know How To Recognize Tongue And Lip Ties

If your child is experiencing feeding difficulties or other symptoms that may be related to tongue or lip restriction, Colorado Tongue Tie can help. Our team works with babies, children, teens, and adults to evaluate oral function and determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Learn more from our patient testimonials, or contact us today at (720) 507-0077 to schedule your visit. You can also visit our office at 4704 Harlan St., Denver, Colorado 80212.