If you’ve heard the term “lip tie” and wondered whether it could be affecting your toddler, you’re not alone. Many parents only discover the condition when their child starts having trouble with eating, speaking, or even dental hygiene.
Understanding how lip ties work and when to seek treatment can help you make the best decisions for your child’s health and development.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie happens when the small piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, known as the labial frenulum, is unusually thick or tight. This can limit the mobility of the lip, making everyday functions like eating, speaking, and even smiling more difficult for some toddlers. While mild lip ties may not cause major issues, more significant cases can affect your child’s comfort and development if left untreated.
How Lip Ties Impact Eating and Drinking
One of the first signs parents may notice is difficulty with feeding. For infants, this often shows up during breastfeeding, but toddlers can also struggle as they transition to solid foods. A restrictive lip tie may make it harder for your child to create a proper seal around a cup, chew efficiently, or swallow comfortably.
Because eating becomes a challenge, some children may develop food aversions or avoid certain textures altogether. Over time, these habits can interfere with balanced nutrition and lead to picky eating. Parents may also notice mealtimes becoming stressful, both for the child and the family.
Speech Development Concerns
Speech is another area where lip ties may play a role. When the upper lip cannot move freely, your toddler may find it harder to form certain sounds. This can delay clear speech development or make communication more frustrating for your child.
It’s important to remember that not every speech delay is related to a lip tie, but if you suspect a connection, an evaluation from a pediatric dentist or speech therapist can provide clarity. Early treatment may help prevent long-term challenges with pronunciation and confidence.
Dental and Oral Health Effects
A less obvious but equally important consequence of a lip tie is its effect on oral health. Restricted movement of the lip can make it harder for toddlers to brush effectively or for parents to clean their child’s teeth. Over time, this can contribute to plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities.
Additionally, some lip ties may cause spacing between the front teeth, sometimes called a gap or diastema. While this may correct itself as your child grows, in some cases, intervention is needed to support proper alignment and bite development.
When to Seek Help
If you notice ongoing issues with eating, speaking, or oral hygiene, it may be time to schedule an evaluation. A pediatric dentist can assess the severity of the lip tie and discuss whether treatment is recommended. Treatment may involve a simple procedure to release the tie, helping restore natural movement of the lip and improve your child’s daily comfort.
You don’t have to navigate these concerns alone—professional guidance can give you peace of mind and help your toddler thrive.
About the Practice
At Waterford Pediatrics & Orthodontics, families can find compassionate care tailored to children’s needs. Our team provides advanced treatments for lip and tongue ties, along with a full range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services. Waterford’s experienced doctors are dedicated to helping children achieve healthy smiles while making visits comfortable and stress-free.
Call us at (925) 803-6880 or request an appointment online.