Awareness about lip and tongue-ties has improved in recent years, but misconceptions still cause confusion for many parents. These conditions occur when the tissue connecting the tongue or upper lip is too tight, restricting movement and potentially affecting feeding, speech, and oral development. Understanding the facts can help you make confident decisions about your child’s health. Here are some of the most common myths—along with the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Lip and Tongue-Ties Are Rare
Many people believe tongue and lip-ties are unusual, but they’re actually fairly common. Some cases are mild and go unnoticed, while others significantly affect a child’s ability to feed or speak. Because the severity varies widely, not every child will show obvious symptoms. Early evaluation by a trained professional can help determine whether treatment is beneficial.
Myth 2: Babies Will Outgrow Tongue or Lip-Ties
While children do change and grow quickly, a structural restriction does not typically resolve on its own. A tight frenulum that limits movement will continue to limit movement unless it’s addressed. For some children, compensating behaviors may hide the issue temporarily, but as feeding needs or speech demands increase, the restriction often becomes more noticeable. Timely evaluation ensures that developing problems are caught before they become more difficult to treat.
Myth 3: Lip and Tongue-Ties Only Affect Breastfeeding
Feeding difficulties—such as poor latching, gas, reflux, or prolonged nursing sessions—are common signs of a tongue or lip-tie, but they’re not the only consequences. In older children, untreated ties can contribute to speech challenges, difficulty chewing, oral hygiene problems, and dental issues such as spacing or gum recession. Understanding the full scope helps parents appreciate why early diagnosis and treatment can be so valuable.
Myth 4: Treatment Is Painful or Risky
Modern tongue and lip-tie releases are quick, gentle, and performed using advanced techniques. Many providers use soft tissue lasers, which minimize bleeding and discomfort while allowing for precise treatment. Infants can often feed immediately afterward, and recovery is typically smooth with proper aftercare. When performed by an experienced professional, treatment is considered safe and effective.
Myth 5: If a Baby Gained Weight, There Isn’t a Problem
Some babies with tongue or lip-ties gain weight normally, but that doesn’t mean feeding is easy or efficient. Caregivers may notice long nursing sessions, clicking sounds, fatigue during feeds, or discomfort for the breastfeeding parent. Weight gain only tells part of the story—evaluating symptoms and feeding quality is just as important.
Debunking common myths can help parents better understand these conditions and seek the support their child needs.
About the Practice
Waterford Pediatrics & Orthodontics provides compassionate, comprehensive care for children and families. Our skilled team offers gentle, effective lip and tongue-tie evaluations and treatment using modern techniques designed to support healthy feeding, speech, and development. Make your little one’s dental experience positive and effective at our kid-friendly practice.
Call us at (925) 803-6880 or request an appointment online.