Parents have a tough time when their newborn creates a fuss when feeding, and two words come to their mind: lip tie vs tongue tie. When both conditions are discussed, it is helpful to know that an extremely tight tissue piece (frenulum) in the mouth causes both of them, and they may indeed affect a baby’s latching, feeding, and overall development negatively.
Differentiating between the two is still necessary, as they sometimes co-exist because of their different feeding mechanics implications and possibly different treatment requirements. The first thing to do in the process of getting treatment and achieving successful feeding is to know the specific signs of tongue tie in newborn babies and the separate indications of a lip tie.
Understanding the Anatomy: What Are Ties?
A “tie” is simply an excessively limiting frenulum, in simple words. The frenulum is generally a normal tissue band, but when it is very short or thick, it will limit the movements and cause a tie.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
The lingual frenulum, which is the connecting tissue band between the tongue’s underside and the floor of the mouth, is the affected area.
- The lingual frenulum is indeed tight, and as a consequence, the tongue cannot be raised, stretched, or formed into a cup.
Lip Tie (Maxillary Labial Frenulum)
This condition concerns the labial frenulum, which is the tissue band connecting the upper lip to the upper gums, precisely above the two anterior teeth.
- Due to the tightness of the labial frenulum, the upper lip is not able to protrude while feeding.
Though both conditions are linked to early feeding problems, it is still very important to distinguish between lip ties vs tongue ties, as this will determine the exact location of the functional impairment.
Tongue Tie: The Disruptor and Influencer of Feeding
The tongue must rise to stretch over the lower gum area and to make a strong suction seal. The problem with the functioning of a tongue tie is related to the suction and compression required to move/refill the baby’s mouth with milk.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Infants
- Shallow latch, slipping off the breast, or unable to keep a seal.
- While feeding, audible clicking, smacking, or gulping (due to lost suction) are some of the sounds one can hear.
- Feeding times are sometimes extremely long (over 40 minutes) or extremely short (under 5 minutes).
- There is slow weight gain, or the baby is losing his position on the growth curve. The mother suffers from serious nipple pain, compression, cracking, or mastitis as a result of incomplete drainage.
It is very important to recognize these tongue-tie symptoms in newborns because a tongue-tie can drastically reduce milk intake.
Signs of lip tie in Infants
The symptoms that can be traced back to a lip tie are usually not very apparent, but are as follows:
- Trouble keeping the seal, which leads to the baby swallowing air (gas, reflux).
- The upper lip goes inside instead of being flanged out like a fish lip.
- Mothers may suffer bruises on the top of the nipple where the baby's lip might be rubbing.
- A not very visible but tight frenulum that, when lifted, causes a deep notch in the upper lip.
Core Differences: Lip Tie vs Tongue Tie
The two conditions are quite alike in restricting the same way, but the difference in function is really huge in the case of lip tie vs tongue tie. The primary work of milk removal is done by the tongue, which also makes the vacuum; the lip only seals the process.
| Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) | Lip Tie (Maxillary Labial Frenulum) | |
| Tissue Affected | Lingual frenulum (under the tongue). | Labial frenulum (under the upper lip). |
| Primary Functional Impact | Restricts tongue lift and extension, hindering milk removal. | Seal & Latch: Restricts the upper lip flange, potentially causing a shallow latch and air ingestion. |
| Primary Concern | Poor weight gain, severe maternal pain, and low milk supply. | Air swallowing, gas, and potential future dental issues (diastema). |
| Key Symptom | Clicking/smacking sounds, inability to extend tongue over lower gum. | Upper lip curls inwards, often accompanied by signs of a tongue tie in newborn babies. |
| Treatment Necessity | Usually essential for successful breastfeeding and development. | Often less critical unless severe or paired with a tongue tie. |
Diagnosis and Treatment: The Tongue and Lip Tie Procedure
If you find any signs of tongue tie, your first step should be consulting a pediatric dentist, an ENT, or a lactation consultant who is able to check the functioning of both the tongue and the lip. Almost all babies with a tongue tie also come with a certain degree of a lip tie. Therefore, when searching for tongue tie symptoms in newborns, always check the lip as well.
Frenectomy
Frenectomy dentistry (frenotomy or release) is the solution for both problems.
The Procedure
A tongue and lip tie procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed with minimal invasiveness. This can be done with sterile scissors or a soft-tissue laser. Due to the accuracy and minimal bleeding of the tongue and lip tie laser procedure, it is often chosen.
Aftercare
Stretches after the procedure will not only help prevent reattachment of the tissue but also retrain the muscle for good functioning. Older children may later benefit from supportive treatments like Invisalign for Kids if oral development was previously impacted. An immediate follow-up appointment with the lactation consultant is a must to practice a new, deeper latch.
In case parents detect the signs of a tongue tie in their newborn babies, they should get the evaluation done immediately.
In The End
It is crucial to differentiate between the lip tie and vs tongue tie in terms of their functional consequences. However, these two conditions frequently occur together and should be treated at the same time. If the restriction is very severe, then the parents have to consult the doctor without delay. The main thing that leads to successful feeding is the knowledge of the mechanics and the importance of early intervention. By being aware of the differences, you can not only argue for the right care but also make sure that your baby’s feeding journey has the best possible start.
Why Choose Dental Smart Kids Pediatric Dentistry?
At Dental Smart Kids, we specialize in providing exceptional care. Our expert team combines specialized training in behavior management with a truly kid-friendly environment and advanced technology, including the Solea Laser. We prioritize personalized, quality care to build confidence in every child while focusing on their long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lip tie affect speech like a tongue tie?
A lip tie is less likely to affect speech directly compared to a tongue tie. However, a tight lip tie can cause a gap between the front teeth (diastema) and may become a hindrance when closing the mouth.
If my baby has signs of tongue tie, do they automatically have a lip tie?
The most concern while the two often occur together, having one does not guarantee the other. Most babies with a tongue tie have some degree of a lip tie, but the lip tie may not be functionally restrictive.
What are the most concerning signs of a tongue tie in newborn babies?
The most concerning signs of a tongue tie in newborn babies are poor weight gain, constant clicking sounds during feeding (indicating loss of suction), and severe, lasting maternal nipple pain that persists despite correct latch attempts.
