What Are Lip and Tongue Ties? Signs, Symptoms & When to Seek Help
If you’ve noticed feeding difficulties in your newborn, or perhaps you’ve been living with speech or swallowing issues for years without a clear explanation, lip and tongue tie could be the culprit. At DentalCareXtra in Mackay, QLD, Dr Hany (DEN0000989492, Registered Dentist) and the team see patients of all ages dealing with this condition, and the good news is, it’s very treatable.
What is Lip & Tongue Tie?
Lip and tongue tie refers to an unusually tight or thick band of tissue called a frenum (or frenulum) that restricts the movement of the lip or tongue.
– Tongue tie (ankyloglossia): The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short or tight, it limits how far the tongue can move.
– Lip tie: The labial frenum attaches the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. A tight lip tie can pull the lip down and restrict its range of motion.
These two conditions often occur together, and while they’re present from birth, they’re not always diagnosed straight away.
Symptoms of Lip & Tongue Tie
The symptoms can vary quite a bit depending on the patient’s age, but here are the most common signs to look out for:
In Infants:
– Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
– Prolonged feeding sessions or frequent feeding
– Poor weight gain
– Clicking or gulping sounds while feeding
– Wind, reflux, or colic-like behaviour
In Children and Adults:
– Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (particularly “t”, “d”, “n”, “l”, “r”, or “th”)
– Lisping or unclear speech
– Difficulty licking ice cream or moving food around the mouth
– Gap between the upper front teeth caused by a tight lip tie
– Mouth breathing or snoring
– Jaw tension and headaches
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth booking a chat with Dr Hany to find out whether lip & tongue tie is at play.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the clinical term for the minor surgical procedure that releases the restrictive frenum tissue. Frenectomy surgery involves cutting or releasing the frenum to allow a greater range of movement for the tongue or lip. The procedure itself usually takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. Post-operative exercises are often recommended to maximise the results.
In older patients, working with a speech pathologist or myofunctional therapist after frenectomy surgery can help retrain the tongue and muscles for optimal function. Many adults with lip and tongue tie have simply adapted around the restriction their whole lives—often without realising it. It’s important to bring your concerns to Dr Hany, who can identify and release any lip or tongue ties that may be interfering with normal daily life.
Whether you’re a concerned parent or an adult who’s been living with unexplained speech or eating difficulties, DentalCareXtra is here to help. Give our friendly Mackay team a call on (61) 7 4942 5111 to book a consultation with Dr Hany today.
