Potential Outcomes of Untreated Tongue and Lip Ties

Understanding the Risks of Delayed Treatment

Approximately 5% of children are born with some degree of restricted frenulum, commonly known as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie. These conditions occur when the tongue and/or lips are tethered to the mouth with excessive tissue, limiting their natural range of motion. While some restrictions may be mild with minimal impact, untreated moderate to severe ties can lead to significant short and long-term consequences throughout life.

Immediate Concerns During Infancy

Feeding Challenges

  • For Breastfed Babies:
    • Inefficient suckling and poor milk transfer
    • Inability to maintain proper latch
    • Prolonged or frequent feedings with inadequate intake
    • Excessive air swallowing leading to increased gassiness and colic
    • Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
    • Early weaning due to feeding difficulties
  • For Mothers:
    • Nipple pain, trauma, and damage
    • Recurring plugged ducts or mastitis
    • Decreased milk production over time
    • Emotional distress and breastfeeding relationship challenges
  • For Bottle-Fed Babies:
    • Improper seal around bottle nipple
    • Excessive air intake during feeding
    • Milk leakage during feeding
    • Extended feeding times and exhaustion
    • Improper swallowing patterns that become habitual

Long-Term Health Implications

When tongue and lip ties remain untreated, they can impact multiple aspects of a child’s development and health:

Oral and Facial Development

  • Structural Changes:
    • Altered jawbone formation and growth
    • High, narrow palatal arch
    • Restricted maxillary (upper jaw) development
    • Malocclusion (improper bite alignment)
    • Increased need for orthodontic intervention
    • Forward head posture to compensate for restricted airways
  • Dental Health:
    • Higher risk of dental decay, especially in front teeth
    • Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene
    • Increased risk of gum disease
    • Food retention in oral cavity
    • Tooth grinding (bruxism)

Functional Challenges

  • Speech Development:
    • Delayed onset of speech
    • Articulation difficulties with specific sounds (t, d, n, l, r, s, z)
    • Frustration with communication
    • Potential need for speech therapy
    • Impacts on social confidence and academic performance
  • Breathing Patterns:
    • Predominant mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
    • Higher risk of sleep-disordered breathing
    • Increased susceptibility to upper respiratory infections
    • Potential development of sleep apnea
    • Snoring and restless sleep
  • Swallowing Function:
    • Development of atypical swallowing patterns
    • Tongue thrust issues
    • Difficulty managing certain food textures
    • Increased risk of choking or gagging
    • Persistent picky eating behaviors

Systemic Health Considerations

Research suggests connections between untreated oral restrictions and:

  • Nutritional Impacts:
    • Reduced immunity benefits if unable to breastfeed
    • Increased risk of food sensitivities and allergies
    • Potential nutritional deficiencies from limited food acceptance
  • Metabolic Concerns:
    • Higher correlation with juvenile diabetes when breastfeeding is compromised
    • Potential gastrointestinal issues from improper feeding mechanics
  • Structural Development:
    • Spinal development abnormalities related to compensatory postures
    • Neck and shoulder tension
    • Potential connection to headaches and TMJ disorders later in life

Benefits of Early Intervention

Addressing tongue and lip ties early can prevent many of these potential complications. After appropriate release procedures and supportive therapies:

  • Feeding difficulties typically improve rapidly
  • Normal oral development can resume
  • Speech development occurs with fewer challenges
  • Proper breathing patterns can be established
  • Future orthodontic needs may be reduced
  • Quality of life improves for both child and family

Professional Assessment Is Essential

Only a trained healthcare provider can properly diagnose and assess the severity and functional impact of tongue and lip ties. Our specialised team provides comprehensive evaluations to determine:

  • The degree of restriction
  • Current functional impacts
  • Potential future concerns
  • Appropriate treatment options
  • Supportive therapy recommendations

Next Steps

If you suspect your child may have a tongue or lip tie, early assessment is crucial. Don’t wait until speech problems or dental issues develop—many complications can be prevented with timely intervention.

Contact our KIDS team today for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan.