A lip tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually tight or short, restricting the lip’s movement. This condition, a maxillary labial frenulum that is too short or thick, is diagnosed when it functionally impacts oral activities.
Recognizing a Lip Tie
Observing certain signs can indicate a lip tie, particularly in infants. Babies may struggle to latch properly during breastfeeding or bottle feeding, leading to inadequate milk transfer and slow weight gain. Common symptoms include making clicking or smacking sounds while feeding, falling asleep frequently during nursing, or appearing fatigued by feeding sessions. For parents, this can manifest as persistent nipple pain, engorged breasts, or recurrent clogged milk ducts due to poor drainage. Babies may also experience gassiness or reflux due to swallowing excess air.
Specialists for Diagnosis and Treatment
Addressing a lip tie often involves a collaborative approach from various healthcare professionals. Pediatricians are frequently the first point of contact, conducting initial assessments and identifying potential issues. They inspect the infant’s mouth, including the lip and gum attachments, and may observe feeding.
Lactation consultants play an important role, especially when feeding difficulties are present. They perform functional assessments, observing the baby’s latch and milk transfer efficiency, and can confirm if a lip tie contributes to breastfeeding challenges. They guide parents toward solutions.
Pediatric dentists are important specialists in diagnosing and treating lip ties. They conduct thorough oral examinations, assessing the frenulum’s appearance and its impact on lip movement. Many pediatric dentists perform surgical correction for lip ties.
Oral surgeons and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists also perform lip tie revisions. These specialists possess the surgical expertise required to release the restrictive tissue. The choice of specialist often depends on the tie’s severity, the practitioner’s preference, and local availability.
Addressing Lip Ties: Treatment Options
When a lip tie significantly impacts feeding or oral function, a frenectomy is recommended. This minor surgical intervention involves releasing or modifying the frenulum, the connective tissue band that restricts the lip’s movement. A frenectomy is a quick, in-office procedure.
Two methods for frenectomy are traditional scissor frenectomy and laser frenectomy. A traditional frenectomy uses surgical scissors or a scalpel to snip the restrictive tissue. This method is effective but may result in bleeding and require sutures.
Laser frenectomy utilizes a focused light beam to release the tissue. This method offers benefits such as minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and a quicker healing process, as the laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts. The precision of laser technology can reduce the risk of under-correction and tissue reattachment. The choice between methods depends on the practitioner’s preference and the patient’s specific needs.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following a lip tie release, proper aftercare is important for optimal healing and to prevent reattachment of the tissues. This includes specific stretches or exercises to encourage the newly freed lip to move correctly. These stretches are performed multiple times a day for several weeks.
Pain management is also a consideration, though discomfort is minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Babies may experience temporary fussiness or increased sleepiness. Continued feeding support helps the infant adapt to improved lip mobility and establish effective feeding patterns. Skin-to-skin contact and frequent feedings aid in comfort and healing.