who may struggle to latch correctly due to limited lip mobility.

What is a Lip Tie?

• Brief overview of the labial frenulum, a small piece of tissue that connects the inside of the upper and lower lips to the gums.
• Explanation of lip ties, where the frenulum is unusually tight or short, causing restricted lip movement.
• Importance of recognizing lip ties and their potential health implications, especially in infants and children.

Lip Ties: What You Need to Know

A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the lips to the gums, is too tight or short, restricting movement. This can cause challenges like difficulty breastfeeding, speech issues, or dental complications. Early diagnosis and intervention, often through a simple procedure, can help resolve these problems, improving lip mobility and overall function.

Lip Ties and Dental Health

The labial frenulum is a small piece of tissue located inside the mouth, connecting the upper or lower lips to the gums. It plays a role in stabilizing the lips, but in some cases, this tissue can be unusually tight or short, leading to a condition known as a lip tie.

The labial frenulum connects the lips to the gums, but when it's too tight, it can cause a lip tie.
Lip ties may lead to breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, or dental problems.
Early intervention can often resolve lip ties with a simple procedure, improving lip movement.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lip ties are often diagnosed by a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or dentist during an oral exam.

Treatment options

1. Minor lip ties may not need treatment and can be outgrown.
2. In severe cases, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can release the frenulum.
3. This procedure can improve feeding, speech, and oral health.