A lip tie is a situation in which the upper lip is closely bound to the gum, limiting movement. This can be a problem that impacts feeding, speech, and oral growth. Parents might wonder if a lip tie should be treated or if the child will outgrow it. Knowing the signs and risks of an untreated lip tie will enable you to make the healthiest choice for your child.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie is when the tissue (frenulum) that binds the upper lip to the gums is overly thick or brief, restricting movement. It can be mild or severe, with severe cases impacting a baby’s capacity for normal breastfeeding. If not treated, a lip tie can lead to complications such as a hard time latching, gassiness, speech delay, and dental issues.
Parents searching for expert advice can visit a lip tie center in Tampa to determine whether treatment is necessary for their child.
Signs That Your Child Has a Lip Tie
Others can have a lip tie with no apparent symptoms, while others find that they are having trouble in ways that affect their everyday life. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Trouble breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Poor infant weight gain
- Clicking sounds when nursing
- Too much drooling
- Gassiness or reflux from swallowing air
- Speech trouble as they mature
- A gap between the front upper teeth
If your child experiences these symptoms, an expert at a lip-tie center near you can evaluate the condition and advise you on what to do.
What Happens if a Lip Tie Is Not Corrected?
Parents often ask, What happens if a lip tie is not corrected? It depends on the severity of the lip tie. A mild lip tie might not be a problem at all. But if a lip tie is limiting movement, not treating it can result in:
- Breastfeeding Difficulty: Infants with a lip tie can have trouble latching, which causes the mother pain and the baby poor nutrition.
- Oral Problems: A lip tie can cause a space between the front teeth, creating orthodontic issues in adulthood.
- Speech Delay: Limited mobility of the lip can cause problems with pronouncing some sounds, which can slow down speech.
- Oral Health Issues: A lip tie will trap food and bacteria, allowing for the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Early treatment of a lip tie can avoid these complications and enhance the quality of life in a child.
Do Kids Grow Out of a Lip Tie?
Another prevalent question is, do kids grow out of a lip tie? While some children adjust with time, serious cases will need to be treated. The tight frenulum attachment does not always stretch out with growth, so problems such as speech or dental issues might remain.
In mild cases, as the child matures and his or her mouth grows, the restriction might diminish. Nevertheless, if a child persists with feeding issues, speech issues, or dental problems, professional evaluation is the way to go.
How Is a Lip Tie Treated?
If your child has a lip tie, there is a simple procedure known as a frenectomy that can help. A laser or scissors is used to cut the tight frenulum, and the lip can then move freely.
A frenectomy is fast and very uncomfortable. Most infants are able to breastfeed shortly after the procedure, and older kids heal quickly with no or little pain.
Benefits of Lip Tie Treatment
- Enhanced feeding and weight gain
- Speech difficulties reduced
- Enhanced oral hygiene and prevention of cavities
- Prevention of dental gaps and orthodontic complications
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your child is having difficulty with feeding, speech, or oral health issues, the best thing to do is seek a professional. A specialist at a lip tie center near you can evaluate the extent of the condition and decide if treatment is required. Early intervention can avoid long-term complications and enhance your child’s general well-being.
Expert Lip Tie Treatment at Tampa Tongue Tie Center
If you seek expert treatment, Tampa Tongue Tie Center offers professional diagnosis and treatment of lip ties. Their trained professionals provide caring and effective remedies to enable your child to prosper.
Don’t let a lip tie hold your child back. Make an appointment at Tampa Tongue Tie Center, Tampa’s go-to lip tie center, to find out more about treatment and provide your child with the best possible start in life.