Parents often notice small quirks in their toddler’s smile or eating habits and wonder if something more is going on. One condition that can sometimes cause concern is a lip tie. A lip tie occurs when the thin piece of tissue (the frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gums is too thick, tight, or restrictive. While some lip ties are mild and cause no problems, others can affect a toddler’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral health. Let’s explore how lip ties can impact toddlers and when parents should seek guidance.
Eating and Drinking Challenges
Lip ties can make it difficult for toddlers to move their lips freely, which is essential for eating and drinking. Some toddlers with lip ties struggle to close their lips around a spoon, cup, or straw. This may result in messy eating, gagging, or avoiding certain foods altogether. In some cases, lip ties can even interfere with transitioning from bottles or breastfeeding to solid foods, since lip mobility plays a big role in learning to chew and swallow efficiently.
Speech Development Concerns
While not every child with a lip tie will experience speech delays, restricted lip movement can sometimes make it harder to pronounce certain sounds, especially those that require the lips to move or press together (like “p,” “b,” and “m”). If your toddler is showing signs of delayed speech or difficulty forming sounds, a lip tie may be one contributing factor, though a full evaluation by a pediatrician or speech therapist is often needed to confirm.
Oral Health Issues
Lip ties can create oral health challenges as well. Because the tissue pulls tightly on the gums, it may cause a gap between the front teeth. In addition, toddlers with lip ties may find it harder to clean food debris from their teeth and gums, which increases the risk of cavities and gum irritation. Parents may also notice that brushing their toddler’s upper front teeth is more difficult or uncomfortable for the child.
Discomfort and Sensitivity
Some toddlers with moderate to severe lip ties may experience gum sensitivity or irritation. The tight frenulum can rub against the gums or teeth, making the area tender. This discomfort may show up as fussiness during meals, resistance to brushing, or even signs of pain when the lip is moved.
Emotional and Social Impact
Toddlers are still learning confidence with eating, speaking, and interacting. If a lip tie makes these milestones more difficult, a child may feel frustrated or fall behind peers in certain areas. While every child develops at their own pace, addressing a lip tie can remove unnecessary barriers to progress.
When to Seek Help
If you suspect your toddler has a lip tie, consult a pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant (if still breastfeeding). They can assess the severity and recommend treatment if needed. Options may include monitoring mild cases or performing a simple procedure called a frenectomy to release the tie.
Lip ties affect toddlers in different ways, ranging from minor inconvenience to significant challenges with eating, speaking, and oral health. The good news is that with early evaluation and, if necessary, treatment, most children can overcome these difficulties and thrive. If you have concerns, trust your instincts and seek professional guidance to ensure your toddler’s healthy development.
About the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clarke has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years. She earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has continued her studies with a fellowship program in dentistry for the developmentally disabled at Stony Brook University in New York. Finally, she returned to the University of Maryland to complete a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry. Over the years, Dr. Clarke has completed hundreds of hours in advanced education, studying all areas of dentistry. She is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Maryland State Dental Association. If your little one needs lip or tongue tie treatment, trust Dr. Clarke and our expert team to provide them with tender, comfortable care. Schedule an appointment online or call (443) 241-7575.