Understanding the difference for your baby’s feeding and development — from Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep in Fremont, CA
Tongue ties and lip ties are common conditions that can make feeding challenging for newborns. Both involve a small band of tissue called the frenulum, which can sometimes be too tight or thick. While a tongue tie limits how the tongue moves, a lip tie affects how the upper lip flanges and seals during feeding.
At Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep in Fremont, CA, our team carefully evaluates infants for tongue and lip ties to help parents understand the cause of feeding difficulties and explore gentle, effective treatment options.
What Are Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum under the tongue is too tight. This restricts the tongue’s ability to lift, extend, or move side-to-side.
A lip tie involves the labial frenulum — the tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gum. When this tissue is short or thick, the lip can’t lift freely to form a proper latch.
Both conditions limit movement but affect different parts of the mouth. Recognizing the difference helps parents and clinicians decide whether intervention is needed.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
- Limited tongue mobility
- Difficulty sucking or maintaining suction
- Possible later impact on speech
Lip Tie
- Restricted upper-lip movement
- Feeding difficulties or milk dribbling
- Potential small gap between upper front teeth
Early diagnosis allows for simpler treatment and better feeding outcomes.
Anatomy: Tongue Tie vs Lip Tie
Understanding the anatomy clarifies how these conditions differ.
Tongue tie involves the lingual frenulum, a thin membrane connecting the tongue’s underside to the mouth floor. If it’s short or tight, upward and forward tongue movement is restricted.
Lip tie affects the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the top teeth. When this tissue is thick or rigid, the upper lip can’t lift or flange outward easily.
Key Anatomical Differences
Tongue Tie: Affects the area under the tongue and restricts elevation and protrusion.
Lip Tie: Affects the upper lip and gum, limiting outward motion and flexibility.
Recognizing these distinctions ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
What Does a Lip Tie Look Like? (Lip Tie vs Normal)
A lip tie appears as a tight or thick band under the upper lip, preventing it from lifting easily. In a normal infant mouth, the upper lip lifts freely to create a good seal during feeding. A lip tie keeps the lip tethered, reducing suction and often leading to clicking sounds, leaking milk, or excess air intake.
Common Signs of a Lip Tie
- The upper lip doesn’t curl upward easily
- A visible thick or taut band beneath the lip
- Difficulty forming a tight latch
- Small gap between upper front teeth
According to the Cleveland Clinic, lip and tongue ties can affect breastfeeding and may lead to discomfort for both mother and child if not addressed.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Babies
A tongue tie limits tongue movement, which can cause feeding and growth concerns. Babies may have trouble latching, lose suction mid-feed, or tire quickly. You might also hear clicking sounds during nursing.
Typical Symptoms of Tongue Tie
- Struggles to latch or maintain suction
- Slow weight gain
- Clicking while feeding
- Difficulty lifting or extending the tongue
- Heart-shaped tongue tip when lifted
Identifying these early makes treatment simpler and prevents secondary issues such as reflux or aerophagia.
Lip Tie and Breastfeeding Challenges
Lip tie can significantly affect feeding comfort. A tight labial frenulum prevents the lip from flanging outward, which weakens the latch and causes babies to swallow extra air. This may result in fussiness, reflux-like symptoms, or gassiness.
Signs that feeding may be affected by a lip tie include:
- Dribbling milk or losing suction during feeding
- Difficulty staying latched
- Excess air intake and frequent burping
- Irritability after feeds
Not every lip tie requires treatment, but evaluation by an airway-focused dental or lactation specialist helps determine severity and next steps.
Posterior Tongue Tie vs Lip Tie: Key Differences
A posterior tongue tie is subtler than an anterior one. The restriction lies deeper beneath the tongue and can be difficult to see without training. Despite being less visible, it can severely affect feeding.
In contrast, a lip tie occurs under the upper lip and limits lip mobility. Both can coexist, compounding feeding challenges.
Quick Comparison
Location: Posterior tongue tie = back of tongue; Lip tie = under upper lip.
Effect: Posterior ties hinder tongue lift; Lip ties prevent proper flange.
Symptoms: Both can cause poor latch and prolonged feedings.
How to Tell if Your Baby Has a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie
Parents often notice feeding struggles first. Observe how your baby moves their tongue and lips. A heart-shaped tongue tip or difficulty extending past the lower gum can signal a tongue tie. A stiff upper lip that doesn’t curl upward may indicate a lip tie.
If you suspect either, schedule an evaluation. At Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep, we assess tongue and lip motion, feeding efficiency, and oral anatomy to confirm whether a restriction exists.
Quick Checklist
Tongue Tie: Heart-shaped tongue, restricted lift, clicking sounds.
Lip Tie: Upper lip tethered to gum, gap between teeth, dribbling milk.
Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Together
Some infants experience both conditions simultaneously. This combination can make nursing particularly difficult, leading to poor latch, prolonged feeds, and maternal discomfort.
When both ties are present, treating them together often results in the best outcomes. Our Fremont practice performs combined laser releases safely and gently, helping babies feed comfortably soon after treatment.
Diagnosis and Who Can Help
Early detection is key. Parents should consult qualified professionals familiar with infant feeding and oral anatomy. Pediatric dentists, lactation consultants, and pediatricians often collaborate to diagnose and manage tongue and lip ties.
During an assessment, clinicians:
- Examine tongue and lip mobility
- Observe latch and suction
- Evaluate feeding patterns and comfort
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that not every tie requires surgery, but timely evaluation helps determine if intervention will benefit feeding and development.
Treatment Options for Tongue and Lip Tie (Infant Frenectomy)
When feeding issues persist, a frenectomy may be recommended. This quick procedure releases the restrictive tissue, restoring natural tongue and lip mobility.
At Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep, we use advanced laser technology for precision and comfort. The laser cauterizes as it releases, minimizing bleeding and speeding recovery. Most infants feed immediately after treatment.
Benefits of Laser Frenectomy
- Quick, minimally invasive, and precise
- Little to no anesthesia required
- Rapid healing with minimal discomfort
- Immediate improvement in latch and feeding
Post-release myofunctional exercises may be advised to strengthen movement and prevent reattachment.
Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery from a laser frenectomy is typically smooth and fast. Babies can nurse right away, and parents often notice improvement within a few days.
Your provider will demonstrate gentle stretches to maintain flexibility and proper healing. Follow-up visits ensure that tissue heals well and oral function improves as expected.
Typical Aftercare Steps
- Gentle post-procedure stretches
- Monitoring for re-tightening
- Continuing regular feeding routine
- Follow-up visit within one week
Our Fremont team supports families through each step, ensuring comfort and confidence during recovery.
When Treatment Is Needed
Not every restriction demands surgical release. Some mild cases resolve naturally as the child grows. However, if feeding difficulties, slow weight gain, or persistent latch problems occur, evaluation and possible treatment are recommended.
Key factors to consider include:
- Impact on feeding efficiency
- Maternal discomfort during nursing
- Presence of both tongue and lip ties
- Recurring latch or weight issues
Addressing the restriction early can improve feeding outcomes and reduce family stress.
Myofunctional Therapy and Long-Term Development
After release, myofunctional therapy helps retrain the tongue and lips for proper motion. Exercises guide correct resting posture, swallowing, and breathing patterns—important for jaw and airway development.
Learn more about Myofunctional Therapy at Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep.
Myths, Facts, and Frequently Asked Questions
Myth: Every baby with a tie needs surgery.
Fact: Some ties are mild and may improve without intervention.
Can tongue or lip tie affect future speech?
In some children, persistent restriction can influence articulation, but early evaluation reduces this risk.
Is laser treatment safe for babies?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is quick and gentle, and most infants nurse comfortably right afterward.
Can a baby have both a tongue tie and lip tie?
Yes. Treating both during one appointment can improve feeding efficiency.
Key Takeaways for Parents
Understanding the difference between tongue tie and lip tie empowers parents to act early when feeding problems appear.
- Early evaluation supports easier feeding and development.
- Some ties resolve naturally; others need gentle correction.
- Collaboration between dental, pediatric, and lactation specialists offers the best results.
If you suspect your baby has a tongue or lip tie, schedule a consultation with Bay Area Dental, Airway & Sleep in Fremont, CA for compassionate, airway-focused care.
