When it comes to a lip tie and tongue tie, you’ve probably heard more about the latter. However, a lip tie can also cause problems for your child. While both are easily diagnosed and easily curable genetic features, you want to speak with your pediatric dentist quickly if you notice any symptoms to help your child be as comfortable as possible. To learn more about lip tie treatment and its symptoms the Marietta pediatric dentists at Nia Pediatric Dentistry can help.

Marietta Pediatric Dentist Insight: What is a Lip Tie?

Behind the upper lip is a piece of tissue known as the frenulum. All newborns are born with a labial frenulum. When the frenulum membranes are too short (tight), thick, or stiff, this creates a lip tie. Likewise, when the membranes beneath the tongue are too thick or stiff, this causes a tongue tie. While adolescents and adults can still develop a lip tie, it is more common in babies (about 4-11%). A lip tie is not dangerous, as long as your child is gaining the weight needed for normal, healthy development.

Lip Tie Symptoms

If your baby is experiencing an inability to gain weight due to difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding, a lip tie could be the cause. There are many factors that can affect breastfeedings, such as babies who naturally have a hard time attaching themselves to their mother’s nipple or bottle milk.

It is important to discuss any concerns with a lactation consultant before assuming your child has a lip tie. Nurses who are skilled in prenatal education can support mothers with breastfeeding difficulties. Helping your baby latch onto you is just one of the many things that lactation consultants have experience with. If this fails, a lip tie could be the problem. Similarly, small children who have trouble eating from a spoon or finger foods may also have a lip tie and struggle to achieve healthy weight gain.

Lip Tie Complications

It is important to have your baby see a pediatric dentist skilled in lip ties before serious problems arise. Early years of growth are the most crucial for proper vitamin and mineral nourishment. If a baby or small child cannot get the nutrients they need, even from formula, vitamin and mineral deficiency will occur. This welcomes the possibility for infection, disease, and discomfort.

• tooth decay
• gum recession
• jaundice
• colic

Mothers can also experience stress and uneasiness from breastfeeding a baby with a lip tie.

• Milk supply issues such as blocked milk ducts
• Mastitis (bacterial infection)
• Engorged, painful breasts
• Damaged or distorted nipples

Lip Tie Process of Surgical Treatment

Treatments for lip ties are very similar to tongue ties. An experienced pediatric dentist will perform a frenectomy (lip tie reversal).

• A mother sits in a chair holding her child during this simple, few-minute procedure.
• First, a numbing agent is put on the baby’s frenulum.
• Next, using a very small hand-held laser, the dentist will cut the lip tie.
• After, your dentist will give you post-operation instructions including pain relief and discomfort exercises.

Contact Nia Pediatrics for Lip Tie Concerns and Treatment

Whether you have a newborn or small child, it can be scary and overwhelming when your child cannot get fed properly. If you are experiencing pain as well, it can be more stressful. Keep your baby on the track to proper oral and dental health with caring, skilled medical experts.

Meet the top pediatric dentists and dental team of the Atlanta area. How can you resist their smiles and warming eyes? Contact the dedicated staff at Nia Pediatrics to see a top Marietta pediatric dentist now. With years of experience in infant and child dentistry, your baby will get the care he or she deserves. Our patients and their special needs are our priority.