Month: February 2026

TL;DR:

Lip tie in babies happens when the tissue connecting the lip to the gums is too tight or thick, potentially affecting feeding, comfort, and oral development.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs, understand the difference between baby lip tie vs normal anatomy, and explore treatment options.

• Lip tie can affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding, causing latch issues, gassiness, and slow weight gain.
• There are different types of lip ties, ranging from mild to more restrictive.
• Comparing lip tie vs normal pictures can help parents spot structural differences.
• Untreated lip ties may contribute to speech, dental, or orthodontic concerns later.
• A simple, gentle procedure may improve feeding and comfort when necessary.

---

Lip tie in babies occurs when the labial frenulum, a piece of connective tissue that attaches your lip to your gums, is too closely attached (is too tight). Lip ties can create issues with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, as well as other dental issues, such as overbites. Therefore, it’s important to be sure that your baby is examined by a pediatric dentist to ensure that their labial frenulum is normal and not overly tight, especially if they exhibit some of the most common symptoms associated with lip tie.

When comparing baby lip ties vs normal anatomy, the key difference is mobility. In normal lip structure, the upper lip can gently flare outward during feeding. With a lip tie, on the other hand, the tissue may appear thick, tight, or extend lower toward the gum line, thereby limiting natural movement.

Many parents search for things like “lip tie vs normal pictures” to better understand what they’re seeing. Truthfully, while online images can offer general information, a professional evaluation is always the most reliable way to determine whether your baby’s lip structure is functioning normally or whether they have a lip tie.

Lip Tie in Babies: An Overview

Upper lip tie in babies is more common than lower lip tie, but it is possible for either the superior (upper) labial frenulum or the inferior (lower) labial frenulum to exhibit lip tie.

In either case, lip tie happens when the frenulum is either too tight, too thick, or both. While this is usually not painful for the baby experiencing lip tie, it can cause various issues with both feeding and oral development.

There are different types of lip ties, often classified based on how far the frenulum extends toward the gum line:

• Class I: Mild attachment with minimal restriction
• Class II: Attachment extends further down the gum
• Class III: Tight attachment near the edge of the gum ridge
• Class IV: Thick, restrictive attachment that may significantly limit lip mobility

It’s important to remember that appearance alone doesn’t determine whether treatment is necessary. Rather, function, or the loss of function, is what matters most.

Signs & Symptoms of Lip Tie

Recognizing the signs of a lip tie in your baby could help ensure early intervention. Some common indicators include:

• Feeding Challenges: Can a lip tie affect bottle feeding or breastfeeding? It sure can. Difficulty latching, prolonged feeding sessions, and frequent gassiness or fussiness during or after feeding are common feeding-related symptoms associated with lip tie in babies. Your baby may also make clicking sounds when feeding with lip tie.

• Oral Development Issues: What about the impact on oral development? Simply put, limited lip movement can impact a baby’s ability to suck effectively, which can lead to oral development issues like overbites.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact a trusted pediatric dentist to conduct a medical examination of your baby and determine if the lip tie should be removed to free up movement and prevent further issues.

In one study, parents concerned about lip tie cited the following as the most common symptoms associated with lip tie, in descending order:

• Breastfeeding problems
• Speech problems
• Bottle feeding problems
• Orthodontic problems
• Feeding problems in older children
• Reflux
• Snoring/sleep problems
• Dental decay
• Nasal problems

Impact of Lip Tie in Babies

Lip ties can cause a number of issues for both baby and mama in both the short-term and long-term. Here are some of the most common:

• Slow Weight Gain: A lip tie can make it hard for your baby to get enough milk, which can make them constantly hungry and cranky. This can, in turn, lead to abnormal weight gain, so keeping a log of your baby’s weight, especially if you suspect lip tie, could be smart.
• Pain for Nursing Moms: Lip ties can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and even lead to sore or cracked nipples. If you notice excess pain after nursing, lip tie could be contributing.
• Tummy Troubles: Lip ties can cause babies to swallow a lot of air, which can lead to abnormal levels of gas or spit up. If you’ve been burping your baby religiously but gas continues to be an issue, this could be to blame.
• Future Issues: In some cases, lip ties might even contribute to speech difficulties or dental problems, including dental decay or orthodontic issues down the road.

Treatment for Lip Tie in Babies: What to Expect

Not every lip tie in babies requires treatment. Many mild cases are monitored rather than corrected. At The Super Dentists, we take a conservative, function-first approach, weighing the risks and benefits before recommending any procedure.

If it is corrected, normal anatomy is usually restored via a relatively painless procedure called a lingual frenotomy.

During a lingual frenotomy, local anesthesia is usually applied, then the lip is held taught and the lip tie is cut, freeing up movement in the affected area.

During the recovery process, your baby might experience minor pain and swelling for a few days, but in most cases, healing begins in a day or two.

To avoid re-attachment of the frenulum, there are a number of post-surgical stretches and exercises you can perform on your baby to enhance the long-term outcome of success.

Get Your Baby Evaluated for Lip Tie Issues

Concerned about your baby’s lip tie? Wondering if what your baby is experiencing is, in fact, lip tie, or something else? We invite you to schedule a consultation with The Super Dentists today to ensure your baby gets the expert care they deserve.

FAQs About Lip Tie in Babies

Does a lip tie need to be corrected?

Not always. Many lip ties cause no functional problems and do not require treatment. Correction is typically recommended only if feeding, growth, or oral development is affected. It is important to get a professional diagnosis to understand whether your little one’s lip tie requires only monitoring or surgical correction.

Should I be worried if my baby has a lip tie?

In most cases, there’s no need to panic. Many lip ties are mild and harmless. The most important factor is whether your baby is feeding comfortably and gaining weight appropriately. A pediatric dental evaluation or medical evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

What does a lip tie do?

A lip tie can restrict upper lip movement, potentially impacting latch during feeding, causing air intake and gassiness, and in some cases contributing to spacing or orthodontic concerns later in childhood.

What age is best for lip tie release?

If feeding is significantly impacted, lip-tie release can be performed in infancy. However, timing depends on symptoms and function, not just age. Some children never require treatment.

TL;DR:

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a common condition babies are born with that can affect feeding, speech, and oral development. Some tongue ties are mild and need monitoring, while others may benefit from a simple procedure.

• Tongue tie types describe where the tissue attaches (anterior vs. posterior tongue tie).
• Grades or classes describe how severe the restriction is (for example, grade 3 tongue tie = severe limitation).
• Signs in babies often include breastfeeding difficulty, poor latch, or long feeding times.
• Not all tongue ties require treatment — function matters more than appearance.
• When needed, treatment is typically a quick, safe procedure like a frenotomy.

The most important step? A functional evaluation by a pediatric dentist or tongue-tie specialist to determine what’s best for your child’s Super smile and healthy development.

---

A tied tongue is a condition in which the tongue remains attached to the bottom of the mouth, causing potential difficulties with breastfeeding and speech. A tongue tie is common in newborns, infants, and young children, and adults can have it too.

It is considered a congenital condition, as it is something you can be born with, and it is also a hereditary condition. Dentists can diagnose a tongue tie, as can pediatricians or ENTS. A lactation consultant may even notice the tongue tie before a parent since it is common in babies.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that presents at birth. It is when a band of tissue connects the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, restricting the tongue’s motion range.

What Does Tongue Tie Look Like?

Since everybody’s tongues are slightly different, it can be challenging to diagnose a tongue tie based on appearance. However, there are several different types of tongue ties that can help to diagnose the condition properly.

Type 1

With a class 1 tongue tie, the ties are attached to the tip of the tongue. This is what most people think of when they refer to tongue ties. A class 1 tongue tie is also known as an anterior tie.

Type 2

A class 2 tongue tie, also known as an anterior tie, is further behind the tip of the tongue.

Type 3

A class 3 tongue tie is closer to the base of the tongue and is also known as an anterior tie.

Type 4

Class 4 tongue ties are also known as posterior ties. Submucosal, underneath the mucous membrane’s covering, must be felt. Many babies are misdiagnosed with a short tongue.

Understanding Tongue Tie Types vs. Grades

When researching tongue tie types, you will learn about different types, as discussed above. “Type” in relation to tongue ties refers to the Coryllos system, which describes the anatomical location of the frenulum.

On the other hand, “Grade” or “Class” typically refers to the Kotlow system, which measures severity based on how much the tongue can move (a grade 3 tongue tie indicates severe restriction measuring 3–7 mm, while a grade 4 tongue tie is very severe).

How to Tell if a Baby is Tongue Tied?

A tied tongue can affect between 4 and 11 percent of newborns and infants. Parents may be able to tell that their baby has a tongue tie if the tip of their tongue is shaped like a small heart, but that is not always the case in every baby. It can appear to look like a heart because the tissue that attaches the baby’s tongue to the bottom of his mouth is too thick or too short.

It pulls down on the area of the tongue, which can make the tip appear to be heart-shaped. Parents typically notice the first signs that their baby may be tongue-tied while breastfeeding. You can tell what is a tongue tie in a baby, as babies that have a tongue tie might display these signs and symptoms:

• Have trouble latching while breastfeeding
• Does not suck during breastfeeding, but compresses
• Has loud feeding sessions due to swallowing too much air
• Require long feeding times
• Cause pain for their mother while breastfeeding
• Does not produce enough dirty or wet diapers

Some other ways to tell that your baby may be tongue-tied are if your baby cannot do the following:

• Move their tongue from side to side
• Lift their tongue to the mouth’s roof
• Move their tongue past their gum line, where their teeth will grow
• Keep a binky in their mouth (many babies do not like binkies, so this isn’t always a symptom)

Does Tongue Tie Affect Speech?

A tongue tie can affect speech, as the tongue is necessary to form certain sounds. When a child has a tongue tie, their ability to move their tongue to form specific sounds may be impaired. Children with a tongue tie may have trouble enunciating these sounds:

• D
• L
• R
• S
• T
• Th
• Z

These specific sounds require the tongue’s full range of motion. If your child has a tongue tie, they might still be able to pronounce these sounds slightly, but they can sound slurred. However, it is essential to understand that not every child with a tongue tie struggles with speech.

Does Tongue Tie Go Away?

Tongue tie does not go away, but it may not cause any problems for your child as they get older. Sometimes, any tightness can resolve naturally as the child grows older and the mouth develops. However, some children may experience speech difficulties or difficulty chewing their food.

How to Address Tongue Tie

To address a tongue tie, minor surgery is typically required. Two types of surgeries can correct the tongue tie: a frenotomy or a frenuloplasty.

Frenotomy

A frenotomy is a minor surgical procedure to address a tongue tie. It can be performed with or without the use of anesthesia in the doctor’s office. The doctor will examine the lingual frenulum and use sterile surgery scissors to clip the frenulum.

This procedure is minimal and quick since there are few blood vessels or nerve endings in the lingual frenulum. If there is any bleeding, it will most likely be a couple of drops of blood. Babies will be able to breastfeed immediately following the surgery.

While a frenotomy’s complications are rare, some complications can occur. These complications can include tongue damage, damage to the salivary glands, infection, or bleeding.

Frenuloplasty

A frenuloplasty is recommended for those whose lingual frenulum is too thick to perform a frenotomy or if additional repairs are needed. A frenuloplasty requires the use of general anesthesia and surgical tools.

Once the frenulum is freed, the wound will be closed using sutures. The sutures are designed to absorb themselves while the tongue heals itself. Like all minor surgeries, there is a possibility of complications.

While complications are rare, they include infection, bleeding, and damage to the salivary glands and the tongue. Reactions to anesthesia can also concur. Simple exercises for the tongue might be helpful after a frenuloplasty to enhance the full motion of the tongue.

Final Thoughts

While a tongue tie can initially seem scary, it can be addressed by performing minor surgery.

At The Super Dentists, our amazing pediatric dental team takes a balanced, personalized approach, carefully evaluating types of tongue tie, differentiating posterior vs anterior tongue tie, and diagnosing mild vs severe tongue tie to determine the approach that’s truly best for your child’s health and development.

Learn more about our Pediatric Dental Services at The Super Dentists. Schedule an appointment today and bring your family to a Super Dentists location near you!

FAQs

Does a tongue-tie need to be corrected?

Not always. Whether a tongue tie needs correction depends on function, not just appearance. If feeding, speech, oral development, or airway growth is affected, treatment may be recommended. In mild cases, monitoring may be the best approach.

What causes tongue-tie in babies?

Tongue tie is a congenital condition, meaning babies are born with it. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics may play a role since it can run in families.

Do tongue ties go away?

Tongue ties do not typically disappear, but symptoms may lessen as a child grows. Some children experience no long-term issues, while others may require treatment depending on severity and function.

At what age should a tongue-tie be cut?

If feeding difficulties are present, a frenotomy can be performed in infancy — sometimes within the first weeks of life. If speech or functional issues arise later, treatment may be considered in toddlerhood or childhood. The timing depends on individual needs and symptoms.

TL;DR:

Need a dental cleaning, but not sure what kind?

A regular cleaning is preventive and removes plaque above the gums. A deep dental cleaning goes below the gumline to treat gum disease.

Read on to understand the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning, the benefits of deep cleaning teeth, how often you should get a deep cleaning, and answers to FAQs like “Why are dentists recommending deep cleanings?”

---

Dental Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

A regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is the standard treatment for creating healthy smiles, and it’s what you or your little ones have most likely experienced in the past. During a regular or routine dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. This helps prevent cavities, ward off bad breath, and keep gingivitis (gum inflammation) at bay. What’s more, as Delta Dental notes, most dental insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of routine cleanings when you visit an in-network provider.

A deep cleaning, on the other hand, otherwise known as a scaling and root planing, is often the go-to choice when a patient already exhibits significant gum inflammation or infection. It is more involved than a routine cleaning, involving removing bacteria below the gumline, smoothing out the roots of teeth, and helping gums reattach. Usually, a deep cleaning cannot be completed in just one visit, and it may require local anesthesia.

Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning can:

• Stop gum disease from getting worse
• Prevent tooth and bone loss
• Improve bad breath
• Help gums heal and reattach
• Save you from more costly treatments later on

There are no “cons” to deep cleaning, but there are side effects, including possible sensitivity, gum soreness, or mild swelling. The long-term benefits of deep cleaning far outweigh the temporary discomfort it can create.

How Often Should You Get a Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning?

Deep cleaning is not something that you should regularly have done. Rather, deep cleaning is for gum disease. Your dentist will likely recommend it if they notice gum pockets over 4 mm deep, bleeding, or signs of periodontitis.

After the first round of deep cleaning, however, it’s common for your dentist to recommend maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months.

Most people who don’t need deep cleaning, on the other hand, should get routine (“regular”) cleanings completed once to twice a year, or every 6-12 months.

Ready to Learn More or Schedule a Cleaning?

If you’re curious about the cost of deep cleaning, we’ve broken it down for you here.

Ready to schedule a dental cleaning for your family? Visit our Kids’ Teeth Cleaning page now.