Lip Tie in Babies: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Many parents notice something feels "off" during breastfeeding in the first days or weeks after birth — but they can't quite put a name to it. A lip tie is one of the most commonly overlooked reasons for feeding difficulties in newborns and infants. It can also affect bottle feeding, speech development, oral hygiene, and even jaw growth as a child gets older.

At Tooth + Tongue – Specialized Dentistry and Anesthesia in Walnut Creek, we evaluate and treat lip ties in babies and children using a gentle, minimally invasive approach. Understanding what a lip tie is and what signs to look for can help parents seek care at the right time.

What Is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie occurs when the frenulum — the small band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum line — is too short, too thick, or positioned too low. This restricts how freely the upper lip can move and flange outward.

In a healthy latch, the baby's upper lip should curl upward and out, creating a wide seal around the breast or bottle. When a lip tie is present, the lip cannot move freely enough to achieve this. The result is often a shallow, inefficient latch that causes frustration for both baby and parent.

Lip ties are frequently found alongside tongue ties, which makes comprehensive evaluation especially important. Treating one without addressing the other can sometimes limit the results of treatment.

Signs of Lip Tie in Newborns and Infants

Lip tie signs can be subtle, especially in the early weeks when feeding challenges are sometimes assumed to be normal adjustment. However, certain patterns are consistent enough to warrant evaluation.

Feeding-Related Signs in Babies

Parents most commonly report the following when a lip tie is present:

Difficulty latching or maintaining a seal during breastfeeding. The baby may slide off the nipple repeatedly or require constant repositioning.

Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding, which indicate air is entering due to a poor seal.

Feeding sessions that last unusually long — often 45 minutes or more — because the baby cannot transfer milk efficiently.

Frequent gas, reflux, or colic-like symptoms caused by swallowing excess air during feeding.

Poor weight gain or slow growth despite frequent feeding sessions.

Nipple pain, compression, or trauma for breastfeeding mothers. A shallow latch caused by lip restriction often creates significant discomfort that is sometimes misattributed to other causes.

Fatigue during feeding — the baby tires quickly and may fall asleep before finishing a full feed.

Signs That Appear as Babies Grow

As infants transition to solid foods and develop speech, additional signs may emerge:

Difficulty transitioning to purees or textured foods

Trouble forming a seal around a spoon or cup

Early tooth decay along the upper front teeth, because the lip cannot fully cover them and allow saliva to protect the enamel

A visible gap between the two upper front teeth as permanent teeth begin to erupt

How Is a Lip Tie Identified?

A lip tie is typically identified through a clinical evaluation by a trained provider. The assessment involves observing the position and movement of the frenulum, evaluating lip mobility, and reviewing feeding history.

At Tooth + Tongue – Specialized Dentistry and Anesthesia, our evaluation goes beyond simply looking for a visible attachment. We assess how the lip functions during feeding and movement, and whether the restriction is contributing to the symptoms a parent or child is experiencing. This functional approach ensures that treatment recommendations are based on actual impact, not just appearance.

In many cases, we also evaluate for tongue tie at the same time, since the two often coexist and both can affect feeding, airway development, and oral function.

When Is Treatment Recommended?

Not every lip tie requires treatment. The decision is based on whether the restriction is causing functional problems — with feeding, oral hygiene, speech, or development.

Treatment is typically considered when:

A baby is struggling to gain weight or feed efficiently despite good positioning and lactation support

A breastfeeding mother experiences ongoing nipple pain that does not resolve with latch corrections

Dental decay is forming along the upper front teeth due to inadequate lip coverage

Speech development is affected as the child grows

The restriction is contributing to a gap between the upper front teeth that is associated with other concerns

What Does Treatment Involve?

When treatment is indicated, the procedure used is called a frenectomy — a quick, precise release of the restrictive tissue. At Tooth + Tongue – Specialized Dentistry and Anesthesia in Walnut Creek, we perform lip tie releases using a gentle laser technique.

Laser frenectomy offers several advantages for infants and young children. The procedure is fast, with minimal bleeding and a reduced risk of infection. Recovery is typically straightforward, and most babies are able to feed shortly after the procedure.

For older children, the approach is adapted to their age and comfort level. Our team is experienced in working with young patients and uses clear, age-appropriate communication to ensure each child feels safe and supported.

What Happens After Treatment?

Following a lip tie release, stretching exercises are typically recommended to prevent reattachment of the tissue during healing. A lactation consultant may also be part of the care plan for breastfeeding families, helping to re-establish a stronger latch after the procedure.

Most families notice improvements in feeding fairly quickly, though some changes — particularly with latch and milk transfer — may take a few days to develop as the baby learns to use the newly freed lip.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Lip ties do not always resolve on their own, and delaying evaluation can allow feeding difficulties and associated challenges to persist longer than necessary. For breastfeeding families in particular, prolonged feeding struggles can affect milk supply, maternal mental health, and bonding.

Early assessment also allows providers to identify whether a tongue tie is present alongside the lip tie — a combination that, when treated together, tends to produce better outcomes than addressing either restriction alone.

For older children, untreated lip ties can contribute to spacing issues between the upper front teeth, oral hygiene challenges, and in some cases, delayed speech. Identifying these concerns early makes treatment simpler and recovery faster.

Lip Tie Evaluation at Tooth + Tongue in Walnut Creek

Families across Walnut Creek and the surrounding Bay Area come to Tooth + Tongue – Specialized Dentistry and Anesthesia for lip and tongue tie evaluation and treatment. Our team provides comprehensive assessments for newborns, infants, toddlers, and older children — combining clinical expertise with a calm, child-centered environment.

If your newborn is struggling to latch, your infant seems gassy or fatigued after feeds, or you have noticed any of the signs described above, scheduling an evaluation is a straightforward next step toward getting answers and support.

If you're concerned your baby or child may have a lip tie, we welcome you to schedule an evaluation at Tooth + Tongue – Specialized Dentistry and Anesthesia. Our team is here to help your family find comfort, confidence, and clarity.

Ready to get started on your family's new dental journey? Contact us here!

Call (925) 949-8427

1800 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, CA 94596

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