Understanding Lip Ties: Causes, Impact, and Treatment

In recent years, parents have become more attentive to their newborns’ oral anatomy, leading to an increase in reported cases of tongue and lip ties. According to a study by the Trilogy Society, awareness has contributed to more diagnoses. While mild lip ties may not cause significant health concerns, severe cases can lead to complications such as breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, and dental problems. What is a Lip Tie? A lip tie is a congenital condition where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, known as the labial frenulum, is unusually thick or tight. This restriction can limit upper lip movement, potentially affecting feeding, speech, and oral development. Lip ties often occur alongside tongue ties and tend to run in families, with boys being more commonly affected than girls. What Does a Lip Tie Look Like? A lip tie appears as a thick or tight band of tissue that tethers the upper lip to the gum. In some cases, the frenulum extends lower down the gum line...