Lip Ties in Kids: Impact on Eating, Speech, and Oral Development

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: August 2025

All pediatric dental and oral health content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed pediatric dentists and dental specialists on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current pediatric dental guidelines, evidence-based practices, and standards in oral developmental care.

1 of 7 / Overview

Lip Ties in Kids: Impact on Eating, Speech, and Oral Development

A lip tie occurs when the upper lip is connected too tightly to the gum by a piece of tissue called the labial frenulum. While often overlooked, lip ties can significantly affect a child’s ability to nurse, eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene— especially when left untreated.

At DrSensory, we go beyond simply identifying lip ties. Our recommended speech therapists take a whole-child approach, connecting dental anatomy with speech development, feeding, and oral-motor function to ensure your child thrives long term.

2 of 7 / Signs & Symptoms

Lip ties often go undiagnosed until problems with feeding, speaking, or oral hygiene become apparent. Here are common signs to watch for in babies, toddlers, and young children:

In Infants:

  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Clicking sounds or slipping off the breast
  • Gassiness or colic-like behavior
  • Poor weight gain
  • Frustration during feeding

In Older Children:

  • A visible band of tissue between lip and gums
  • Difficulty brushing upper front teeth
  • Speech delays or unclear articulation
  • Avoidance of certain food textures
  • Frequent cavities on upper front teeth
  • Gap between upper front teeth

3 of 7 / Causes & Risks

Lip ties are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. In many cases, they occur alongside tongue ties and may have a genetic link.

Potential Risks if Left Untreated:

  • Breastfeeding difficulties for both baby and mother
  • Delayed speech development
  • Feeding aversions or picky eating
  • Mouth breathing, which can impact oral and facial growth
  • Orthodontic issues, such as misalignment or spacing
  • Increased risk of cavities and poor oral hygiene habits

4 of 7 / Diagnosis & tests

Lip ties are diagnosed through physical examination — but that’s only part of the picture. At DrSensory, we conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes:

  • Lip mobility evaluation
  • Feeding assessment (infants)
  • Oral-motor function screening
  • Speech and articulation review (for toddlers and children)
  • Collaboration with lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, or ENTs, if needed

The goal is to determine how the lip tie is affecting function, not just how it looks.

5 of 7 / Care & treatment

Treatment for a lip tie depends on its severity and how much it interferes with daily function. Our approach typically includes:

Frenectomy

A quick, minimally invasive procedure (often laser-based) that releases the tight tissue. Can be done in-office for infants and children.

Speech or Feeding Therapy

Post-release therapy is essential to retrain lip movement, normalize oral function, and eliminate compensatory patterns. Therapy may involve:

Lactation or Bottle-Feeding Support

In infants, referrals to certified lactation consultants or feeding therapists is useful to ensure a smooth transition post-release.

6 of 7 / Living With

The earlier a lip tie is diagnosed and addressed, the easier it is for children to develop healthy eating, breathing, and speaking patterns. Many children adapt to lip ties — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t compensating in ways that could lead to issues down the line.

After treatment, families may notice:

  • Better latch and feeding (in infants)
  • Improved speech clarity
  • Reduced mouth breathing
  • Easier brushing and flossing
  • Better facial development and posture

With the right intervention, your child can move forward without restrictions — and without lasting effects.

7 of 7 / related reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lip tie in babies and children?

A lip tie occurs when the upper lip is connected too tightly to the gums by the labial frenulum. This can restrict lip movement and may affect feeding, speech, and oral development.

How can a lip tie affect breastfeeding and bottle-feeding?

Lip ties can make it difficult for babies to form a proper seal while feeding, leading to poor latch, prolonged feeding times, gas, reflux, and even slow weight gain.

Can a lip tie cause speech delays or difficulty in toddlers?

Yes, severe lip ties may impact how a child forms certain sounds due to restricted lip movement. This can contribute to delayed speech development or articulation challenges.

How do I know if my child has a lip tie?

Signs of a lip tie include a tight band of tissue between the upper lip and gums, difficulty flanging the lip during feeding, gapping between front teeth, or speech and eating struggles. A pediatric dentist or feeding specialist can perform an assessment.

What is the treatment for a lip tie in children?

Lip tie treatment usually involves a simple procedure called a frenectomy, where the tight tissue is released using a laser or scissors. This can improve feeding, speech, and oral function.

Is it necessary to treat a lip tie in all cases?

Not always. Some mild lip ties don’t interfere with function and may not require treatment. If the tie is causing feeding, speech, or dental problems, evaluation and treatment may be recommended.

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Glossary

Lip Tie

A condition where the upper lip is abnormally attached to the gums by a tight or thick labial frenulum, limiting normal lip movement.

Labial Frenulum

The small strip of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gum above the upper front teeth. In lip ties, this tissue is overly restrictive.

Frenectomy

A quick surgical procedure used to release a tight frenulum (lip tie or tongue tie) to improve oral function. It can be performed using a laser or surgical scissors.

Latch

The way a baby attaches to the breast or bottle nipple during feeding. A poor latch caused by a lip tie can lead to feeding difficulties and discomfort.

Oral Function

Refers to how the mouth works for essential tasks like sucking, swallowing, chewing, and speaking. Lip ties can interfere with these functions in infants and children.

Midline Oral Restriction

A collective term for tight oral tissues like lip ties and tongue ties that can impact feeding, speech, and development. Often evaluated in infants with feeding issues.