If you’re a new parent struggling with breastfeeding, you may have heard the terms “tongue tie” or “lip tie” come up. These conditions have received considerably more attention over the past 25 years, leading many parents to wonder: Are lip and tongue ties actually becoming more common?
The short answer is that we don’t necessarily know. What has clearly increased is the number of infants being diagnosed and treated for these conditions. Researchers and medical professionals suggest that increased awareness, renewed interest in breastfeeding, and changes in how tongue ties are identified may all contribute to the rise.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts tongue movement. A lip tie involves the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums and may restrict movement of the lip.
It’s important to remember that everyone has oral frenula, or small folds of tissue connecting these areas. Having a frenulum doesn’t automatically mean a baby has a problematic tie. The concern arises when the tissue restricts movement enough to interfere with normal functions such as feeding.
Signs a Tongue or Lip Tie May Affect Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can take some time for both parent and baby to master, so an occasional feeding challenge doesn’t necessarily indicate a tie. However, persistent difficulties may warrant a conversation with a pediatrician, lactation consultant, dentist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
Possible signs include:
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
- Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
- Frequent or prolonged feedings
- Poor milk transfer
- A baby who seems hungry soon after feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Maternal nipple pain or damage
- Difficulty maintaining a seal around the breast
- Milk leaking from the baby’s mouth during feeding
Limited tongue mobility can interfere with the mechanics of breastfeeding, potentially contributing to problems such as painful nursing, poor milk transfer, and low milk supply. However, these symptoms can have many causes, so they shouldn’t automatically be attributed to a lip or tongue tie.
Why Do Lip and Tongue Ties Seem More Common Now?
One major factor may simply be awareness. Breastfeeding became less common in the middle of the 20th century, but interest in breastfeeding increased again over the past several decades. As more parents sought help with breastfeeding difficulties, healthcare professionals began paying more attention to conditions that could potentially affect feeding.
Social media has also made information about tongue and lip ties much easier to find. Parents experiencing similar feeding challenges can quickly discover stories from other families and seek evaluations for their own babies.
At the same time, there is still disagreement among healthcare professionals about how certain types of tongue ties should be defined and when treatment is appropriate. In particular, the diagnosis of “posterior tongue tie” remains controversial, and experts continue to call for more research and standardized diagnostic criteria.
What Should Parents Do?
If breastfeeding is consistently painful or your baby is struggling to latch, don’t assume a lip or tongue tie is the cause. Start by discussing the problem with a qualified healthcare professional or lactation consultant. A thorough evaluation can help identify whether restricted oral movement is contributing to the problem or whether something else may be responsible.
When a tie is suspected, an individualized evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate. Not every infant with a frenulum restriction requires a procedure.
Ultimately, increased diagnoses may reflect increased awareness rather than a dramatic change in how many babies are actually born with lip or tongue ties.
About the Practice
Texas Dentistry & Braces provides comprehensive, family-focused dental care in Terrell, Texas, including pediatric dentistry and frenectomies for lip and tongue ties. The practice emphasizes comfortable care, clear communication, and helping families understand their treatment options.
The Terrell team includes Dr. Thanh Tran, DDS, Dr. William Hodges, DDS, and Dr. Lucely Santillan, DDS. Together, the dentists offer a broad range of services for children and adults, with a focus on personalized, compassionate care.
Call us at (972) 563–9444 or schedule your appointment online.