My Child Has a Lip or Tongue Tie — Will the Problem Go Away on Its Own?

Lip and tongue ties are defects in the oral tissues that are present at birth. They restrict movement of the lip or tongue, which can lead to a range of challenges for infants. But what about later on? Will a lip or tongue tie go away on its own, or will your child continue to experience problems if they do not receive timely treatment? This blog post explains what you should know.

Lip and Tongue Ties Do Not Resolve Themselves

Lip and tongue ties are caused by abnormally tight or short oral tissues, called frenula, that restrict the natural movement of the lips or tongue. These conditions are structural in nature. As a result, lip and tongue ties do not simply disappear over time. The tissue will not stretch out on its own, nor will it dissolve as your child ages. Without intervention, the restriction will remain throughout childhood and into adulthood.

The idea that a child can simply “grow out of” a lip or tongue tie is a myth. While it is true that some children appear to do better as they get older, the underlying anatomical limitation does not change. If a child is experiencing challenges related to feeding, speech, oral hygiene, or other daily functions because of a lip or tongue tie, it is unlikely that these issues will resolve without appropriate treatment.

Some People Can Adapt to a Lip or Tongue Tie

Although lip and tongue ties persist without intervention, some individuals do find ways to adapt. The degree of adaptation varies depending on the severity of the restriction and the person’s unique anatomy and habits. For example:

• A mild tongue tie may cause few or no symptoms, allowing the child to eat and speak without significant difficulty.
• Some children develop compensatory swallowing or speech strategies, which may mask the severity of their condition for a time.
• In certain cases, individuals with lip or tongue ties may only notice problems later in life, such as when learning a new language or when dental issues arise.

It is important to recognize that adaptation does not mean the problem is gone. Compensatory behaviors can lead to other complications, such as muscle fatigue, improper jaw development, or speech difficulties. Even if a child seems to cope well, underlying issues may still affect their quality of life.

The Advantages of Treatment at Any Age

Treatment for a lip or tongue tie can offer significant benefits, regardless of age. Here are just a few of the advantages that your child may experience after they receive proper care:

• Improved ability to breastfeed or bottle feed effectively
• Enhanced speech clarity and language development
• Better oral hygiene, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease
• Relief from chronic jaw pain or muscle tension caused by compensatory habits
• Improved self-esteem and social confidence, especially in children and teenagers
• Improved breathing, particularly during sleep

Treatment for lip and tongue ties is usually quick and involves minimal discomfort. In fact, with the use of a soft tissue laser, a well-trained dentist can remove or modify a troublesome frenulum in just a few minutes. Afterward, certain exercises and stretches can prevent reattachment. Older patients may need myofunctional therapy before and after their treatment so they can learn how to properly use their oral structures.

Do not expect your child’s lip or tongue tie to go away on its own! Consult a qualified dentist to learn more about the treatment process.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is a highly skilled dentist with specialized training and experience in the treatment of lip and tongue ties. Under her leadership, our team offers laser frenectomies for patients of virtually all ages. If you believe you or your child could benefit from our services, contact our Phillipsburg office at 908-859-5260.