Have Lip and Tongue Ties Become More Common in Infants?

In recent years, more parents have heard the terms lip tie and tongue tie during newborn checkups or breastfeeding consultations. These oral conditions, which can affect feeding and oral development, seem to be diagnosed more often today than in the past. This has led many parents to wonder whether lip and tongue ties are truly becoming more common or if they are simply being identified more frequently. The answer is complex and involves changes in awareness, diagnostic methods, and infant feeding practices.

What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, tight, or thick. This can restrict tongue movement and may interfere with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene later in life. A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually tight or prominent, which can also affect a baby’s ability to latch properly during feeding.

Are These Conditions Increasing?
Research suggests that the reported diagnosis of tongue tie has increased significantly over the past few decades. Some studies show that tongue tie affects approximately 4 to 11 percent of newborns, but earlier research estimated much lower rates. Experts generally believe this increase reflects improved recognition rather than a sudden rise in the actual number of infants born with these conditions. Greater education among pediatricians, lactation consultants, and pediatric dentists has helped providers identify ties that may have previously gone unnoticed.

Why Diagnoses Are More Common Today
One major factor is the increased focus on breastfeeding. As breastfeeding rates have risen and healthcare providers emphasize its benefits, professionals have become more skilled at identifying physical issues that might interfere with successful nursing. When babies struggle to latch, experience prolonged feeding sessions, or fail to gain weight properly, providers are more likely to evaluate them for oral restrictions like tongue or lip ties.

Advancements in diagnostic criteria have also played a role. In the past, mild or borderline cases were often overlooked or dismissed. Today, more structured evaluation tools and specialized training allow healthcare providers to detect a broader range of severity levels.

Additionally, improved collaboration among healthcare professionals has contributed to increased awareness. Pediatric dentists, ear, nose, and throat specialists, lactation consultants, and speech therapists often work together to evaluate feeding or developmental concerns, leading to more comprehensive assessments.

Controversy and Overdiagnosis Concerns
While recognition has improved, some experts debate whether lip and tongue ties may sometimes be overdiagnosed. Not all oral ties cause functional problems, and many infants feed successfully despite having these anatomical variations. Because of this, healthcare providers typically recommend treatment only when feeding, speech, or oral function is clearly affected.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Parents should consider seeking evaluation if their baby experiences difficulty latching, causes significant pain during breastfeeding, feeds for unusually long periods, or struggles with weight gain. Early evaluation allows healthcare providers to determine whether monitoring, therapy, or minor surgical treatment is appropriate.

Lip and tongue ties are not necessarily becoming more common, but they are being recognized and diagnosed more frequently due to increased awareness and improved evaluation methods. If parents have concerns about feeding or oral development, consulting with qualified healthcare professionals can help ensure their child receives proper care and support.

About the Author

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino earned her dental doctorate from the Farleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry in 1987. After completing her residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, which focused on periodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry, she started practicing general dentistry in New Jersey. Dr. Garcia-DeMartino earned her expertise in tongue and lip tie treatment through 5 years of training at the renowned International World Clinical Laser Institute. If your child needs lip or tongue tie treatment, you can trust our dentist’s expertise and knowledge to give them incredible care. Book your appointment through our website or call (908) 840-8399.