Lip tie is a condition that affects some babies at birth. It occurs when the tissue that connects the baby’s upper lip to the upper gums (known as the maxillary labial frenulum) is overly tight or short.
This can cause difficulties in breastfeeding and other issues, such as potential dental problems later on in life.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to treat lip tie and help your baby feel more comfortable.
What are the symptoms?
There are several signs that indicate a baby may have lip tie. These include difficulty latching while breastfeeding, poor weight gain, difficulty breathing through their mouth, colic-like symptoms during feeding, clicking noises while feeding, or if they seem to tire quickly while feeding.
In addition to this, you may also see white patches on the gums near the upper lip due to friction from the tight frenulum.
How is lip tie treated?
If you suspect your child has lip tie, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away so your doctor can determine if their frenulum is causing any issues for your baby. The two most common treatments for lip tie are frenotomy (a minor surgical procedure) or laser therapy (a non-invasive method).
Both methods involve cutting or breaking down the tight tissue in order to give your baby more mobility around their mouth area and help them feed better. Your doctor will be able to explain any risks associated with both procedures in detail before making any decisions about which option is best for you and your baby.
Both techniques require follow-up visits after treatment to make sure everything went well and that no further intervention is necessary; however, most babies experience positive results after just one treatment session!
Conclusion
Parents with babies diagnosed with lip tie have two treatment options: frenotomy or laser therapy, to help relieve symptoms and improve breastfeeding and development. Both treatments have good outcomes, but consult with a doctor first.
With medical care and support, parents can rest assured they’re doing all they can to provide optimal care for their children.
