Lip tie (ankyloglossia): Overview, Symptoms and treatment

What is a Lip tie in a baby?

When a baby’s upper lip is unable to move freely because a piece of tissue beneath it is too short and tight, the condition known as lip tie occurs. The maxillary labial frenum is the name given to this connective tissue 

Feeding difficulties may occur when the baby’s lips cannot fit around the upper portion of the areola, as they do with tongue ties. Lips should be able to close around them.

Breastfeeding difficulties, such as insufficient milk supply, can occur in infant lip ties. Breastfeeding mothers may also experience discomfort as a result.

What is the appearance of a lip tie?

It’s possible to get little, string-like lip-ties or wide, fan-like bands of connective tissue, depending on how severe the knot is. A callus can form on the baby’s top lip if the condition is severe enough.

Lip ties in newborns can be divided into four general categories.

• Mucosal. This type attaches to the top of your gums where the tissue meets. The mucogingival junction.
• Gingival. This frenulum occurs when the tissue is linked further into the gums.
• Papillary. A papillary lip frenulum is linked to the gums between the front teeth. Interdental papilla
• Papilla penetrating- This sort of tissue stretches back into your palate from between your teeth.

How Does a Lip-Tie Develop?

It is typical to have some lip adhesion. However, atypical lip attachments may be more common in certain diseases. These are some examples:

• Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
• Holoprosencephaly
• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Oro-facial-digital syndrome

Muscle, bone, and connective tissue disorders are all part of these hereditary diseases. Insufficient research has been done to explain why upper lip tie in toddlers occurs when there are no other health issues.

Lip tie symptoms

It is possible that some babies display symptoms, while others do not. This does not entail, however, that a baby who has difficulty breastfeeding has an upper lip tie in toddlers. A lip tie in a baby may or may not be the source of his or her eating problems, and removing the tie does not necessarily make things better.

Parents and caregivers may notice the following signs in infant lip tie:

• Tightening of the labial frenulum
• Breastfeeding can cause discomfort
• Inadequate growth of the newborn
• An infant who appears to be agitated or frustrated while being breastfed
• A baby who wants to be breastfed all the time (because they are not getting enough food)
• A bottle-drinking infant who appeared to be more content
• A tough time getting or keeping the infant to latch on to your breast

It is crucial to note, however, that similar infant lip tie symptoms can be caused by a variety of different nursing issues.

A tongue tie may also cause these upper lip tie symptoms. Many newborns with lip-ties also have them on their tongues, which is not uncommon. A lip tie in a baby is frequently evaluated in tandem by a doctor.

How to tell if the baby has a lip tie?

If you have any reason to believe your baby may be suffering from infant lip tie, make an appointment with your doctor right once. You can get in touch with any of the following professionals:

• Your child’s physician
• If you’re breastfeeding, consult with a lactation specialist.
• Specialist in repairing lip and tongue knots by dentists

There will be a discussion about breastfeeding and a possible request to watch your infant feed during the evaluation. Among the things they’ll look for are:

• The ability or incapacity of your infant to latch on and feed effectively
• The clicking sound your baby makes when breastfeeding indicates a weak latch.
• The inability to drink milk without choking on it
• Cultivating a habit of frequent feeding, known as cluster feeding
• a nursing session that results in a lack of weight gain or milk transfer
• The onset of jaundice is a disorder that causes your baby’s skin to turn yellow.

Lip Tie and Breastfeeding

With proper latching and sucking technique, it’s possible for a baby to nurse properly, but only if they can utilise their lips and tongue in harmony. The lip or tongue frenulum of certain infants may be restrictive, but others may be able to perform this task without difficulty.

If your infant is having difficulty breastfeeding because of a lip tie in a baby, here are some infant lip tie symptoms to look out for:

• Having difficulty latching and keeping a latch in place
• While breastfeeding, the lips do not “flange out.
• In some cases, the upper lip may appear folded over.
• An inability to breastfeed.
• Nipple discomfort, nipple creases, and nipple abrasions may occur in the mother.
• Obstructed ducts and mastitis are possible complications for the mother.
• If the baby is unable to latch or suckle effectively, the mother’s milk supply may be reduced.
• The breast may irritate the baby.
• Breastfeeding can put a baby to sleep.
• Pregnancy weight gain could be gradual.
• When a baby gulps down a lot of air, it may cause gas.

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How is Lip-Ties Affect Bottle Feeding?

Breastfeeding isn’t the only thing affected by a lip tie. In addition, bottle feeding might be affected by lip-ties, as well. For example, if your infant is bottle-fed and has a lip tie, you should consult a doctor.

• They may suck on the bottle nipple in a shallow manner.
• You might lose the bottle nipple in no time.
• Feed them, may take some time
• They may be particularly gassy.
• Pacifier use may be a challenge for them.

What are the complications of a lip tie?

Having a lip tie might make it difficult for your kid to nurse, which can lead to malnutrition in a child. Breastfeeding a baby while wearing a lip tie can be uncomfortable for the mother as well.

Tooth decay that occurs close to the gum line can also be linked to lip ties. Upper lip ties interfere with a child’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene, which is essential for healthy growth and development. An untreated lip tie can lead to gum recession.

How it can be treated?

Frenectomy, which is performed by a dentist, is the medical term for the procedure used to loosen an upper lip tie. Despite the fact that it just takes a few minutes, it is classified as a surgical procedure. The baby will be fastened down on a chair or table to prevent abrupt movements.

For your baby’s comfort, the dentist will use a numbing medication on his or her gums before beginning the treatment. Lasers are used to cut the connective tissue that goes from your lip to your teeth.

After the surgery is complete, your baby is able to be carried and breastfed if they desire. Immediately following the surgery, some newborns report improved latch. When it comes to breastfeeding, it may take some time for your infant to adapt to gaining a deeper latch. Latching may be an issue for them and they’ll benefit from some encouragement.

Keep in mind that as your baby’s upper lip heals, you will have to conduct stretches for your child numerous times a day. It is possible to stop the skin from growing back together on the lip by tugging it up and gently massaging the area.

How can you breastfeed a baby with a lip tie?

If your infant is having problems feeding, see a lactation consultant and your paediatrician to rule out lip-tie. Also, try:

1. Nipple shields-  There are even ones for moms of babies with feeding issues. Always use a nipple shield with a lactation consultant.
2. Positioning-  Holding your infant in a non-traditional way may improve feeding and provide greater breast connection. Ideas from your lactation consultant.
3. Therapy methods- Slide your finger down the top of your baby’s lip, loosening the gap between the lip and gum line, to promote lip mobility and ease breastfeeding.
4. Pre-feeding softening breasts- Lactation experts advise spreading salvia on your breast before letting your baby latch.

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