Lip Tie - Surya Dental Care
                     Lip Tie Causes and 
Treatments
AGENDA
Understanding Lip Tie
Impact on Breastfeeding
Complications for Babies
Diagnosis of Lip Tie
Treatment Options
Post-Treatment Care
Parental Takeaway
Contact and Appointments
Understanding Lip Tie
Definition of Lip Tie Appearance of Lip Tie Prevalence Among Newborns
Lip ties are increasingly 
A lip tie is a congenital condition Lip ties appear as a prominent 
recognized, with many parents 
where the labial frenulum, the band of tissue that may be thick 
monitoring their newborns' oral 
tissue connecting the upper lip and rigid, restricting the upper 
anatomy, leading to a rising 
to the gum, is unusually tight or lip's movement and potentially 
number of cases diagnosed 
thick, limiting lip movement. affecting feeding and speech.
annually.
Impact on 
Breastfeeding
Challenges in Latching Nipple Pain and Damage Frequent Feeding Requirements
A lip tie restricts the baby's ability to Improper latching often leads to nipple Due to inefficient milk transfer caused 
flange their upper lip outward, making it pain, soreness, and even damage to the by a poor latch, babies may need to 
difficult to achieve a proper latch, which mother's nipples, causing frustration feed more frequently, resulting in 
is crucial for successful breastfeeding. during feeding. increased demands on the mother.
Weight Gain Issues Gas and Colic Symptoms
Inadequate milk intake due to latching Ineffective latching can cause babies to 
problems can lead to poor weight gain swallow excess air, leading to gas, 
in the baby, raising concerns for parents reflux, and colic symptoms, further 
and healthcare providers. complicating the feeding experience.
Complications for Babies
Dental Problems Speech Difficulties
Severe lip ties can hinder proper lip movement, Restricted lip movement may affect speech 
making it difficult to clean front teeth, development, complicating the pronunciation of 
increasing the risk of cavities. certain words as the child grows.
Eating Challenges Oral Health Issues
As babies transition to solid foods, a severe lip Lip ties can contribute to mouth breathing, 
tie can make this shift difficult, potentially resulting in dry mouth, bad breath, and a higher 
leading to feeding issues. risk of oral infections.
Diagnosis of Lip Tie
Moveme
Visual nt Feeding Severity 
Inspectio Evaluatio Assessm Assessm
n n ent ent
A pediatrician conducts a visual The baby's ability to move their The specialist observes the baby's Based on the visual inspection, 
examination of the mouth to check upper lip is assessed to determine if latching technique during movement evaluation, and feeding 
for signs of a lip tie, including the the frenulum restricts mobility, breastfeeding or bottle feeding to assessment, the specialist classifies 
thickness and tightness of the which is critical for breastfeeding evaluate how well the baby can the severity of the lip tie and 
frenulum connecting the upper lip to and oral functions. latch and extract milk. decides on treatment necessity.
the gum.
Visual assessment findings Assessment report on lip Feeding observation notes Severity classification report
Photographic documentation mobility Mother's feedback on Recommendations for 
(if needed) Video recording of feeding (if breastfeeding experience treatment options
applicable)
Treatment Options
Lactation Support Stretching Exercises Frenotomy (Lip Tie Release)
Lactation consultants offer In moderate to severe cases, a 
Gentle stretching exercises may 
strategies to improve frenotomy is performed, where 
be recommended by 
breastfeeding, such as adjusting a doctor snips the restrictive 
pediatricians to gradually loosen 
the baby's positioning and frenulum to enhance lip 
the frenulum in mild cases, 
encouraging deeper latching mobility, typically with minimal 
aiding in lip movement.
techniques. discomfort.
Post-
Treatment 
Care
After a lip tie treatment, proper care is essential for optimal 
recovery and feeding improvement. Parents should perform 
gentle stretching exercises on the lip area as recommended by 
the healthcare provider to prevent reattachment of the frenulum. 
It is also important to monitor the baby's feeding habits, 
encouraging deeper latching techniques during breastfeeding or 
bottle feeding to enhance milk transfer and reduce discomfort. 
Regular follow-ups with a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant 
can provide additional support and adjustments as needed.
Parental Takeaway
• Lip ties can significantly affect breastfeeding, leading to challenges 
such as poor latch and painful nursing for mothers.
• Addressing lip ties early can prevent complications related to 
speech, dental health, and oral development as the child grows.
• Consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial for evaluating 
the need for treatment and ensuring proper feeding techniques.
• Awareness of lip tie symptoms allows parents to take proactive 
steps in seeking appropriate care for their child.
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