Effects of Untreated Lip & Tongue Ties

Approximately 5% of children are born with some degree of frenulum restriction, commonly known as tongue tie or lip tie. These conditions limit the movement of the tongue or lips to varying degrees, leading to challenges that can persist if left untreated.

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we believe in educating families about both the immediate and long-term consequences of untreated oral restrictions. Understanding these potential impacts can help you make informed decisions about treatment options for yourself or your child.

The effects of untreated lip and tongue ties may not diminish over time—instead, they can expand into multiple areas of daily life. What might begin as feeding difficulties in infancy can evolve into speech, dental, and breathing challenges later in life.

As children with untreated restrictions grow, they may develop compensatory habits to work around their limited oral mobility. These compensations, while initially helpful, can create their own challenges over time.

Effects on Infants

For babies with untreated lip and tongue ties, feeding often becomes the first significant challenge:

Breastfeeding Difficulties

• Inefficient suckling leading to poor milk transfer
• Inability to maintain a proper latch
• Maternal nipple pain and trauma
• Reduced breast milk drainage affecting supply
• Extended, exhausting feeding sessions
• Clicking sounds while feeding as suction is repeatedly lost
• Excessive air intake leading to colic and gassiness
• Reflux symptoms and discomfort
• Poor weight gain or weight loss
• Early weaning due to challenges

Bottle Feeding Challenges

• Difficulty creating proper suction
• Milk leakage and excessive drooling
• Increased air intake causing discomfort
• More work required to obtain adequate nutrition
• Fatigue during feeding

Physical Indicators

• Heart-shaped or notched tongue tip
• Inability to move the tongue sideways
• Tongue cannot extend beyond the lips
• Flat or square tongue tip instead of pointed
• Restricted movement of the upper lip
• Gap between front teeth beginning to form

When breastfeeding difficulties occur, babies may miss out on the benefits of breast milk, potentially affecting health outcomes.

Effects on Children

As untreated lip and tongue ties persist into childhood, challenges may expand beyond feeding:

Eating Difficulties

• Struggles with age-appropriate solid foods
• Gagging, choking, or vomiting during meals
• Persistent food aversions and limited diet
• Longer mealtimes than peers

Speech Development Issues

• Delayed speech development
• Difficulty with specific sounds
• Speech clarity problems
• Frustration when not understood by others

Dental and Oral Health Concerns

• Challenges maintaining proper oral hygiene
• Increased risk of tooth decay
• Developing dental alignment problems
• Persistent drooling beyond expected age

Breathing and Sleep Issues

• Mouth breathing becoming habitual
• Snoring and disrupted sleep
• Potential airway issues
• Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing

Effects on Adolescents and Adults

Without intervention, the impacts of tongue and lip ties may continue into adulthood:

Speech and Communication Challenges

• Ongoing need to monitor speech clarity
• Difficulty speaking clearly when talking quickly
• Speech changes when tired

Jaw and Dental Issues

• Clicking or painful jaw joints (TMJ issues)
• Recurring headaches
• Inflamed gums and periodontal concerns
• Increased need for dental work
• Difficulty wearing dentures for elderly individuals

If you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, treatment may help address some of these challenges. At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we offer laser frenectomy procedures for patients of all ages.

Frenectomy procedures are provided by Dr Hany Aziz (DEN0000989492), Registered Dentist.

Our approach includes:

• Thorough evaluation of oral restrictions
• Laser treatment with attention to your comfort
• Post-procedure support to help with healing
• Referrals to allied health professionals when beneficial

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Results vary between patients. We will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes during your consultation.

Contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662. Our experienced team will help you understand your options and discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for your situation.