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 and even worsen throughout life 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 don’t diminish over time—instead, they often expand into multiple areas of daily life. What might begin as feeding difficulties in infancy can evolve into speech, dental, breathing, and even social challenges later in life.

As children with untreated restrictions grow, they develop compensatory habits to work around their limited oral mobility. These compensations, while initially helpful, can create their own set of problems 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 success isn’t achieved, babies miss out on optimal nutrition and the numerous benefits of breast milk, potentially affecting both short and long-term health outcomes.

Effects on Children

As untreated lip and tongue ties persist into childhood, challenges 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 that may worsen over time
• 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 affecting overall health
• Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing

• Psychological Impact

• Behavior problems related to ongoing frustrations
• Declining self-confidence
• Social discomfort when speaking or eating
• Feeling “different” from peers

Effects on Adolescents and Adults

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

• Speech and Communication Challenges

• Ongoing need to monitor speech clarity
• Difficulty speaking clearly when talking quickly
• Speech deterioration when tired or after consuming alcohol
• Workplace communication challenges

• Jaw and Dental Issues

• Clicking or painful jaw joints (TMJ issues)
• Recurring migraines and headaches
• Protrusion of the lower jaw
• Inflamed gums and periodontal disease
• Increased need for dental work including fillings and extractions
• Difficulty wearing or keeping dentures in place for elderly individuals

• Social and Emotional Impact

• Discomfort in social dining situations
• Self-consciousness about appearance or speech
• Relationship challenges, including difficulties with kissing
• Heightened stress levels and anxiety
• Sensitivity about personal appearance

The good news is that many of these effects can be prevented or addressed through proper treatment. At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, our advanced laser frenectomy procedures provide gentle, effective solutions for patients of all ages experiencing the effects of lip and tongue ties.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Thorough evaluation of oral restrictions
• Gentle laser treatment that minimises discomfort
• Post-procedure support for optimal healing
• Referrals to specialists when beneficial for complete care

If you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662. Our experienced and caring team will help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.