Understanding Lip Tie Symptoms

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we recognise that lip ties can significantly impact oral function and development. While tongue ties often receive more attention, upper lip ties can cause equally challenging symptoms that affect feeding, speech, and dental development across the lifespan.

An upper lip tie (labial frenulum restriction) occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight or thick. This restricts the normal movement of the upper lip, potentially causing:

• Inability of the upper lip to flare out or curl up properly
• A visible crease in the upper lip when attempting to move it
• Blanching (skin turning pale) of the upper lip during feeding attempts
• Difficulty creating a proper seal during breastfeeding or bottle feeding

While most infants have some degree of upper lip attachment, it becomes problematic when the restriction prevents normal function and development.

In Infants

Lip ties often first present challenges during feeding, as they can prevent the proper flanging of the upper lip needed to create an effective seal on the breast or bottle:

• Feeding Difficulties
  • Poor latch or inability to sustain a proper latch
  • Difficulty creating an adequate seal while nursing
  • Clicking sounds during feeding as suction is repeatedly lost
  • Excessive air intake leading to colic and gassiness
  • Reflux symptoms and discomfort
  • Inefficient milk transfer and intake
  • Extended, exhausting feeding sessions
  • Frequently falling asleep at the breast before adequate feeding
  • Early weaning due to feeding challenges

• Physical Signs
  • Restricted movement of the upper lip preventing proper flanging
  • Upper lip that doesn’t curl outward during feeding
  • Visible blanching or crease in the upper lip during feeding attempts
  • Gap beginning to form between front teeth
  • Challenges with bottle feeding despite trying different nipples

When a baby cannot create a proper seal during feeding, excessive air is swallowed along with milk, leading to gassiness, reflux, and feeding discomfort. The poor seal also makes it difficult to maintain proper nipple position, resulting in inefficient feeding and maternal discomfort.

In Children

As children grow, untreated lip ties can affect various aspects of development:

• Eating Challenges
  • Difficulty managing age-appropriate solid foods
  • Problems with certain textures or food types
  • Persistent food aversions and selective eating
  • Gagging, choking, or vomiting during meals

• Oral Development Issues
• Persistent gap between front teeth (diastema)
• Difficulties maintaining proper oral hygiene
• Increased risk of tooth decay, especially in front teeth
• Prolonged drooling beyond typical developmental stages

• Associated Concerns
• Speech development delays or difficulties
• Airway issues and mouth breathing habits
• Nighttime snoring
• Behavior problems related to ongoing oral discomfort
• Developing self-consciousness about appearance or function

In Adolescents and Adults

Without intervention, lip tie symptoms can persist into adulthood:

• Oral Function Limitations
• Restricted mouth opening affecting eating and speaking
• Difficulty with speech clarity, especially when speaking quickly
• Speech challenges that worsen with fatigue or after alcohol consumption

• Dental and Jaw Issues
• Persistent gap between front teeth requiring orthodontic intervention
• TMJ dysfunction with clicking or painful jaws
• Recurrent migraines or headaches
• Changes in jaw alignment including potential lower jaw protrusion
• Dental health problems including gum inflammation and increased decay

• Quality of Life Impact
• Self-consciousness in social situations
• Challenges with intimate relationships, including kissing
• Professional impact when clear speech is required
• Emotional stress and lowered self-esteem
• Difficulty maintaining dentures in elderly patients

A good seal during feeding helps babies:

• Draw the nipple deeply into the mouth for effective nursing
• Create proper suction to extract milk efficiently
• Minimise air intake during feeding
• Maintain comfortable nipple position throughout the feeding session

When a proper seal cannot be established due to a lip tie:

• Excessive air is introduced during feeding
• The baby must work harder to maintain suction
• Feedings become prolonged and inefficient
• Both mother and baby may experience discomfort and frustration

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, our comprehensive evaluation process identifies not just the presence of a lip tie but also assesses its functional impact. Our advanced laser frenectomy procedures provide gentle, effective release of restrictive tissues, allowing for improved function immediately following treatment.

The transformation can be remarkable—infants often demonstrate improved feeding immediately, while older patients may notice changes in comfort and function right away with continued improvement as they adapt to their new oral freedom.

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or your child, contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our experienced team can help determine if a lip tie is contributing to your challenges and discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.