Can Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Release Improve Breastfeeding in Newborns?

Feeding your newborn can be a special but sometimes challenging experience, especially if things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped. Some babies have trouble latching or feeding well because of conditions called tongue-tie or lip-tie. It can be upsetting and stressful for parents who are doing their best but feel something might be getting in the way. In this article, our Brisbane Paediatric Dentist explains what tongue-tie and lip-tie are, how they may affect breastfeeding, and how tongue-tie and lip-tie release may help with these feeding challenges.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) limits tongue movement. This restriction may make it harder for babies to breastfeed effectively, leading to challenges like difficulty latching, prolonged feeding times, or discomfort for the mother. Some babies manage fine, but others may struggle to get enough milk or cause nipple pain during feeds. If you’re noticing feeding issues, it’s a good idea to speak with a lactation consultant or kids dentist to see if tongue-tie might be a factor.

Signs of Tongue-Tie

Here are some common signs that may indicate your baby has tongue-tie:

Difficulty latching during breastfeeding: Your baby might struggle to latch onto the breast properly, often slipping off or making clicking noises while feeding.
Prolonged or frequent feeding sessions: Feeding may take longer than usual, or your baby may need to feed more often, possibly due to inefficient milk transfer.
Poor weight gain: Despite regular feeding, your baby may not gain weight as expected, which could be linked to feeding difficulties.
Mum experiences nipple pain or damage: You might notice sore, cracked, or damaged nipples, which can result from your baby not latching correctly.
Limited tongue movement: Your baby’s tongue may not move freely—it might not extend beyond the lower gum line, or the tip may appear notched or heart-shaped.
Noisy feeding: You may hear clicking sounds during feeding, indicating your baby is losing suction.
Baby appears unsettled during feeds: Your baby might seem frustrated or fussy while feeding, possibly due to difficulty maintaining a good latch.

How Does Tongue-Tie Affect Breastfeeding?

Many parents tell us they start noticing these breastfeeding struggles before they even hear about tongue-tie — here are some signs it could be playing a role.

Trouble latching properly: Babies with tongue-tie may struggle to latch onto the breast effectively, leading to shallow or painful latches.

Nipple pain and damage: Due to improper latching, mothers might experience sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, making breastfeeding uncomfortable.

Poor milk transfer: The baby’s restricted tongue movement can result in inefficient milk extraction, causing the baby to remain hungry and the mother to have engorged breasts.

Frequent or prolonged feeding sessions: Babies may feed more often or for extended periods because they aren’t getting enough milk during each session.

Low weight gain in the baby: Inadequate milk intake can lead to slower weight gain or even weight loss in infants.

Reduced milk supply over time: If the baby isn’t effectively removing milk, the mother’s body may produce less milk, leading to a decreased supply.

Mum’s emotional stress and frustration: Persistent feeding challenges can be emotionally taxing, leading to feelings of inadequacy or frustration.

How Tongue-Tie Release Can Help with Breastfeeding in Newborns?

Here’s a simple explanation of how releasing a tongue-tie can assist with breastfeeding in newborns:

Improved Latch: Releasing a tongue-tie can help your baby latch onto the breast more effectively, making feeding more comfortable for both of you.
Reduced Nipple Pain: Many mothers experience less nipple pain after their baby’s tongue-tie is released, as the baby can feed more gently and efficiently.
Better Milk Transfer: With improved tongue movement, babies can extract milk more effectively, which may lead to better weight gain and feeding satisfaction.
Shorter Feeding Times: Efficient feeding can reduce the duration of breastfeeding sessions, giving you and your baby more time to rest and bond.
Enhanced Feeding Confidence: Parents often feel more confident and less stressed when breastfeeding becomes easier and more comfortable after addressing a tongue-tie.
Early Improvements: Some families notice positive changes in feeding within a week after the procedure, while others may see gradual improvements over time.

What Is Lip-Tie?

A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting a baby’s upper lip to the gum (called the labial frenulum) is unusually tight or short. This can limit the lip’s movement, making it harder for the baby to latch deeply during breastfeeding. As a result, feeding might become challenging, leading to issues like poor weight gain or discomfort for the mother. If you’re concerned about feeding difficulties, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to assess whether a lip-tie might be contributing to the problem.

Signs of Lip-Tie

If you’re finding breastfeeding more difficult than expected, it might help to look out for some signs that a lip-tie could be part of the issue. These are some things parents often notice:

Difficulty latching: Your baby might struggle to latch deeply, leading to shallow feeding and frequent breaks.
Clicking sounds during feeding: You may hear clicking or smacking noises as your baby loses suction while nursing.
Poor weight gain: Despite regular feeding, your baby may not gain weight as expected.
Prolonged feeding sessions: Feeding times may be longer because your baby isn’t feeding efficiently.
Milk leakage: Milk may dribble from the sides of your baby’s mouth during feeds.
Upper lip tethered: You might notice a tight band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, restricting lip movement.
Mum’s nipple pain: You may experience sore or damaged nipples due to your baby’s poor latch.

How Does Lip-Tie Affect Breastfeeding?

When a baby has a lip-tie, it can make feeding harder in a few different ways. Here’s how it might be affecting your breastfeeding experience:

Shallow latch: A tight upper lip can prevent your baby from flanging the lip outward, leading to a shallow latch.

Inefficient milk transfer: Restricted lip movement can make it harder for your baby to extract milk effectively.

Increased air intake: Poor latch may cause your baby to swallow more air, leading to gassiness or colic.

Mum’s discomfort: You might experience nipple pain, engorgement, or blocked ducts due to ineffective feeding.

Feeding frustration: Both you and your baby may feel frustrated during feeds, impacting bonding and feeding success.

How Lip-Tie Release Can Help with Breastfeeding in Newborns?

If you’re a parent facing breastfeeding challenges, it’s natural to seek solutions that can ease the experience for both you and your baby. One potential factor to consider is a lip-tie, which may hinder effective latching and feeding. Releasing a lip-tie can offer several benefits:

Improved Latch and Milk Transfer: By freeing the upper lip, babies can achieve a deeper latch, facilitating more efficient milk transfer and potentially leading to better weight gain.
Reduced Nipple Pain for Mothers: A proper latch can alleviate nipple pain and discomfort, making breastfeeding a more pleasant experience.
Shorter and More Effective Feeding Sessions: With improved latching, feeding sessions may become shorter and more productive, reducing fatigue for both mother and baby.
Enhanced Milk Supply: Efficient milk removal can stimulate increased milk production, supporting your baby’s nutritional needs.
Potential Long-Term Oral Health Benefits: Addressing a lip-tie early may prevent future dental issues, such as gaps between teeth or gum recession.

It’s important to note that while many parents observe improvements post-procedure, outcomes can vary. Consulting with a lactation consultant or paediatric dentist can help determine if a lip-tie release is appropriate for your situation.

How Do Paediatric Dentists Diagnose Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie?

Diagnosing tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie in newborns is a detailed process that Brisbane Dentists undertake to ensure accurate identification and appropriate management. This involves a combination of clinical assessments, functional evaluations, and, when necessary, advanced diagnostic tools.

Clinical Examination

Visual Inspection: The dentist examines the lingual (tongue) and labial (lip) frenula to assess their length, thickness, and attachment points. A tight or short frenulum may indicate a tie.
Functional Assessment: The baby’s ability to move the tongue and lip is evaluated. For the tongue, this includes lifting, protrusion, and side-to-side movements. For the lip, the ability to flange (turn outward) is assessed.

Use of Standardised Assessment Tools

Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (HATLFF): This tool scores both the appearance and function of the tongue to determine the severity of a tongue-tie.
Kotlow Classification: Used for assessing lip-ties, this system classifies the attachment of the upper lip frenulum based on its insertion point on the gum tissue.

Feeding Evaluation

Observation During Feeding: The dentist may observe a breastfeeding session to identify difficulties such as poor latch, clicking sounds, or milk leakage, which can be indicative of a tie.
Parental Feedback: Parents are asked about feeding challenges, including nipple pain, prolonged feeding times, or the baby’s weight gain patterns.

Treatment Options: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

When parents notice feeding challenges in their newborns, it’s natural to seek effective solutions. Treatment options for tongue-tie and lip-tie range from non-invasive methods to surgical procedures. The choice depends on the severity of the tie and its impact on feeding.

Non-Surgical Approaches

Working with a Lactation Consultant

Collaborating with a lactation consultant can be invaluable. They can assess your baby’s latch and suggest techniques to improve breastfeeding. Often, adjustments in positioning or latch can alleviate feeding difficulties without the need for surgery.

Trying Different Breastfeeding Positions

Experimenting with various breastfeeding positions can make a significant difference. Positions like the football hold or laid-back nursing may help your baby latch more effectively. These adjustments can enhance comfort for both mother and baby during feeds.

Observing If the Baby Adapts Over Time

Some babies naturally adapt to their oral anatomy as they grow. Monitoring feeding progress over time can help determine if intervention is necessary. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can guide this observation period.

Surgical Intervention: Frenotomy and Frenectomy

Frenotomy

A frenotomy is a quick procedure where the tight frenulum is snipped to release tension. It’s often performed without anaesthesia and allows immediate improvement in tongue or lip mobility. Babies can usually breastfeed right after the procedure.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy involves the complete removal of the frenulum tissue. This procedure is more extensive and may be recommended if the frenulum is particularly thick or if previous treatments haven’t resolved the issue. It typically requires local anaesthesia and has a slightly longer recovery period.

Choosing the right treatment involves careful consideration of your baby’s specific needs and consultation with healthcare professionals. Whether opting for non-surgical methods or considering surgical intervention, the goal is to ensure comfortable and effective feeding for your baby.

What to Expect After Surgical Procedures

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what the next few days will look like after your baby’s tongue-tie or lip-tie has been released. You might be wondering how your little one will feed, whether there’ll be any discomfort, or what to keep an eye on. Here’s what you can expect during the early recovery and how to help your baby through it.

Immediate Post-Procedure

Feeding Right Away: Most babies can breastfeed immediately after the procedure. This not only provides comfort but also helps initiate the healing process.
Initial Discomfort: Some babies may experience mild discomfort or fussiness for a day or two. Holding your baby skin-to-skin and offering frequent feeds can provide soothing relief.
Appearance of the Surgical Site: It’s normal for the treated area to develop a white or yellowish patch as it heals. This is part of the natural healing process and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Healing and Recovery

Adjustment Period: Your baby may need some time to adapt to the new range of motion in their tongue or lip. Feeding patterns might fluctuate during this period.
Stretching Exercises: To prevent the tissue from reattaching, your healthcare provider may recommend gentle stretching exercises. These should be performed as instructed to support proper healing.
Pain Management: If your baby seems uncomfortable, consult your paediatrician about appropriate pain relief options. For babies over eight weeks, age-appropriate paracetamol may be suggested.

Monitoring Progress

Feeding Improvements: Many parents report better latching and more efficient feeding within a week. However, some babies may take longer to show noticeable changes.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins with your paediatric dentist or lactation consultant are important to monitor healing and address any ongoing concerns.
When to Seek Help: Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection (such as increased redness or swelling), persistent bleeding, or if your baby refuses to feed for an extended period.

Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Releases Always Necessary?

Not all tongue-tie or lip-tie cases require surgical treatment. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and you’re comfortable during breastfeeding, a procedure might not be needed. However, if there are persistent issues like poor latch, nipple pain, or slow weight gain, it’s worth consulting with a paediatric dentist or lactation consultant to assess whether a release could help. Each situation is unique, and decisions should be based on careful evaluation and professional guidance.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Get a Professional Evaluation: If you’re noticing feeding issues, it’s best to consult with qualified experts like lactation consultants, speech pathologists, or paediatric dentists who can assess whether a tongue- or lip-tie release might be helpful for your baby.
Diverse Medical Opinions: It’s important to know that not all healthcare professionals agree on when or whether a release procedure is needed. Opinions can vary based on experience, training, and the specific situation.
Evolving Research: While many families report improvement after a release, the scientific evidence supporting these procedures is still growing. Current research offers mixed conclusions, and more high-quality studies are needed.
Every Baby Is Different: Decisions about treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis. The severity of the tie and how much it affects feeding will help determine if a release is appropriate.
Bottle Feeding and Other Outcomes: At this stage, there’s not enough evidence to say that surgical procedures for tongue-tie significantly improve bottle feeding or other non-breastfeeding outcomes.
Unclear Role of Lip-Ties: Some professionals believe a tight upper lip may make latching more difficult or increase air intake during feeds. However, research hasn’t definitively linked lip-ties to breastfeeding problems. More studies are needed to fully understand their role.

Please remember that this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for questions or concerns about your child’s health or development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks or downsides of the release procedure?

While tongue- and lip-tie releases are generally safe and quick, there are some risks to be aware of. These can include minor bleeding, infection, or discomfort during feeding. In rare cases, more serious complications like breathing difficulties have been reported. It’s important to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Will my baby need the procedure again later?

Most babies experience lasting improvement after a tongue- or lip-tie release. However, in about 3–5% of cases, the tissue may reattach, leading to a return of feeding difficulties. If this happens, a second procedure might be necessary. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your baby’s progress and address any concerns early on.

Is there an age limit for the procedure?

There’s no strict age limit for tongue- or lip-tie releases. While these procedures are commonly performed on infants to aid breastfeeding, older children and even adults can benefit if the tie affects speech, eating, or oral hygiene. The decision to proceed with the procedure at any age should be based on individual needs and discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

How much does tongue-tie or lip-tie release cost?

The cost of a tongue- or lip-tie release in Australia can vary depending on the provider, location, and whether the procedure is done in a public or private setting. Prices can range from $150 to $800. It’s advisable to check with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand the exact costs involved.

Is tongue-tie or lip-tie release covered by insurance?

In Australia, Medicare may cover part of the cost for tongue- or lip-tie releases, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Private health insurance might also provide additional coverage, depending on your policy. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider to determine your specific entitlements and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Ready to Make Feeding Easier for You and Your Baby

If you’re facing breastfeeding challenges and suspect a tongue-tie or lip-tie might be the cause, early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Our experienced paediatric dental team offers gentle, effective assessments and treatments designed to support better feeding outcomes and greater comfort for both you and your baby.

At our clinic, we offer gentle care through Sleep Dentistry Brisbane and laughing gas to ease any procedure-related stress for you and your child.

Call us today to book an appointment: (07) 3343 4880.

Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Release