You’re a new parent, exhausted from sleepless nights, and breastfeeding feels like an uphill battle. Your baby seems to struggle at the breast, you’re experiencing pain during every feeding session, and well-meaning friends keep suggesting you “just give it time.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not imagining things.
What many parents don’t realize is that seemingly minor anatomical differences called tongue-ties and lip-ties could be at the root of these breastfeeding challenges. These conditions affect far more babies than most people realize, yet they’re often overlooked or dismissed. The good news? When properly diagnosed and treated, many families experience dramatic improvements in their breastfeeding journey. And here’s something that might surprise you: your dentist could be the key to unlocking this solution.
What Exactly Are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties?
Bitewing X-rays are the most common type, capturing detailed images of your upper and lower teeth in the back Understanding tongue- and lip-ties doesn’t require a medical degree. A tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin piece of tissue connecting your baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth is too tight, too thick, or attached too close to the tip of the tongue. Think of it as nature’s way of keeping the tongue a bit too tethered, limiting its natural range of motion.
A lip-tie works similarly, but involves the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. When this tissue is restrictive, it prevents the lip from moving freely and can interfere with the seal needed for effective breastfeeding.
Here’s what might surprise you: these conditions are incredibly common. Recent research suggests that tongue-ties occur in anywhere from 4% to 12% of newborns, with some studies indicating even higher rates when mild cases are included. Yet despite their prevalence, many healthcare providers still consider them rare or insignificant.
The key thing to understand is that even subtle restrictions can create significant feeding challenges. Your baby’s tongue needs to move in very specific ways to extract milk efficiently from the breast, and the lips need to create a proper seal. When these movements are compromised, even slightly, the entire feeding process can become frustrating for both baby and parent.
The Breastfeeding Connection: Why Small Ties Create Big Problems
Successful breastfeeding is like a perfectly choreographed dance between mother and baby. The baby’s tongue needs to extend beyond the lower gum line, cup around the breast, and create wave-like motions to extract milk. Meanwhile, the lips need to flange outward to create a proper seal around the areola.
When tongue- or lip-ties interfere with this process, several problems can emerge. Your baby might have difficulty latching deeply, leading to shallow, ineffective feeding. They may tire quickly during feeds because they’re working much harder than they should to get milk. Some babies develop a habit of clenching or biting to compensate for their restricted movement, which can be painful for mothers.
The impact extends beyond just the feeding session itself. Babies with ties often don’t transfer milk efficiently, which can lead to poor weight gain and extended feeding times. For mothers, this inefficient milk removal can result in decreased milk supply over time, as the breast interprets the poor drainage as reduced demand.
You might have heard people say, “Oh, it’s just a shallow latch—you’ll figure it out with practice,” or “Baby will learn to work around it.” While every breastfeeding relationship does involve a learning curve, persistent difficulties shouldn’t be dismissed as normal. When ties are present, no amount of practice or positioning changes will fully resolve the underlying mechanical limitation.
Signs to Watch For
Recognizing tongue- and lip-ties isn’t always straightforward, and symptoms can vary significantly from one baby to another. You don’t need to check off every item on this list—even a few of these signs might indicate a tie worth investigating.
Signs in your baby:
- Difficulty latching or frequent slipping off the breast
- Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
- Falling asleep quickly at the breast but seeming unsatisfied
- Excessive gas or fussiness after feeds
- Poor weight gain despite frequent nursing
- Inability to hold a pacifier or frequently spitting it out
Signs you might experience as a mother:
- Persistent nipple pain or damage, even with “correct” positioning
- Feeling like your baby is never fully satisfied, regardless of feeding duration
- Engorgement or clogged ducts from inefficient milk removal
- Decreasing milk supply over time
- Feeling discouraged or defeated about breastfeeding
It’s important to note that some babies with significant ties may not show obvious symptoms initially, while others with minor restrictions might experience considerable difficulty. Every baby is unique, and the severity of symptoms doesn’t always correlate directly with the severity of the tie.
Why Your Dentist Might Be Your Best Resource
When most people think about tongue- and lip-ties, they might assume any doctor can handle the diagnosis and treatment. However, dentists bring a unique and valuable perspective to this issue that’s often overlooked.
Dentists spend years studying the intricate anatomy of the mouth, tongue, and surrounding structures. They understand how even subtle changes in oral anatomy can impact function, not just for eating and speaking, but for the complex mechanics of infant feeding. This specialized knowledge allows them to identify ties that might be missed by other healthcare providers who don’t focus specifically on oral anatomy.
Additionally, many dentists who treat tongue- and lip-ties have invested in advanced training and specialized equipment designed specifically for these procedures. They understand the importance of precise, conservative treatment that addresses the restriction without creating unnecessary trauma or complications.
Perhaps most importantly, dentists who specialize in this area often work closely with lactation consultants and other feeding specialists. They understand that releasing a tie is just one piece of the puzzle—successful outcomes often require coordinated care that addresses both the anatomical issue and any compensatory habits that may have developed.
What to Expect from Treatment
If you and your dentist determine that a tongue- or lip-tie revision would be beneficial, it’s natural to feel a mix of hope and anxiety about the procedure. Understanding what to expect can help ease those concerns.
The actual revision procedure is typically quick and precise, often taking just a few minutes. Most dentists use specialized tools that allow for very controlled, minimally invasive treatment. The goal is to release just enough tissue to restore normal function while preserving as much of the natural anatomy as possible.
Recovery is generally straightforward, though it’s important to have realistic expectations. While some families notice immediate improvements in feeding, others may see gradual changes over several days or weeks. This is completely normal—your baby may need time to learn new movement patterns, and you both may need to practice new techniques together.
Your dentist will likely provide specific aftercare instructions, which might include gentle exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching. They may also recommend working with a lactation consultant to help optimize your breastfeeding technique now that the anatomical barrier has been addressed.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If you’ve been struggling with breastfeeding difficulties, trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone, and persistent challenges deserve investigation, not dismissal. Tongue- and lip-ties are real, common conditions that can significantly impact feeding success, but they’re also highly treatable when properly diagnosed.
The path to successful breastfeeding looks different for every family, and there’s no shame in seeking help when you need it. Whether your challenges stem from tongue- or lip-ties, positioning issues, or other factors, support is available. A consultation with a knowledgeable dentist can help you understand whether ties might be contributing to your difficulties and explore your options for moving forward.
Remember, your feeding journey matters—not just for nutrition, but for the bonding and confidence it can provide for both you and your baby. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore whether addressing tongue- or lip-ties could be the missing piece in your breastfeeding success story.