Lip-tie and tongue-tie are common conditions in infants and children that can affect feeding, speech, and oral development. Naturally, many parents wonder will these issues resolve on their own, or do they require treatment? The answer isn’t always straightforward; it depends on the severity of the tie and how it affects your child’s day-to-day life.
What Are Lip and Tongue-Ties?
Lip-tie occurs when the piece of tissue (called the labial frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight or thick, restricting movement. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, involves the lingual frenulum under the tongue, which may be unusually short or tight, limiting the tongue’s range of motion.
These ties are present at birth and vary in severity. In mild cases, they may not cause noticeable issues. In more severe cases, however, they can interfere with essential functions like breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.
Can They Go Away on Their Own?
In some cases, yes—mild lip or tongue-ties can improve over time. As a child grows, their mouth and oral tissues develop, and the frenulum may stretch or become less restrictive. For instance:
- Mild tongue-ties may not cause feeding or speech difficulties and might loosen as a child grows, making treatment unnecessary.
- Lip-ties may become less pronounced over time, especially as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth erupt.
However, moderate to severe ties rarely resolve fully on their own. If a child is already struggling to latch during breastfeeding, has trouble gaining weight, experiences speech delays, or faces challenges with oral hygiene, professional evaluation and treatment may be needed.
Signs That Intervention Might Be Necessary
Whether or not a tie resolves naturally, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that suggest the need for further evaluation:
- Difficulty breastfeeding (poor latch, clicking sounds, prolonged feeding times).
- Gassiness or reflux-like symptoms in infants.
- Speech delays or unclear speech.
- Challenges with licking, eating solid foods, or cleaning teeth properly.
- Gaps between the upper front teeth (in cases of lip-tie).
- Oral discomfort or frustration during feeding.
If any of these issues are present, your pediatrician, dentist, or lactation consultant may refer you to a specialist for a frenectomy, a quick and simple procedure that releases the tie.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
Untreated moderate or severe ties can lead to long-term complications. Infants may struggle with feeding and fail to thrive, while older children could develop speech issues, dental problems, or even difficulty playing wind instruments or licking an ice cream cone.
On the other hand, unnecessarily treating a tie that isn’t causing functional problems can be avoided with a proper assessment. That’s why professional evaluation is key.
While mild lip and tongue-ties may stretch or become less restrictive over time, it’s not guaranteed they will fully go away on their own. If the tie affects feeding, speech, or oral development, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your child thrive and prevent avoidable struggles as they grow.
About the Author
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist with over four decades of experience helping his patients and parents learn about restricted oral tissues (ROTs), like lip and tongue-ties. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, he completed a General Practice Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center before going on to earn his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). With this kind of training and experience, you can trust Dr. Witkoff and our team to treat your child if they have a lip- or tongue-tie. Schedule your appointment online or call us at (720) 743-3340.