Benefits of Removing Lip Ties in Infants

A lip tie, also known as an upper labial frenulum, is a condition where the strip of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is unusually short or tight. In some cases, a lip tie can cause problems with breastfeeding and lead to other potential issues as a child grows. Removing a lip tie in infants can offer several benefits for their overall health and well-being as they grow into toddlers, adolescents, teens and adults.

1. Improved Breastfeeding Experience

One of the most significant benefits of removing a lip tie in infants is the improvement in their breastfeeding experience. A tight lip tie can restrict the infant’s ability to latch properly onto the breast, making breastfeeding painful and frustrating for both the baby and the mother. By releasing the lip tie, infants can latch more effectively, leading to better milk transfer, reduced nipple pain for the mother, and improved weight gain for the baby.

2. Better Milk Supply

When a baby struggles with latching due to a lip tie, it can impact the mother’s milk supply. Insufficient milk transfer due to an improper latch can lead to reduced milk production over time. Addressing the lip tie can help ensure that the infant is able to feed more effectively, stimulating milk production and maintaining a healthier milk supply.

3. Preventing Nipple Trauma

Nipple pain and damage are common problems when an infant has difficulty latching due to a lip tie. These issues can be painful and may lead to a mother discontinuing breastfeeding earlier than planned. By resolving the lip tie, nipple trauma can be prevented, allowing the mother to continue breastfeeding without discomfort.

4. Proper Weight Gain and Growth

A tight lip tie can result in poor weight gain and growth for the infant. Inadequate breastfeeding can lead to undernutrition and developmental delays. By releasing the lip tie and improving the baby’s ability to feed, they are more likely to gain weight properly and reach developmental milestones as expected.

5. Speech Development

In some cases, untreated lip ties in infants can contribute to speech development issues as they grow. A lip tie may affect the mobility of the upper lip, which is important for speech sound production. Addressing the lip tie early can help prevent potential speech impediments in the future.

6. Prevention of Dental Problems

A lip tie can sometimes lead to dental problems later in life. If the upper lip’s mobility is restricted, it may impact the alignment of the teeth and the development of the dental arch. By removing the lip tie during infancy, the risk of dental issues such as misalignment can be minimized.

7. Enhanced Quality of Life

Ultimately, addressing a lip tie in infancy contributes to an improved quality of life for both the baby and the parents. It ensures that the infant receives proper nutrition, grows and develops as expected, and enjoys a healthier, pain-free breastfeeding experience. It also reduces parental stress and frustration related to feeding difficulties.

Removing a lip tie in infants offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the immediate issue of breastfeeding. It can positively impact the baby’s overall health, development, and comfort while enhancing the mother’s experience during the critical period of infant feeding. Our medical professionals at NYC Tongue Tie offer non-invasive lip tie removal for infants – the procedure can be completed in about 10 minutes at our office in Midtown Manhattan.