Tongue Tie Lip Tie

Tongue Tie Lip Tie. What you should know BEFORE you change your child's mouth anatomy forever. Although this procedure is necessary for severe ties these anatomy deformities are VERY rare and seldom do anything to prevent reflux symptoms.

In general, over the past decade there has been a significant increase in interest regarding lip tie and/or tongue tie as it relates to quality of breast-feeding (both for the mother and the child).  A review performed in 2015 by the AHRQ.  Francis DO, Chinnadurai S, Morad A, et al. Treatments for ankyloglossia and ankyloglossia with concomitant lip‐tie. AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews. Report No.: 15‐EHC011‐EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2015.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) evaluated the existing body of evidence regarding lingual frenotomy (Tongue tie) and maxillary labial frenectomy (lip tie), concluding that the strength of outcomes‐based evidence supporting those procedures was “generally low to insufficient.” 

Severe Lip Tie Examples

Severe Lip Tie No Teeth
Severe Lip Tie No Teeth
Severe Lip Tie With Teeth
Severe Lip Tie With Teeth

Severe Tongue Tie Examples

Severe Tongue Tie
Severe Tongue Tie
Severe Tongue Tie
Severe Tongue Tie

Tongue Tie Lip Tie Symptom

There are some tongue tie surgery indications. This is true. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition whereby the lingual frenulum attaches near the tip of the tongue and may be short, tight and thick. Tongue-tie is present in 4% to 11% of newborns. In severe cases the baby will suction more air than milk or formula and cause a distended belly. As shown here. But it's important to keep in mind that less than five percent of babies born have either lip or tongue ties that will indicate revision surgery.

Baby Distended Belly

Abnormalities of the labial frenula (Lip-tie) occurring in both the upper and lower lips may be an indication as well. Some believe that a tight upper lip tie can adversely affect breastfeeding in a manner similar to ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). However, there is little objective evidence to support the association of upper lip tie and breastfeeding difficulties. In other words; Surgery indications are less true for upper lip tie as an indication for treatment of proper latching and for symptoms of baby reflux.

Serious consideration should be taken before seeking lip tongue tie lip tie revision surgery. This procedure is not reversible and alter your child's mouth anatomy permanently. Less permanent approaches to treatment can include the use of H2 Blockers and/or Proton Pump Inhibitors which, if used properly and under the supervision of a qualified medial practitioner that specializes in baby reflux, can control the acid production and keep your child out of pain, for the short time that your child will need treatment and then weaned off medications with no permanent conditions. 

Please connect with one or our support specialist in getting you set up with an appointment AND getting you reimbursed by your insurance.