Lip tie is one of the most common birth defects; it is estimated that up to 11% of newborns have this condition. If your baby has been diagnosed with a lip tie, you may understandably be reluctant to consent for them to undergo corrective surgery — even if the procedure is fast and minor. This blog post discusses whether lip tie always needs to be corrected and gives tips to help you make the right decision for your child.
Does Lip Tie Always Require Treatment?
In short, no. Lip tie does not always require corrective treatment. Your baby might not need surgery if:
- Their condition is not causing any severe difficulties. Some cases of lip tie are quite minor. Even though the tissue between your child’s lip and gums (called a frenum) may be slightly abnormal, there may be no need to alter it if it is not interfering with your child’s ability to feed properly.
- Your child’s doctor recommends waiting. As a child develops, their frenum may change and shrink. In other words, there is a chance that the lip tie could correct itself given enough time.
When Does Lip Tie Need to Be Corrected?
Your child’s lip tie may require treatment if:
- You are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties. A lip tie can make it difficult for a baby to latch onto their mom’s nipple, which can interfere with their ability to get enough nutrition. Mothers may also experience pain and other problems due to poor latching.
- There are concerns about your child’s future unhealth. An untreated lip tie may lead to serious consequences down the road. For example, it may inhibit a child’s speech development or make it difficult for them to eat certain foods. Some lip ties can even pull the gums away from the teeth, resulting in oral health problems.
How Can You Make the Best Decision?
Often, the best way to decide whether your child should undergo lip tie treatment is simply to seek advice from their medical team. Their primary care physician may be able to offer helpful advice. It may also be very beneficial to seek assistance from a qualified dentist. Some dentists have devoted many hours to learning about lip ties. They are also among the best people to provide treatment for this condition.
Corrective surgery for lip ties is not always necessary, but in many cases, it is crucial for a child’s long-term wellness! Weigh all the relevant factors so you can make a good decision for your precious little one.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Andrea Csok is an experienced dentist who is a true expert in lip and tongue ties. Her own children had lip ties, so she is especially passionate about helping families who are dealing with this issue. She always uses a gentle and precise laser to perform lip and tongue tie corrections. To learn more about how she and our team may be able to serve you, contact Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center at 219-292-3600.