As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health and development, so it can be concerning to hear terms like lip-tie or tongue-tie at the pediatrician’s or dentist’s office. These conditions, medically known as ankyloglossia (tongue tie) and labial frenulum restriction (lip tie), occur when the tissue connecting the tongue or upper lip to the mouth is too tight, short, or thick. This can affect eating, speech, and oral health. One common question parents ask is: Will it go away on its own? The answer depends on the severity of the tie and how it impacts your child.
What is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
- Tongue tie: The thin piece of tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is unusually short or tight, limiting tongue movement.
- Lip tie: The tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (labial frenulum) is too restrictive, making it hard for the lip to move freely.
Both conditions can cause challenges for infants, including difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, or prolonged feeding times. In older children, they may contribute to speech difficulties, oral hygiene challenges, and even dental issues such as gaps between teeth.
Do Lip and Tongue Ties Resolve Naturally?
Mild cases may improve as a child grows. In some children, the frenulum naturally stretches and loosens over time, reducing restriction. However, moderate to severe ties are unlikely to resolve on their own.
For example:
- A baby with a slight tongue-tie may adapt to feeding, and the restriction may become less noticeable.
- A child with a more pronounced tie often continues to experience functional problems, which usually won’t go away without intervention.
The key factor is whether the tie is interfering with feeding, speech, or oral health.
When Treatment May Be Necessary
If the tie is causing significant problems, your child’s doctor or pediatric dentist may recommend a frenotomy (a quick procedure to release the tissue) or a frenuloplasty (a more extensive surgical correction). These treatments are safe and often provide immediate improvements in feeding and mobility.
Signs your child’s tie may require treatment include:
- Difficulty latching or prolonged breastfeeding sessions.
- Clicking sounds while nursing or frequent choking.
- Trouble gaining weight as an infant.
- Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
- Large gap between the upper front teeth (from a lip tie).
Monitoring and Professional Guidance
Even if your child seems to be adapting well, it’s still wise to have their condition evaluated by a pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant. They can determine whether observation is enough or if early treatment will prevent long-term complications.
So, will your child’s lip or tongue tie go away on its own? Sometimes, mild cases improve with growth, but moderate or severe ties usually require treatment to avoid feeding, speech, or dental issues. If you’re concerned, the best step is to consult a professional who can assess your child’s needs and recommend the right path forward.
About the Practice
Dr. Amar Singh has nearly 10 years of experience treating children’s smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry before entering into a pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today, Dr. Singh is a board-certified pediatric dentist, the highest honor bestowed by the American Board of Pediatric Dentists, and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. If your child needs treatment for a lip or tongue-tie, schedule an appointment with us online or call (215) 874-3787.