Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Infants: Signs and When a Frenectomy Helps
Many new parents in Sector 39, Gurugram come to us worried about painful breastfeeding, a baby who never seems to latch well, or a slow weight gain despite frequent feeds. Often, the reason is a small piece of tissue under the tongue or lip that is tighter than it should be. This is called tongue-tie or lip-tie, and it is more common than most people realise.
What Exactly Are Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie?
Every baby has a thin band of tissue, called a frenulum, connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the upper lip to the gum. Normally, this tissue is loose and stretchy, allowing free movement of the tongue and lip. In some babies, this band is shorter, thicker, or attached too far forward, which restricts movement.
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia): The tissue under the tongue is tight, limiting how far the tongue can move up or forward.
- Lip-tie: The tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is tight, which can affect how well the lip flanges out during feeding.
Both conditions can occur alone or together, and their severity varies widely from a mild restriction to a more significant one.
Common Signs Parents Notice
Signs can show up during feeding, and sometimes later as the child grows and starts talking. Not every baby with tongue-tie or lip-tie shows all of these signs.
During Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding
- Difficulty latching on or staying latched
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Long feeding sessions but the baby still seems hungry
- Slow weight gain
- Painful, cracked, or sore nipples for the mother
- Baby seems gassy or fussy after feeds, possibly from swallowing air
In Older Infants and Toddlers
- Trouble lifting the tongue to lick or clean the lips
- Difficulty with certain speech sounds later, such as "t", "d", "l", or "r"
- A heart-shaped or notched appearance to the tongue tip when extended
- Gap forming between the upper front teeth due to lip-tie pulling on the gum
How It Is Diagnosed
A dentist or paediatric specialist examines the mouth, checks how far the tongue and lip can move, and reviews feeding history with the parents. Sometimes a lactation consultant is involved as well, since feeding difficulties can have more than one cause. Diagnosis is based on function, not just appearance, since a slightly tight-looking frenulum does not always cause a real problem.
When a Frenectomy May Be Needed
A frenectomy is a simple procedure where the tight band of tissue is released to allow more normal movement of the tongue or lip. It is usually considered when:
- Feeding is painful for the mother despite trying different positions and latch techniques
- The baby is not gaining weight adequately
- Feeding sessions are unusually long or exhausting for the baby
- An older child has speech sounds affected by limited tongue movement
The procedure itself is quick, often taking just a few minutes. Many babies can be soothed and fed right afterward, which also helps with comfort. It is generally a conservative, low-risk procedure when performed by an experienced provider, but it is not recommended for every case of tongue-tie, especially when feeding is going well despite the tight tissue.
What Happens If It Is Left Untreated
Mild cases with no feeding or speech impact often need no treatment. However, when tongue-tie or lip-tie is significant and left unaddressed, it can sometimes contribute to ongoing feeding struggles, dental issues like a gap between front teeth, or speech sound difficulties as the child grows. This is why an honest evaluation matters more than rushing to treat every case.
| Consideration | Typical Range (Sector 39, Gurugram) |
|---|---|
| Infant frenectomy (tongue or lip-tie) | Typical range varies by case complexity; discussed at consultation |
| Follow-up feeding assessment | Typical range depends on whether lactation support is included |
Exact costs depend on the child's age, extent of the tie, and whether both tongue and lip need attention. We never promise a fixed price without an examination.
Getting an Evaluation Near You
If you are in Sector 39, Gurugram or nearby and noticing feeding struggles with your baby, it helps to get a proper evaluation early rather than waiting and worrying. At Keep Smiling Dental, near Medanta, we take a gentle, conservative approach and only recommend a frenectomy when it is truly likely to help. Call us at 080 4736 1129 to book a consultation.
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Keep Smiling Dental · Near Medanta, Sector 39, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
Is tongue-tie the baby's fault or something the mother did wrong?
No. Tongue-tie and lip-tie are simply how the tissue formed while the baby was developing in the womb. They are not caused by anything a parent did during pregnancy or feeding.
Can tongue-tie resolve on its own without treatment?
Mild cases sometimes cause no problems and need no treatment at all. But if feeding is painful, weight gain is slow, or speech is affected later, the tissue usually needs to be released rather than waiting for it to loosen by itself.
What is the recovery like after an infant frenectomy?
Most babies can breastfeed within minutes of the procedure, which also helps soothe them. Mild fussiness for a day or two is common. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is done correctly.
At what age is frenectomy usually done?
It can be done at almost any age, but many parents choose to have it done in the first few months when feeding problems appear, since the procedure is quick and infants tend to recover fast.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Sector 39, Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.