What Are Tongue & Lip Ties
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Many parents and grandparents hear the terms “tongue tie” or “lip tie” and feel confused or worried. But understanding these conditions is the first step toward helping your child thrive.
At Sawgrass Untied, Dr. Ryan believes every family deserves clear answers and gentle solutions. We’re here to help you know what tongue and lip ties are—and how they might affect your child.
What Exactly is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie (also called a lingual frenulum tie) happens when the thin band of tissue under the tongue is:
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Shorter than normal
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Too thick or tight
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Attached too close to the tip of the tongue
This tight tissue can restrict how well the tongue moves. For some children, this causes no problems at all. But for others, it may affect:
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Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
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Speech development
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Eating certain textures or foods
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Dental spacing or bite
Not every tongue tie needs treatment—but when it does, gentle laser release can make a huge difference.”
WHAT IS A LIP TIE
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is:
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Too thick
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Too short
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Positioned in a way that restricts normal lip movement
Lip ties can sometimes cause:
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Trouble latching during nursing
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Milk leaking during feeds
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Gaps between the front teeth
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Difficulty keeping food inside the mouth
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Discomfort when brushing teeth
Like tongue ties, not all lip ties need treatment. The key is to determine whether the tie is causing problems for your child.
How Does Dr. Ryan Diagnose Tongue & Lip Ties?
At Sawgrass Untied, Dr. Ryan uses a thorough evaluation to check:
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The appearance of the tissue under the tongue or lip
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How well the tongue or lip moves
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How feeding, speech, or dental health are affected
For babies, she’ll often watch how they nurse or bottle feed. For older children, she might check how they speak, eat, or move their tongue.
If a tie is affecting your child’s daily life, Dr. Ryan will explain gentle treatment options and answer all your questions.
