Tongue-tie and lip-tie in newborns: what parents should know
13 August 2026 · 5 min read
A tight frenulum can affect feeding, speech and jaw growth. Here's how we assess it and when a release helps.
What ties are
A tongue-tie or lip-tie is a short, tight band of tissue that anchors the tongue or upper lip more than usual. It is present from birth and can range from barely noticeable to clearly restricting movement. It runs in families and is very common.
Signs in a newborn
Difficulty latching, clicking during feeds, prolonged feeds, nipple pain for the mother, poor weight gain, or a heart-shaped tongue tip on crying can all point to a tie. For bottle-fed babies, milk leaking from the sides of the mouth or tiring quickly may be clues.
When a release helps
If a tie is affecting feeding, growth, or later speech and jaw development, a quick, low-risk release (frenectomy) can be done in the first months. We assess function, not just appearance — a tie only matters if it causes problems, and many need no treatment at all.
Questions about your child's smile or breathing?
Book an online consultation or visit one of our clinics for a full orthodontic and airway assessment.
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