As a parent, hearing your baby cry and not knowing how to comfort them can be heartbreaking. While all babies cry, excessive fussiness or signs of colic can leave many parents searching for answers. One possible but often overlooked cause of prolonged crying is a lip or tongue-tie. These conditions may affect how your baby feeds, swallows, and digests, which in turn can contribute to colic-like symptoms.
What Are Lip and Tongue-Ties?
A lip-tie occurs when the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums is too thick or tight, restricting normal movement. Similarly, a tongue-tie happens when the band of tissue beneath the tongue is unusually short or restrictive. Both conditions limit mobility and can make feeding more difficult for your baby.
How Feeding Problems Lead to Colic
Babies with lip or tongue-ties often struggle to latch effectively during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Because of this, they may swallow extra air, which leads to gas, discomfort, and frequent crying. They may also feed inefficiently, leaving them hungry and irritable even after a feeding session. These feeding challenges can create a cycle that looks and feels very much like colic for both the baby and the parents.
Signs That a Lip or Tongue-Tie May Be Affecting Your Baby
While every baby is different, some common signs that a lip or tongue-tie might be contributing to colic include:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched during feedings
- Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
- Frequent gas, burping, or hiccups
- Prolonged feeding sessions with little satisfaction
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feedings
- Excessive crying or fussiness, especially after eating
If you recognize several of these symptoms, it may be worth asking your pediatric dentist or pediatrician about the possibility of a lip or tongue-tie.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, lip and tongue-ties can often be corrected with a simple procedure called a frenectomy. This involves gently releasing the restrictive tissue to allow for greater movement of the lip or tongue. The procedure is typically quick, safe, and can result in immediate improvements in feeding. Many parents notice that their baby becomes calmer, more comfortable, and less prone to colic-like symptoms after treatment.
Helping Your Baby Find Relief
Not all colic is caused by lip or tongue-ties, but these conditions are more common than many parents realize. Identifying and treating the issue early can make a big difference in your baby’s comfort, feeding success, and overall well-being.
If your baby cries often and you suspect a lip or tongue-tie may be the cause, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.
About the Practice
At Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, families can find compassionate care and effective solutions for lip and tongue-ties. Our advanced dental team offers gentle lip and tongue-tie treatment designed to improve feeding, reduce discomfort, and support healthy development. With a focus on both the baby’s and parents’ well-being, we’re dedicated to helping little ones thrive and grow.
Call us at (925) 648-8580 or request an appointment online.