Colic is one of the most frustrating challenges new parents can face. Characterized by excessive crying, fussiness, and difficulty soothing an otherwise healthy baby, colic often has no single identifiable cause. However, in some cases, an undiagnosed lip tie or tongue tie may contribute to symptoms that resemble or worsen colic.
While not every colicky baby has an oral restriction, understanding the potential connection can help parents seek the right evaluation and support.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, thick, or tight, limiting the tongue’s movement. A lip tie involves a similar restriction of the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
Because babies rely on coordinated tongue and lip movements to nurse or bottle-feed effectively, these restrictions can interfere with feeding from the very beginning.
How They May Contribute to Colic
When a baby has difficulty creating a proper seal during feeding, they may swallow excessive amounts of air along with milk. This extra air can lead to gas, bloating, frequent burping, and abdominal discomfort, all of which may cause prolonged crying and fussiness.
A tongue tie may also make feeding less efficient. Babies often tire quickly, feed for long periods without getting enough milk, or become frustrated because they cannot maintain a good latch. Frequent hunger combined with digestive discomfort can sometimes be mistaken for colic.
Although lip and tongue ties are not considered a direct cause of colic, they can contribute to feeding challenges that produce similar symptoms.
Signs Parents Should Watch For
In addition to excessive crying, babies with lip or tongue ties may show other signs, including:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Clicking sounds while feeding.
- Frequent feeding sessions.
- Poor weight gain.
- Milk leaking from the mouth.
- Excessive gas or frequent spit-up.
- Maternal nipple pain during breastfeeding.
If several of these symptoms are present, an evaluation by a healthcare provider familiar with oral restrictions may be beneficial.
Getting the Right Evaluation
Diagnosing lip and tongue ties requires more than simply looking inside a baby’s mouth. Healthcare providers evaluate how the tongue and lips function during feeding, along with the baby’s symptoms and overall growth.
If a significant restriction is identified, treatment may include a simple procedure called a frenectomy, which releases the tight tissue. Many families also benefit from working with a lactation consultant before and after treatment to help improve feeding techniques.
Every baby is different, and not all cases of colic are related to oral restrictions. However, if your infant struggles with feeding and persistent fussiness, discussing the possibility of a lip or tongue tie with your pediatrician, pediatric dentist, or lactation consultant may help identify a treatable cause and bring greater comfort to both you and your baby.
About the Author
Murphy dentist Dr. Khushboo Gandhi has been working in the dental field for 2 decades now. She earned a dental degree in India before moving to the U.S. and completing the Advanced Education program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She still takes continuing education classes at the Baylor College of Dentistry and is an active member of Spear Education, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. If you have a little one who needs lip or tongue tie treatment, book online with us or call (972) 449-5120.