What Are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties?

Tongue-ties (ankyloglossia) and lip-ties are conditions caused by unusually tight or thick bands of tissue (called frenula) that restrict the natural movement of the tongue or lips. These restrictions can impact everything from feeding and speech to dental development and overall quality of life — especially in children.

At Family Camp Dental, we work closely with families to identify and treat oral restrictions early. If you're searching for a pediatric dentist in Lubbock who understands the functional impacts of tongue- and lip-ties, our experienced team is here to help.

How Tongue-Ties Affect Children

A tongue-tie is present when the frenulum under the tongue is too short or tight, limiting how far the tongue can move. For babies, this can cause breastfeeding difficulties and slow weight gain. As children grow, untreated tongue-ties may lead to:

• Delayed or unclear speech
• Difficulty making specific sounds (like “L,” “R,” “S,” “T,” “D,” and “Z”)
• Challenges eating certain foods
• Sleep disturbances or mouth breathing
• Orthodontic problems due to abnormal tongue posture

Because these issues may not be immediately obvious, many parents don’t realize there’s a problem until a trusted family dentistry provider in Lubbock raises concerns during a routine exam.

How Lip-Ties Affect Children

Lip-ties occur when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually tight, making it hard for the lip to move freely. In infants, this may interfere with proper latching while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. In toddlers and older children, it can lead to:

• A gap between the front teeth
• Trouble keeping the mouth closed during rest
• Increased risk of cavities near the gumline
• Challenges with brushing and flossing the upper front teeth
• Speech development delays

If you've been looking for an affordable dentist in Lubbock TX to assess your child's speech, feeding, or development concerns, our office offers gentle evaluations and honest feedback.

Signs Parents Should Watch For

Tongue- and lip-ties often go undiagnosed — especially if the symptoms are subtle or the child compensates well. Parents should be on the lookout for:

In Infants:

• Poor latch or nipple pain during breastfeeding
• Long or frequent feedings with little weight gain
• Clicking sounds during nursing
• Excessive gas or reflux
• Difficulty transitioning to solid foods

In Toddlers and Young Children:

• Speech delays or unclear articulation
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Picky eating, gagging, or food aversions
• Behavioral issues linked to sleep deprivation
• Persistent mouth breathing or snoring

Our team takes time to explain what we see during the exam and how a tie might be contributing to the symptoms your child is experiencing.

Evaluation and Treatment

At Family Camp Dental, our comprehensive evaluation includes:

• A review of medical, feeding, and developmental history
• Functional assessment of tongue and lip movement
• Oral examination of the frenulum and surrounding tissues
• Recommendations based on age, symptoms, and growth stage

If treatment is needed, we offer referral-based access to trusted local specialists for frenectomy procedures. These procedures are typically quick and use laser or precision techniques to gently release the restriction.

As a provider of full-scope family dentistry in Lubbock, we follow up closely with your family to ensure healing and optimal results.

What Happens After Treatment?

Successful treatment is only part of the journey. Post-procedure care and follow-up support help prevent reattachment and restore full function.

We offer guidance on:

• Stretching exercises to maintain mobility
• Myofunctional therapy or speech therapy when needed
• Proper oral hygiene to prevent infection or inflammation
• Ongoing monitoring during regular dental visits

By combining early diagnosis, expert care, and a supportive approach, we help your child get the best outcome possible — whether they’re a baby just starting to feed or a school-aged child needing help with speech or breathing.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Unresolved oral restrictions can affect long-term growth, breathing patterns, jaw alignment, and self-esteem. Early treatment helps:

• Promote healthy oral development
• Improve feeding and sleep habits
• Prevent orthodontic complications
• Support clear speech and communication

Families often come to us after searching for answers elsewhere. If you're looking for a pediatric or affordable family dentistry provider in Lubbock TX who understands the full-body effects of oral restrictions, you’ve found the right place.

Your Partners in Pediatric and Family Dental Care

At Family Camp Dental, we understand that your child’s smile is just the beginning. Our team is here to support your family through every stage of growth — from baby teeth to braces and beyond. We believe in education, gentle care, and whole-child wellness.

We’re proud to be the go-to choice for parents looking for compassionate pediatric and family dentistry in Lubbock — including help with identifying and managing tongue- and lip-ties.

Schedule an Evaluation Today

If your child is struggling with feeding, speech, or oral discomfort, don’t wait. An early evaluation can make a lifelong difference.

Call Family Camp Dental in Lubbock, TX today to schedule your child’s consultation. We’re here to give you clarity, comfort, and confident care — every step of the way.