Tongue- or lip-ties, also known as ankyloglossia, refer to the tissue under the tongue or lip that restricts a baby from breastfeeding properly or even taking a bottle. This condition can be diagnosed through symptoms that affect both the baby and the mother, and once identified, a doctor can release the tie to prevent further issues. Below, the pediatric dentists at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, explain how to conduct a preliminary check for tongue- and lip-ties.

How to Check for Tongue- & Lip-Ties

Position Your Baby

First, ask a partner to help you examine your baby. Your infant should be placed on your lap with their head facing towards you so you can properly inspect their mouth.

Check the Tongue

The next step is to check for signs of a tongue-tie. First, touch your baby’s lips so they will open their mouth. Using your fingertip, touch the front of the lower gum to make your baby stick their tongue out. The tongue should come out flat over the lip without dipping or pointing down. If your baby can only stick out their tongue when their mouth is closed, they could have a posterior tongue-tie.

Examine the Lip

Babies with lip-ties are unable to flip their lips out properly while nursing. One of the most evident signs of a lip-tie is a callus in the center of the upper lip. However, you should also lift their lip to look for the tissue that connects the lip to the gum. If the tissue is tight, this is another sign of a lip-tie.

If you have noticed any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. For the leading professional in Kodiak, AK, turn to the team at BridgeView Dental Group. They provide a wide range of dentistry services to improve the oral health of patients of all ages. Contact the office today at (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, or visit the website for more information.