Lip-tie: what to ask before anyone suggests a procedure
Understand what a lip-tie is, when it might matter for feeding or oral health, and what questions to ask your dentist before any procedure is recommended.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — October 13, 2026
What is a lip-tie?
A lip-tie is a tissue connection between your child’s upper lip and the gum above the front teeth. Medically, this tissue is called the upper labial frenum—and every child has one. The question isn’t whether it exists, but whether it’s causing a real problem.
When dentists or other providers talk about a “lip-tie,” they usually mean the frenum is thicker, shorter, or positioned lower than average. But thickness and position exist on a spectrum, and not every variation causes trouble.
When might a lip-tie matter?
A lip-tie may become relevant in a few situations:
Feeding concerns. If your baby is struggling to breastfeed or bottle-feed, a tight or low frenum could be part of the picture. However, feeding difficulty has many causes—including tongue-tie, latch problems, milk transfer, and positioning. Before focusing on the lip-tie alone, work with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to understand the full situation.
Tooth spacing. As your child’s permanent teeth come in, a very tight frenum might contribute to a gap between the two front upper teeth. This is usually a cosmetic concern and often resolves on its own as the jaw grows.
Oral hygiene. In rare cases, a restrictive frenum can make it harder to clean the area between the lip and teeth. This is uncommon and should be weighed against other factors.
Before any procedure is recommended
If someone suggests your child needs a procedure to release or remove the frenum, ask clear questions:
1. What specific problem are we solving?
Is it feeding difficulty, tooth spacing, hygiene, or something else? If feeding is the issue, has a lactation consultant or pediatrician confirmed that the lip-tie is actually the main barrier?
2. What is the evidence?
Ask your dentist to explain why they believe the lip-tie is causing harm to your specific child. Avoid agreeing based on general possibility alone.
3. Is waiting an option?
Many lip-ties never cause problems. Ask whether your child can be monitored instead, especially if symptoms are mild or if your child is young. Growth and development often change the picture.
4. What does the procedure involve?
Understand the method, recovery time, and any risks. Ask whether local anesthetic or sedation is used and what to expect afterward.
5. Get a second opinion.
If you’re unsure, ask another pediatric dentist. This is entirely reasonable and helps you make an informed choice.
Lip-tie and tongue-tie: are they connected?
Lip-tie and tongue-tie often appear together, but they’re separate issues. If your child has feeding difficulty, both areas should be evaluated by your dentist or pediatrician. See our guide on tongue-tie, feeding, and the dentist for more detail.
How MediMouth helps
You deserve to understand what’s happening with your child and why a provider recommends any procedure. MediMouth members can find pediatric dentists in our network who take time to explain findings, answer questions, and involve you in decision-making. If you have concerns about a recommendation, ask your dentist to show you the issue, discuss alternatives, and respect your timeline. You’re in charge of your child’s care.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a lip-tie?
A lip-tie is a fold of tissue (called a frenum) that connects your child's upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. All children have this tissue; a "lip-tie" usually means the tissue is unusually thick, short, or attached lower than typical. Whether it causes problems depends on your child's individual situation.
Does my baby have a lip-tie if feeding is difficult?
Feeding difficulty can have many causes. A thick or short frenum *may* be one factor, but it's not the only reason babies struggle to feed. Tongue-tie, latch issues, milk supply, and other factors also play a role. Your dentist or pediatrician can help determine what's actually affecting your child.
What should I ask before a dentist recommends a procedure?
Ask whether your child has actual symptoms (feeding problems, tooth spacing concerns), what evidence supports the recommendation, whether a "wait and see" approach is an option, and what the recovery looks like. Request a second opinion if you're unsure. You're the expert on your child's wellbeing.