Easing Those First Feeds and First Smiles
Feeding a newborn is meant to feel close and comforting, but it can quickly become stressful if something is not quite right. When a baby struggles to latch or seems uncomfortable, parents often feel worried, tired, and unsure what to do next. That mix of joy and worry in the early days is very common, especially when families are spending more time outside, visiting friends and trying to settle into a new routine.
One cause of feeding problems can be a lip tie. This is when the small strip of tissue under the upper lip is tight and makes it harder for the lip to move freely. It can affect breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and even those first little smiles. When lip tie release is appropriate, it can support more comfortable feeds and happier faces. At our clinic in Tunbridge Wells, we see many families who simply want clear answers, gentle care and kind support.
Understanding Lip Tie in Newborns and Infants
Under the top lip, there is a small band of tissue called the upper lip frenulum. In many babies it is easy to see and completely normal. A lip tie is when this tissue is short, thick or tight, so the upper lip does not lift or flange out easily. This is different from a tongue tie, which affects the tissue under the tongue and how the tongue moves.
Parents might notice signs such as:
- Baby finding it hard to get or keep a deep latch
- Clicking sounds during feeds
- Long, tiring feeds that end with baby still unsettled
- Extra wind, burping or fussiness after feeds
- A little blister or callus on the middle of the upper lip
It is important to remember that just seeing a frenulum does not mean it needs treatment. Many babies have a visible strip of tissue with no problems at all. A careful assessment is needed to see whether the lip tie is actually affecting function. We look not only at how the lip looks, but also at how baby feeds, how the mouth moves and how parents are feeling about feeds overall.
How Lip Tie Can Affect Feeding and Early Development
When the upper lip cannot move well, it can be harder for baby to form a deep, secure latch on the breast or bottle teat. The lip may stay tucked in instead of rolling out, which can lead to a shallow latch. This can cause:
- Nipple pain or damage for breastfeeding parents
- Poor milk transfer and feeds that feel never-ending
- Baby slipping off the breast or teat again and again
- Swallowing extra air, which can cause wind and discomfort
Over time, these feeding struggles may link with reflux-like symptoms, gassiness and unsettled sleep. Parents might notice that their baby wants to feed very often, seems frustrated at the breast or bottle, or arches and cries after feeds. During this tiring postnatal phase, this can raise stress levels for everyone.
There can also be longer-term points to think about. A very tight upper lip can affect how the mouth and teeth area develop as baby grows. It can make it harder to gently clean the upper gums and teeth when they appear. By supporting comfortable feeding early, we aim to help babies grow well, stay calmer and be ready for relaxed, early social smiles and interactions.
Lip Tie Release and What to Expect
Lip tie release, also called frenectomy or frenotomy, is a small procedure to loosen or remove the tight tissue under the upper lip. In a dental setting, there are different techniques that may be used, such as using fine instruments or a focused light-based tool, depending on what is most suitable. For tiny babies, the approach is gentle and very focused on comfort and safety.
On the day, parents can expect:
- A kind, unhurried assessment and time to ask questions
- Careful checking of feeding history and any worries
- Gentle positioning of baby, usually cradled or swaddled
- A quick release of the tight tissue, which only takes a short time
Right after the lip tie release, we usually encourage feeding straight away, either breast or bottle. This helps with comfort and lets us see how baby uses their lip with the new freedom of movement. Some babies feed better straight away, others need a little time and practice as they learn a new way of latching.
Parents often worry about pain and safety, which we take very seriously. Local measures are used to keep baby as comfortable as possible. Some crying is expected, often more from being held still than from the procedure itself. Healing inside the mouth is usually quite quick, and we explain what the normal healing stages look like so there are fewer surprises.
Comfort, Aftercare and Supporting Baby’s Recovery
After lip tie release, the mouth can feel a bit different for baby, so gentle support at home is very helpful. We usually suggest feeding on demand, as feeding is both nutrition and comfort. It can also help keep the area moving in a natural way. Some parents are given simple stretches or gentle lifts of the lip to do, if these are suitable, and we explain and demonstrate these clearly if they are part of the plan.
Tips that often help include:
- Keeping feeds calm and unhurried, watching baby’s cues
- Holding baby upright after feeds to reduce wind
- Using soft cloths to wipe away any milk from the lip area
- Offering extra cuddles and skin-to-skin time
In the warmer summer weather, it can be helpful to keep rooms cool, dress baby in light layers and offer more frequent feeds if breastfeeding, as this helps with hydration and comfort. Parents also need to drink enough fluids and rest where possible, which is easier said than done, but makes a real difference.
We explain the signs that mean a review is needed, such as bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, baby refusing to feed for several feeds in a row, or any signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling or a bad smell. A supportive, multidisciplinary team can then check healing, review feeding and adjust the plan if needed.
How 78MPR Supports Families with Lip Tie Concerns
At 78MPR, we bring together different types of dental expertise under one roof, including paediatric-minded care for babies and children. When a family visits us with worries about lip tie, we look at the whole picture: how baby feeds, how the mouth moves, and how parents are coping. Where helpful, we can work alongside other professionals, such as feeding or lactation support and health visitors, so advice feels joined up rather than confusing.
Our focus is always on gentle, patient-centred care. The clinic is set up to feel calm and welcoming, with time given for questions and for parents to feel heard. Not every baby who comes in with a suspected lip tie will need a lip tie release. Some simply need reassurance, feeding tweaks or follow-up checks.
Being based in Tunbridge Wells, we often see families bringing more than one child. While parents are in with a baby, there can be a chance to review an older sibling’s oral health too, making the most of the visit during busy school holidays. The aim is to support the whole family’s dental wellbeing, from first feeds to first teeth and beyond.
When feeding feels hard, it can be lonely, especially when others seem to be having an easy time. We want parents to know that there is support available, that questions about lip tie are very common, and that with careful assessment many babies can move towards more comfortable feeding and brighter, easier smiles.
Help Your Child Feed And Smile More Comfortably
If you are concerned that a tight upper lip is affecting your baby’s feeding or oral development, we can assess whether a gentle lip tie release is appropriate. At 78MPR, we take time to explain every step and answer your questions so you feel confident about your child’s care. Book an appointment today or contact us to speak with our friendly team about the next steps.
