If your child is struggling to pronounce certain words and their “p,” “b,” or “m” sounds seem unclear, a lip tie could be the reason. But does lip tie affect speech?
A lip tie happens when the small band of tissue under the upper lip is too tight, limiting movement. In some cases, this restriction can make it harder for children to form certain sounds properly. However, speech difficulties caused by a lip tie can be treated!
From speech therapy to a minor procedure that frees up lip movement, there are solutions to help your child speak clearly. Experts at Tongue Tie Phoenix would explain how lip ties affect speech and what you can do to help.
Does Lip Tie Affect Speech?
Yes, in some cases, a severe lip tie can affect speech development. When the upper lip is restricted due to a lip tie, it may be harder for a child to pronounce words clearly.
However, not every child with a lip tie will have speech problems. Mild cases often do not interfere with speech development, and some children naturally adapt over time. But if the lip tie is too tight, it can limit lip mobility and make certain speech sounds difficult to produce.
How Lip Tie Affects Speech Sounds?
A lip tie can impact the pronunciation of sounds that require the lips to move freely and make full contact. Some of the most affected sounds include:
“P” and “B” sounds (e.g., “papa,” “baby”)
These sounds require the lips to press together completely before releasing. If the upper lip is restricted, a child may struggle to form a strong “p” or “b” sound.
“M” sounds (e.g., “mama”)
The lips need to close fully to produce the “m” sound. A severe lip tie can make this difficult, leading to unclear speech.
“F” and “V” sounds (e.g., “fish,” “van”)
These sounds are made by placing the upper teeth against the lower lip. If the lip cannot move freely, it may be harder for a child to say words that contain “f” or “v” clearly.
“W” sounds (e.g., “water”)
The lips need to round smoothly for a proper “w” sound. A tight lip tie can restrict this movement, making the sound unclear or hard to pronounce.
Lip Tie vs Normal: How to Identify It?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a normal frenulum and a Lip Tie that may create complications. While all infants are born with a frenulum, not all have a tight lip tie.
So, how can you tell whether your child has a lip tie that requires attention? Here are some key signs to look for:
Difficulty Breastfeeding as an Infant
Babies with lip ties may struggle to latch correctly when nursing. They might make clicking sounds during feeding or appear frustrated.
Poor weight gain can also indicate that the infant isn’t getting enough milk.
Gaps Between the Upper Front Teeth
A tight lip tie can sometimes create a space between the front teeth. This gap may become more noticeable as permanent teeth come in.
Trouble Pronouncing Certain Words
As previously stated, lip ties can make certain speech sounds difficult to pronounce. If your child struggles with “p,” “b,” “m,” “f,” “v,” or “w” sounds, a lip tie may be a contributing factor.
Limited Lip Mobility
A child with a lip tie may find it hard to lift their upper lip. If you gently try to lift their lip and it seems very tight or doesn’t move much, this could indicate a lip tie.
Pain or Discomfort When Moving the Upper Lip
Older children may complain about discomfort when trying to stretch their upper lip. If brushing teeth or eating certain foods causes pain in the upper lip area, it might be due to a restrictive lip tie.
Read More: How to Help Your Baby with Upper Lip Tie?
Do Lip Ties Need to Be Corrected?
If a child can eat, speak, and grow without difficulty, there may be no need to correct it. Many children with mild lip ties adapt naturally over time without any issues.
However, if a lip tie is causing problems, such as difficulty breastfeeding, trouble pronouncing certain words, or discomfort when moving the upper lip, treatment may be necessary.
Addressing a restrictive lip tie early can prevent long-term issues with speech, dental health, and oral function.
Problems Lip Tie Can Cause Later in Life
If a severe lip tie is not corrected, it can lead to:
- Dental issues (gaps between teeth, gum recession)
- Speech difficulties (slurred or unclear speech)
- Oral discomfort (difficulty brushing, flossing, or moving the lips properly)
Lip Tie and Breastfeeding
For infants, a lip tie can make breastfeeding difficult because the baby cannot latch properly. This can lead to:
- Pain for the mother
- Poor weight gain in the baby
- Fussiness due to inadequate milk intake
In such cases, a simple frenotomy can significantly improve breastfeeding success.
Treatment Options for Lip Tie
If a lip tie is affecting your child’s daily life, a specialist may recommend one of the following treatments:
Frenotomy (Laser or Scissor Release)
Frenotomy is a basic and quick surgery that involves cutting the tight frenulum to allow for more lip movement. It may usually be completed in a matter of minutes using scissors or a laser.
Healing is usually fast, with minimal discomfort.
Speech Therapy
If a lip tie has affected speech, working with a speech therapist can help improve pronunciation. Therapy focuses on training the lips and tongue to move correctly for better clarity.
Myofunctional Therapy
This involves special exercises to strengthen the mouth muscles and improve lip mobility. It is often used alongside speech therapy or after a frenotomy to maximize results.
Read: Myofascial therapy for tongue tie.
When Should You See a Specialist for Lip Tie?
If you are unsure whether a lip tie is affecting your child’s speech or oral health, consulting with a pediatrician is the best step. If you suspect your child has a lip tie affecting their speech, visit Tongue Tie Phoenix for guidance and treatment options.
People Also Ask!
What speech sounds are affected by lip tie?
Sounds like “P,” “B,” “M,” “F,” “V,” and “W” may be affected due to restricted lip movement.
What happens if you don’t fix a lip tie?
It may lead to speech difficulties, dental problems, and even oral discomfort in adulthood.
Do lips affect speech?
Yes, lips play a crucial role in forming certain sounds. If their movement is restricted, it can impact speech clarity.
What problems can lip tie cause?
Lip tie can cause breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, dental gaps, and oral hygiene problems.
Does Lip Tie Go Away on Its Own?
Lip ties do not go away naturally. While some may loosen over time, others remain restrictive. If left untreated, they can cause dental problems, difficulty with speech, and even eating issues later in life.
