Some hospitals will check newborns at birth for signs of a lip or tongue tie, others will not. The first symptom of a lip or tongue tie is usually difficult or abnormal pain with breastfeeding.

For older children, challenges with speech, eating and swallowing can be signs that there is a restrictive tongue frenum.  Sometimes you can see a large gap between the child’s two front teeth if the lip frenum attachment is too low, thick or tight. If you suspect your child may have a restrictive tie, it is best to schedule an evaluation with a training doctor immediately.