You may notice that your child’s gums look a little different around the front teeth while helping them brush. These small changes can leave you wondering what may be causing them, especially if you also notice what appears to be a tight band of tissue in your child’s upper lip.
You may also wonder if the two could be connected and if there is anything you should do. Below, we’ll look at how a lip tie may be related to gum recession and when treatment may be considered.
What is a Lip Tie and Gum Recession?
A lip tie happens when the strip of tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums, called the frenum, is thicker or tighter than usual.
Meanwhile, gum recession happens when the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back and exposes more of the tooth. You may notice that a tooth looks longer than the teeth next to it or see a small notch near the gum line.
Is There a Connection Between Lip Ties and Gum Recession?
A tight frenum may cause the gum tissue between the front teeth to pull slightly away from the teeth, particularly when the frenum attaches too close to the gumline.
Over months or years, this tension may place pressure on the gum tissue in that area. In some children, this can occur alongside visible gum recession.
However, having a lip tie does not automatically mean your child will develop gum recession. The amount of pressure a frenum places on the gums can vary depending on the thickness of the gum tissue, the position of the teeth, and other factors that differ from child to child.
Read more: Lip Tie vs. Tongue Tie: What’s the Difference and How Can They Affect Your Child?
Other Reasons Your Child May Develop Gum Recession
Before assuming that a lip tie is causing gum recession, there are also other common causes. These include:
- Plaque and tartar buildup due to not brushing thoroughly
- Brushing too hard or vigorous brushing
- Teeth that are crowded or positioned outside the normal dental arch
- A habit that repeatedly puts pressure on the gums, such as picking at the gums
- Orthodontic movement in children who have braces
Any of these factors can contribute to gum recession without a lip tie being involved, and sometimes more than one factor may be present at the same time.
For that reason, identifying the likely cause before choosing treatment is important. Releasing a frenum, for example, would not address gum recession caused by brushing habits or repeated pressure on the gums.
Read more: Common Causes of Gum Recession in Kids and How Parents Can Help
Does a Lip Tie Need to Be Treated?
Not every lip tie needs treatment. Many children have one and go through childhood without trouble feeding, a gap between the front teeth, or changes to the gums.
For these children, a pediatric dentist will often monitor the frenum during regular visits and recommend treatment only if issues seem to develop.
For other children, particularly when the tight tissue is pulling on the gums, interfering with feeding, or contributing to a persistent gap between the front teeth, your pediatric dentist may recommend a frenectomy. A frenectomy is a short, painless procedure that releases the tight band of tissue, typically with a laser.
Read more: Tongue- and Lip-Ties: Addressing Common Misconceptions
What Happens to Gum Recession After a Frenectomy?
Releasing a tight frenulum can reduce the pulling on the gum tissue if that tension was contributing to the recession. However, the outcome can depend on the severity and cause of the gum recession.
In some cases, mild gum recession may improve as the gums heal and develop. More advanced recession may require additional treatment, such as an oral surgical procedure or laser treatment.
A lip tie and gum recession can occur in the same child, but seeing both does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. If you have noticed changes in your child’s gums, a dental evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to them.
Our pediatric dental team in Lafayette, LA, is one of the recommended providers for lip- and tongue-tie diagnosis and treatment in Louisiana, and we can help determine if a lip tie is causing changes to your child’s gums. We proudly serve families in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, and beyond. Contact our office to request an appointment for your little one.