Lip Tie

Lip Tie and Breathing Difficulties in Infants – What Parents Should Know

December 1, 20252 min read

Introduction

Does your baby breathe noisily, struggle with nasal congestion, or keep their mouth open while resting? While these signs are often dismissed as “normal,” they may actually point to an untreated lip tie impacting your baby’s breathing and airway health.

At Latched Beginnings, we look beyond feeding to understand the full picture of how ties influence your child’s wellness, including their ability to breathe easily and sleep soundly.


How Lip Ties Affect Breathing

  1. Restricted Lip Mobility A tight upper lip frenulum may prevent babies from achieving a proper seal while feeding, encouraging open-mouth breathing patterns.
  2. Poor Oral Rest Posture If the lip cannot close comfortably, the baby may habitually keep their mouth open, leading to inefficient nasal breathing.
  3. Airway Development Concerns Over time, chronic open-mouth breathing can affect facial growth and airway structure.

Signs of Breathing Issues Linked to Lip Ties

  • Mouth remains open during rest or sleep
  • Frequent noisy or labored breathing
  • Persistent nasal congestion without illness
  • Difficulty sustaining breastfeeding due to poor seal
  • Early signs of snoring in infants

Why Early Intervention Matters

Addressing lip ties early:

  • Encourages proper nasal breathing
  • Supports optimal airway and facial development
  • Reduces the risk of chronic sleep-disordered breathing
  • Improves overall feeding efficiency and comfort

How Latched Beginnings Can Help

  • Gentle CO2 laser lip tie releases with minimal discomfort
  • Collaboration with airway specialists, lactation consultants, and pediatricians
  • Tailored aftercare to support improved lip mobility
  • Guidance for parents on nurturing healthy breathing patterns

Parent Reflection

“Our daughter always breathed through her mouth, even when sleeping. After her lip tie release at Latched Beginnings, she started breathing quietly through her nose, and we finally had peace of mind.”, Nicole & David S.


Conclusion

Breathing should be effortless for your baby. If you notice persistent open-mouth breathing or noisy rest, a lip tie may be part of the puzzle.

Support your baby’s healthy breathing and growth. Schedule a consultation today at LatchedBeginnings.com.

Written with care by

Dr. Kacie Culotta, DMD

Dr. Kacie Culotta is the only dentist in Austin with both a laser certification for tongue-tie releases and a lactation counselor certification. If something in this article resonates, we are here to help.

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