Most parents only hear about tongue tie for the first time at a routine checkup. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 newborns, yet it often goes undiagnosed until feeding or speech problems emerge. So what exactly is it, how does it develop, and what are the treatment options?
What Is a Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the tongue is anchored too tightly to the floor of the mouth by a small band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. This restricts how freely the tongue can move.
That restriction might sound minor, but the tongue is involved in almost everything that happens in the mouth. Feeding, swallowing, forming speech sounds, and even oral hygiene all depend on it moving freely. When that movement is limited, these everyday functions can become a real challenge.
Fortunately, most cases are identified early and resolved with a simple procedure called a frenectomy.
Tongue Tie in Newborns and Infants
Tongue tie can be present at birth and is sometimes detected by a midwife or pediatrician within the first few days of life. More often than not, it only becomes apparent once feeding begins.
Breastfeeding is usually where the first signs show up. A baby with a tongue tie may struggle to latch properly, slip off the breast repeatedly, or feed for unusually long periods without seeming satisfied. Mothers often experience nipple pain or notice their baby is not gaining weight as expected – both signs are worth raising with a professional.
Some signs are easier to miss. Clicking sounds during feeding, excessive wind, or a baby who seems frustrated and tired after feeds can all point to restricted tongue movement rather than a general feeding difficulty. Tongue-tie is not always detected at birth. Many cases are first identified by a lactation consultant, GP, or dentist once a feeding problem has already developed, which is why knowing what to look for makes a real difference.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Toddlers
Tongue tie does not always cause obvious problems in the newborn stage. For some children, signs only become noticeable as they grow and start eating solid foods or developing speech.
Feeding and Eating Challenges
Toddlers with a tongue tie may struggle to chew or move food around their mouths properly. Meals can become messy and frustrating, with food falling out or getting stuck. Some children start avoiding certain textures altogether without anyone connecting it to tongue movement.
Speech Development Signs
Restricted tongue movement makes certain sounds harder to form. Letters like t, d, l, r, s, and z all require the tongue to lift or move precisely. Children with tongue tie may mispronounce these sounds past the age when most children have mastered them, or their speech may remain difficult to understand.
Physical Indicators
Two physical signs are worth looking out for. The tongue may appear heart-shaped or notched at the tip when extended. The child may also be unable to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth or stick it out past the lower lip.
What Causes Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie is a congenital condition, meaning it is present from birth. During fetal development, the lingual frenulum normally thins and loosens. In some babies, this process does not complete fully, leaving the tissue shorter or tighter than it should be.
There is evidence of a genetic link. Tongue tie can run in families, and parents who had it themselves are more likely to have a child with the same condition. One thing it is not connected to is anything a parent did or did not do during pregnancy. There is no lifestyle, dietary, or environmental cause. If your child has been diagnosed, it is simply a variation in their development.
How to Check for Tongue Tie – And When to See a Specialist
If you think your child might have a tongue tie, there are a few things you can check at home.
Start with a visual check. Ask your child to lift their tongue to the roof of their mouth or stick it out past their lower lip. Limited movement, a tongue that dips in the middle, or a heart-shaped tip can all be signs worth noting.
Functional clues matter too. Persistent feeding difficulties in babies, speech sounds that are not developing as expected, or a toddler who struggles with certain foods can all point in the same direction.
That said, a home check has real limits. It can tell you something may be worth investigating, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or assess severity. Tongue tie exists on a spectrum, and some cases are not visible to the untrained eye. If feeding problems are affecting your newborn, speech is not progressing as expected by age three or four, or your child seems frustrated or uncomfortable during meals, it is worth booking an assessment with your Charlotte dentist. Dr. Bjelac can give you a clear picture and advise on whether any action is needed.
How to Fix a Tongue Tie
Treatment depends on how severe the restriction is and how much it is affecting your child’s daily life.
Monitoring
Mild cases do not always need immediate treatment. If tongue tie is not causing feeding or speech problems, a dentist may recommend keeping an eye on it as the child grows. Some children adapt well without any intervention.
Scalpel-Free Solution: Laser Frenectomy
For cases that do need treatment, a frenectomy is the most common procedure. It involves releasing the tight tissue under the tongue to restore normal movement. At Aspire Dental Wellness, this is done using the Solea laser, which makes the procedure quick, comfortable, and virtually bloodless. There are no needles, no sutures, and children are back to normal almost immediately. In infants, a baby can often feed straight away afterward.
After Treatment
Following a frenectomy, simple tongue stretching exercises help prevent the tissue from reattaching. If speech patterns were already established before treatment, a few sessions with a speech therapist may also be recommended.
Early Detection Makes Tongue Tie Much Easier to Treat
Tongue tie is common, well understood, and in most cases, simple to treat. The earlier it is identified, the easier the path forward tends to be, for both the child and the parents.
If anything in this article sounds familiar, stop by our SouthPark dental office and schedule a consultation at Aspire Dental Wellness. Dr. Bjelac and her team have helped countless Charlotte families through exactly this.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Tongue Tie
Can tongue tie go away on its own?
In mild cases, tongue movement may improve as a child grows. However, if it’s causing feeding or speech issues, it usually requires evaluation and possibly treatment.
Is tongue tie common in babies?
Yes, it’s relatively common, affecting around 5-10% of newborns. Many cases are mild, but some can interfere with feeding or development.
Does tongue tie affect bottle feeding, too?
It can. Babies may have trouble creating proper suction, which can lead to longer feeds, gas, or frustration during feeding.
Is a frenectomy safe for babies and children?
Yes, it’s a safe and routine procedure when performed by an experienced provider. Modern techniques, especially laser treatments, make it quick and comfortable.
Will my child need speech therapy after treatment?
Not always. Many children develop normal speech after treatment, but if speech patterns were already affected, short-term therapy may be helpful.
