Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth in which the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This can restrict tongue movement and may affect feeding, speech, oral development, and even sleep. While some tongue ties are easy to spot, others are more subtle and may not become noticeable until a child grows older. Understanding the potential signs can help parents seek timely evaluation and support.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum limits how freely the tongue can move. In some children, the tongue may not lift, extend, or move side to side easily. The severity can vary widely, and not all tongue ties cause problems. However, when symptoms are present, they often show up in everyday activities like feeding, speaking, or oral hygiene.
Feeding Challenges in Infants
One of the earliest signs of a tongue tie often appears during infancy. Babies may struggle to latch properly during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. This can lead to prolonged feeding sessions, frequent feeding, or frustration at the breast. Parents may notice clicking sounds while feeding, milk leaking from the mouth, or poor weight gain. For breastfeeding parents, tongue tie can contribute to nipple pain, cracking, or recurrent mastitis due to inefficient milk transfer.
Difficulty With Bottle Feeding and Solids
A tongue tie does not only affect breastfeeding. Some infants have trouble managing bottle nipples or transitioning to solid foods. They may gag easily, push food out with their tongue, or prefer very soft textures. As children grow, they might be messy eaters or have trouble chewing and moving food around their mouth effectively.
Speech and Sound Development Concerns
As toddlers and young children begin to talk, restricted tongue movement may affect how certain sounds are produced. While a tongue tie does not always cause speech delays, it can contribute to unclear speech or difficulty with sounds that require the tongue to lift or extend, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” “s,” or “th.” Some children may compensate with unusual tongue or jaw movements, which can become habits over time.
Oral Development and Dental Signs
A tongue tie can influence oral and facial development. Limited tongue mobility may affect how the jaw and palate develop, sometimes contributing to a narrow palate or dental crowding. Parents or dentists may notice a gap between the lower front teeth, gum irritation where the frenulum pulls on tissue, or challenges with keeping teeth clean due to limited tongue reach.
Sleep and Breathing Issues
In some cases, tongue tie may be associated with sleep-related concerns. Restricted tongue movement can affect oral posture, leading to mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing. Children may snore, sleep restlessly, or wake frequently at night. Over time, poor oral posture and mouth breathing can contribute to fatigue and behavioral challenges during the day.
Physical Signs You Can See
There are also visual clues that may suggest a tongue tie. The tongue may appear heart-shaped or notched at the tip when extended. Some children cannot stick their tongue out past their lower lip or lift it to the roof of their mouth. Others may struggle with simple tasks like licking their lips or clearing food from their teeth.
Tongue Tie Treatment in Boulder, CO
At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we are dedicated to helping every member of your family develop healthy bites and smiles. A tongue tie in children and infants can cause complications with oral development and dental health. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.