You can determine if someone has a tongue tie by observing if their tongue has restricted movement, particularly during feeding, speaking, or performing oral activities.
Ankyloglossia, another name for tongue tie, is a congenital disorder in which the tongue’s movement is restricted by a short or taut band of tissue beneath it called the lingual frenulum. Some people live with mild forms of it without even realizing it. Others, especially infants and children, can face feeding problems, speech delays, and discomfort.
From breastfeeding challenges in newborns to speech issues in toddlers and oral tension in adults, this blog breaks down everything you need to know simply and clearly.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Newborns and Infants
During nursing, one of the earliest symptoms of tongue tie frequently appears.
Breastfeeding Problems
Newborns with tongue tie may:
- Have trouble latching properly.
- Slip off the breast frequently.
- Take a long time to feed or become frustrated.
- Make clicking sounds while feeding.
Mothers may also experience pain, cracked nipples, or feel that the baby is not gaining weight as expected. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, up to 10% of newborns may have tongue tie, with many experiencing feeding issues.
Bottle Feeding Signs
Babies with tongue tie may:
- Leak milk from the sides of their mouths, even when bottle-fed.
- Suck weakly or inefficiently.
- Gag or choke easily.
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for general feeding problems, but if they persist, it’s worth checking for tongue tie.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Toddlers and Older Children
As children grow, tongue tie can start affecting more than feeding.
Speech Delays or Difficulty
Children may struggle with:
- Saying letters like “L,” “R,” “S,” “T,” “D,” or “Z.”
- Clear pronunciation.
- Speaking fluently or confidently.
Speech therapists often notice when a child’s tongue doesn’t move freely enough to form certain sounds.
Eating Habits
Toddlers may:
- Be slow eaters.
- Struggle with chewing age-appropriate foods.
- Avoid solid foods or gag frequently.
They might also have difficulty licking their lips, cleaning food off their teeth, or sticking out their tongue past their lower lip.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Adults
Yes, tongue tie can go unnoticed until adulthood. Some people adapt over time, but the symptoms still affect daily life.
Common Adult Symptoms
- Trouble speaking clearly, especially fast or in public.
- Difficulty kissing, licking an ice cream cone, or playing wind instruments.
- Dental issues like gum recession or difficulty cleaning teeth.
- Breathing through the mouth or snoring when you’re asleep.
Adults might also notice tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders. In some cases, chronic migraines and TMJ (jaw joint) problems have been linked to untreated tongue tie.
How Is Tongue Tie Diagnosed?
A paediatrician, lactation consultant, speech therapist, or dentist can often spot tongue tie during a physical exam. They may look at how the tongue moves, whether the baby or child can lift or extend it, and if the frenulum is tight or restricts movement.
One simple test is the “lift and stick out” method. If the tongue can’t move freely or form a complete “heart shape” when lifted, it might be tied.
Can a Tongue Tie Be Missed?
Yes, tongue tie can often go unnoticed, especially if the symptoms are mild or the person has become accustomed to them over time. However, subtle signs often show up during growth milestones like:
- Switching to solid food.
- Starting speech.
- Transitioning to school.
That’s why early diagnosis and care are key.
Treatment Options at Tongue Tie Phoenix
Tongue tie is treated through a procedure called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty. These are quick, low-risk procedures that release the frenulum. In newborns, a frenotomy can often be done in-office with little to no bleeding. Older children or adults may need local anaesthesia or sutures.
We had a case at our office. A mother noticed her 2-week-old baby crying excessively, feeding poorly, and constantly falling off the breast. Our lactation consultant diagnosed tongue tie. After a quick frenotomy, the baby started feeding calmly, and the mother finally found relief.
This is just one of many cases where early intervention made a big difference.
Take the Next Step for Tongue Tie!
Although tongue tie might not seem like much, it can have an important effect on everyday comfort, communication, and feeding. Fortunately, it is treatable, and the sooner it is detected, the better the prognosis.
Don’t delay if you think your child, newborn, or yourself may have a tongue tie. Early diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact.
Get expert help at Tongue Tie Phoenix, where our skilled professionals offer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support for all ages.
People Also Ask
How do I tell if my baby is tongue-tied?
You might notice your baby struggling to latch during breastfeeding, making clicking sounds, or not gaining weight properly. Sometimes, the tongue may not lift or move side to side easily. A paediatrician or lactation consultant can do a simple oral exam to check for tongue tie.
Can tongue tie go away on its own?
In mild cases, a baby might outgrow a tongue tie as the mouth and tongue develop with age. However, moderate to severe cases usually do not improve without treatment. If feeding, speech, or oral function is affected, early intervention is often necessary.
At what age should a tongue tie be cut?
There is no specific age; it is determined on the severity of the tie and whether it causes problems. Infants are frequently treated early (during the first several weeks) to help with feeding. If the condition causes complications, older children and adults may benefit.
Can adults have tongue tie?
Yes, some adults discover they have tongue tie later in life, especially if they have trouble with speech, oral hygiene, or jaw discomfort. It can also impact breathing or sleep. Many adults find relief and better function after a frenectomy.
Is the procedure painful for babies?
The procedure, called a frenotomy, is quick and usually done without anaesthesia in newborns. Babies may cry briefly, but the discomfort is minimal, and many can breastfeed immediately afterwards. Most recover quickly with little to no complications.
