Tongue Ties

There is no reason to remain tongue tied.

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue tie, occurs when an unusually short, thick, or tight lingual frenulum restricts a newborn’s tongue movement. While some children experience no symptoms, others may struggle with nursing, speech development, or dental hygiene. Identifying these functional limitations early allows families to select appropriate treatment options that foster optimal feeding, clear communication, and oral health.

Clinicians evaluate tongue tie through a physical exam, a review of medical history, and a functional movement assessment. They examine the frenulum’s length, thickness, and attachment site while measuring the tongue’s ability to lift, extend, and move side-to-side. Diagnostic focus varies by age: clinicians will look for latching difficulties by observing latch stability and milk transfer during infant feedings, whereas in older children, they assess speech articulation, chewing ability, and dental hygiene.

If a tongue tie causes ongoing functional issues, surgical intervention may be recommended. Providers typically perform a frenectomy or frenotomy, also known as a tongue tie release of the tissue band. This allows a resolution of the issue in infants with minimal discomfort. At select locations, this is performed using LightScalpel® CO2 Laser technology.

Choosing the appropriate approach depends on the child’s age, anatomy, severity of symptoms, and clinical guidance. For many patients, this intervention successfully restores tongue mobility and function.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) depend heavily on the person’s age. While some people experience no noticeable issues, restricted tongue mobility can cause functional challenges at different stages of life.

Physical Signs (All Ages)

• Visual appearance: The tongue may look notched or heart-shaped when stuck out.
• Limited range of motion: Inability to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth, stick it past the lower front teeth, or sweep it comfortably from side to side.

Symptoms in Infants

In babies, tongue tie primary manifests as feeding challenges due to an inability to maintain suction or elevate the tongue.

For the Baby:

• Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing or feeding
• Slipping off the latch repeatedly or chewing instead of sucking
• Swallowing excessive air, causing gassiness, colic, or reflux
• Long, exhausting feeds without seeming satisfied, or falling asleep on the breast mid-feed Slow weight gain or failure to thrive

For the Nursing Parent:

• Severe pain, cracking, blistering, or flattening of the nipples during/after nursing
• Frequent blocked ducts, engorgement, or mastitis

Symptoms in Children

As kids grow, tongue restrictions affect speech articulation, solid food intake, and dental development.

• Speech Challenges: Difficulty pronouncing tongue-tip sounds like t, d, s, z, th, n, l, or r. E
• ating & Swallowing: Trouble chewing or swallowing solid foods, or a messy eating style caused by difficulty pushing food around the mouth.
• Oral Hygiene & Habits: Difficulty clearing food particles from back teeth with the tongue (increasing cavity risk) or trouble licking an ice cream cone or lips.
• Breathing & Sleep: Mouth breathing, snoring, or noisy sleeping due to low resting tongue posture.

Symptoms in Adults

In adults who adapt to or compensate for a tongue tie over time, symptoms often present as muscle strain, sleep disruption, or dental issues.

• Muscle Tension: Chronic jaw tension (TMJ discomfort), neck and shoulder tightness, or frequent tension headaches.
• Speech & Eating Fatigue: Discomfort or muscle fatigue during prolonged speaking or eating.
• Sleep & Airway: Chronic mouth breathing, high-arched palate, dental crowding, or sleep-disordered breathing/snoring.