Tongue-tie, known medically as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue under the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict tongue movement. Many children with tongue-tie have no problems at all, but in some cases it can affect feeding, speech or oral hygiene.
In some children, the frenulum attaches close to the tip of the tongue, giving it a heart-shaped appearance when the tongue is raised or stuck out. In others, the tie is further back and harder to see. The key question is not how it looks, but whether it restricts the tongue's movement and causes problems.
In babies, tongue-tie can sometimes make breastfeeding difficult, causing poor latch, long feeds, clicking sounds, poor weight gain or nipple pain for the mother. Not all babies with tongue-tie have feeding problems. Assessment by a healthcare professional experienced in infant feeding is important.
Some children with tongue-tie may have difficulty with certain sounds that require the tongue to lift, such as l, r, t and d. Speech development varies widely, and many children with tongue-tie speak clearly. A speech and language therapist can assess whether tongue-tie is contributing to speech difficulties.
Restricted tongue movement can make it harder for children to clear food from their teeth naturally, especially the back teeth. In some cases, a tight frenulum is associated with a gap between the lower front teeth or gum recession. Good brushing and regular check-ups help manage these risks.
Treatment is usually considered only when tongue-tie is causing problems with feeding, speech, oral hygiene or comfort. A minor procedure called a frenotomy or frenectomy releases the tight tissue. In babies, it is often quick. In older children, it may be done with local anaesthetic and sometimes followed by tongue exercises.
Decisions about tongue-tie often involve paediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists and dentists. Each can provide insight into how the tongue-tie is affecting your child.
After a release procedure, your child may be advised to do gentle tongue exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching tightly. Follow-up appointments help monitor healing and function.
Ask how the tongue-tie is affecting your child, what the benefits and risks of treatment are, and what exercises or follow-up will be needed afterwards.
Tongue-tie is sometimes blamed for a wide range of problems, and parents may hear conflicting advice. Not every speech delay, feeding difficulty or dental issue is caused by tongue-tie, and releasing a tongue-tie does not guarantee that problems will disappear. On the other hand, a genuinely restrictive tongue-tie can make a real difference when treated. A careful assessment by experienced professionals helps separate tongue-tie from other causes and ensures that treatment is offered only when it is likely to help.
No. Many children with tongue-tie have no problems and need no treatment.
It can sometimes affect oral hygiene and be associated with gaps or gum recession.
It is usually a quick procedure, and discomfort is generally mild and short-lived.
Book an assessment if you have concerns about tongue-tie.
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