What Are the Symptoms of Tongue Tie?
Is My Baby Tongue-Tied?
A concerned parent recently asked our Brisbane paediatric dentist, “I’ve noticed my baby’s tongue seems tight. Could that be what people call tongue-tie, and what does it really mean?” It’s a great question and one that many parents have. Understanding the symptoms of tongue tie can help parents identify if this might be an issue for their baby. We created this article to provide clear, helpful information to guide parents through this concern and explain the steps they can take to support their child.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where a small piece of tissue under the tongue, called the frenulum, is shorter or tighter than usual. This can make it hard for the tongue to move freely, which is important for activities like feeding, speaking, and even keeping the mouth clean. For babies, it often causes problems with breastfeeding, as they may struggle to latch properly. As children grow, it might also impact their speech or the way their teeth and gums develop. If you’re concerned about tongue-tie, it’s important to have a kids dentist check your child’s mouth to see if treatment might help.
What Does Tongue-Tie Look Like?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, often looks different from one baby to another. The frenulum, which is the small band of tissue under the tongue, might attach very close to the tip of the tongue or further back towards the base. In some cases, it can appear thick and tight, limiting movement significantly. In other babies, the frenulum might be thin and almost see-through but still cause restrictions. These differences in appearance are why it’s important to have a professional check if tongue-tie is affecting your baby.
How Common Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie affects an estimated 3% to 11% of newborns, with some studies noting rates as high as 10.7%. The condition appears more frequently in boys compared to girls, though the reason for this disparity is unclear. The variation in reported prevalence is largely due to differences in diagnostic approaches across research studies. The condition varies in severity; mild cases might go unnoticed, while more severe instances can lead to feeding difficulties. Early identification and consultation with a healthcare professional are important to address any challenges your baby may face.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
A. Feeding Problems
Difficulty Latching During Breastfeeding: Babies with tongue-tie often struggle to latch properly onto the breast. This can make breastfeeding frustrating for both the baby and the mother.
Long Or Frequent Feeding Sessions: A baby with tongue-tie may take longer to feed because they aren’t able to suck effectively. They might also feed more often, trying to get enough milk.
Pain For The Mother During Breastfeeding: Mothers often experience pain because the baby’s latch isn’t deep enough. This can lead to sore or damaged nipples, making feeding even more difficult.
Poor Weight Gain Or Slow Growth: Inefficient feeding can mean the baby doesn’t get enough milk, which might result in slow weight gain. Over time, this can affect the baby’s overall growth and development.
Clicking Sounds Or Extra Drooling During Bottle-Feeding: When bottle-feeding, you may notice clicking sounds as the baby struggles to maintain a proper seal on the teat. This can lead to extra drooling and milk spilling out of their mouth.
Swallowing Air, Leading To Gas Or Fussiness: Babies with tongue-tie often swallow air while feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This can make them feel gassy and uncomfortable, which might lead to fussiness or crying after feeds.
B. Speech Challenges (in Older Children)
Older children with tongue-tie may face challenges pronouncing certain sounds, especially ones that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth, like “t,” “d,” “n,“ and “l.“ This can make their speech less clear and harder for others to understand. In severe cases, the restriction in tongue movement might impact their ability to speak smoothly, which could affect their confidence in social or school settings. Speech therapy and treatment for tongue-tie, if needed, can help improve these difficulties and support clearer communication.
C. Limited Tongue Movement
Inability to Stick Out the Tongue Beyond the Lips: Children with tongue-tie may not be able to extend their tongue past their lips, which can affect eating and other activities.
Difficulty Lifting the Tongue to the Upper Teeth: Moving the tongue upward to touch the roof of the mouth or side-to-side may be hard, limiting their ability to chew or speak clearly.
Tongue Appearing Notched or Heart-Shaped When Extended: The tongue might look notched or heart-shaped when stretched forward because the tight tissue pulls on the tongue’s tip.
Interference With Daily Activities: These restrictions can impact speech, eating, and oral hygiene, making professional evaluation and possible treatment important.
D. Dental and Jaw Issues
Tongue-tie can potentially contribute to issues with teeth and gums as your child grows. A tight frenulum might pull on the gums, creating gaps between the teeth or leading to gum recession in some cases. The severity of the condition often influences the likelihood of these issues. Tongue tie might also impact jaw development, potentially causing alignment challenges or discomfort. Early assessment and treatment, when necessary, can help reduce these risks and support healthy oral development.
How Do Doctors Treat Tongue-Tie?
A. Wait and See
In some cases, doctors might recommend waiting to see if the condition improves on its own. Mild tongue-tie can sometimes stretch or loosen as your baby grows, especially if it isn’t causing feeding or speech issues.
B. Frenotomy or Frenectomy
If treatment is needed, a doctor or dentist may perform a frenotomy or frenectomy.
Frenotomy
A frenotomy is a simple and quick procedure where the tight frenulum is carefully snipped to free the tongue. It’s often done in a clinic setting and usually takes only a few minutes. For infants, the procedure may not require anaesthesia, as the frenulum has very few nerve endings. Any bleeding is typically minimal and stops quickly. Most babies can breastfeed or bottle-feed immediately after the procedure, which also helps soothe the area.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy involves removing a larger section of the frenulum. This option is typically chosen for more severe cases where the tissue is thicker or extends further under the tongue. Unlike a frenotomy, a frenectomy often requires local or general anaesthesia, depending on the child’s age and comfort level. Stitches may be necessary to close the incision, and healing can take a little longer. This procedure is usually done in a dental or surgical clinic, with careful follow-up to ensure proper recovery.
C. Therapy
Speech therapy or assistance from a feeding specialist can help improve tongue movement and feeding techniques. Therapy is often recommended alongside or after a procedure to ensure your child gets the best results.
D. Team Approach
Tongue-tie can impact feeding, speech, and oral development, so different specialists may need to contribute their expertise to ensure the best outcome for the child. This team could include a paediatrician, dentist, speech therapist, lactation consultant, or feeding specialist.
For example:
- Lactation consultants help with breastfeeding challenges.
- Speech therapists address any speech-related issues.
- Paediatric dentists or surgeons provide procedural options like frenotomy or frenectomy.
- Paediatricians help monitor the child’s growth and development.
Is Tongue-Tie Always Treated the Same Way?
Tongue-tie is not always treated the same way, as recommendations can vary depending on the child’s specific needs. Some doctors may suggest surgery, like a frenotomy or frenectomy, right away, especially if feeding or speech issues are severe. In other cases, they might prefer a wait-and-see approach if the baby feeds well, grows normally, and shows no signs of difficulty. Treatment isn’t always necessary, which is why it’s important to speak with a paediatric dentist or healthcare provider. They can assess your baby’s situation and help you decide the best course of action.
When Should I See a Professional?
If you notice that your baby has difficulty feeding, isn’t gaining weight as expected, or shows symptoms of tongue-tie, like limited tongue movement, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional. A paediatric dentist, doctor, or lactation consultant can assess your baby’s situation and provide the guidance you need. Remember, you’re not alone in this—there are effective solutions and supportive professionals ready to help.
Early evaluation can help keep your baby healthy and make feeding more comfortable for both of you.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
After your baby’s tongue-tie treatment, you can expect the following:
- Quick Healing: The healing process is typically straightforward and fast. Most babies recover within a few days to a week.
- Improved Feeding: Many parents notice an immediate improvement in feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Babies often latch better and feed more comfortably.
- Mild Discomfort: Your baby might feel some discomfort or fussiness for a day or two, but this usually resolves quickly.
Post-Procedure Care: Keep the area clean by following your dentist’s or doctor’s instructions. If advised, gently massage the area or apply exercises to help prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Tongue Movement Exercises: Specific exercises can help improve your baby’s tongue movement. These are simple and usually only take a few minutes each day.
Follow-Up Support: Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up visit to check healing and progress. They may also recommend additional support, like speech therapy or feeding guidance, if needed.
Healing is usually smooth, and our Brisbane dentists are there to help if you have any concerns along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tongue-Tie Go Away on Its Own?
Some mild cases of tongue-tie may improve as your baby grows, but not all cases resolve without intervention. It depends on the severity and whether it causes problems like feeding or speech issues.
Can Tongue-Tie Come Back After Treatment?
While it’s uncommon, the frenulum can sometimes reattach or form scar tissue that restricts tongue movement again after treatment. To minimise this risk, it’s important to follow recommended post-procedure exercises, which help promote proper healing and maintain tongue mobility.
Can Tongue-Tie Affect Bottle-Feeding Too?
Tongue ties may make bottle-feeding difficult. Babies may swallow air, make clicking sounds, or struggle to get a proper seal on the teat.
Does Tongue-Tie Run in Families?
Tongue-tie can have a genetic component, so it may be more likely if a parent or sibling also had the condition.
Are There Risks with Treating Tongue-Tie?
A frenotomy is generally safe and low-risk. However, like any procedure, there’s a small chance of bleeding, infection, or scarring.
What Happens If Tongue-Tie Isn't Treated?
Untreated tongue-tie may cause ongoing feeding difficulties, speech challenges, or dental issues, but not every child will experience these. A healthcare professional can help assess the potential impact.
Can My Child Receive Sleep Dentistry or Laughing Gas for Tongue-Tie Treatment?
In some cases, a dentist might use sleep dentistry using general anaesthesia or laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to help keep a child calm and comfortable during a frenectomy, especially if the child has special needs or is very anxious and unable to sit still at the dentist’s chair. According to Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic, Sleep Dentistry Brisbane prioritises comfort and eliminates anxiety during dental visits.
Feel free to call us and speak to our dentists about the options that are safe and suitable for your child.
Will Tongue-Tie Affect My Baby's Solid Food Eating Later On?
Severe tongue-tie may make chewing or moving food in the mouth harder as your child starts eating solids. Early treatment can help prevent these challenges.
How Do I Know if Tongue-Tie Is Causing My Baby's Fussiness?
Babies can be fussy for many reasons, but feeding difficulties might point to tongue-tie as a potential issue. Signs to watch for include trouble latching during breastfeeding, feeding sessions that take too long, clicking sounds while feeding, slow weight gain, or gassiness from swallowing air. You might also notice limited tongue movement or a tongue that looks heart-shaped when extended. Since these symptoms can mimic other conditions, it’s important to see a professional, like a paediatric dentist, lactation consultant, or paediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s feeding habits and oral structure to find out if tongue-tie is the cause and suggest the right treatment.
Does Tongue-Tie Only Affect Babies, or Can It Be Treated in Older Kids Too?
While it’s often identified in babies, tongue-tie can also be treated in older children or even adults if it causes speech, eating, or dental issues.
Where Can I Get Help in Brisbane?
Pure Dentistry is here to provide professional support and solutions for tongue-tie and other paediatric dental concerns. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping your child thrive with compassionate care and tailored treatment options. We offer convenient payment solutions, including Humm and Supercare, to make your child’s health a priority. Contact us today at 07 3343 4869 to book a consultation and start your child’s journey toward better oral health and development.
