If your baby struggles with breastfeeding or your toddler has trouble with certain sounds, a tongue tie might be involved. Though the term sounds a bit odd, tongue ties are actually quite common—and they don’t always require treatment.
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter or tighter than usual. This band of tissue restricts how far the tongue can move. For some kids, that restriction doesn’t cause problems. For others, it can affect feeding, speech, or oral development.
How Can You Tell if Your Child Has a Tongue Tie?
Signs of a tongue tie can vary by age. In babies, the most noticeable issues are often with feeding.
You might notice:
- Trouble latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while nursing
- Fussiness during feeds
- Slow weight gain or frequent feedings
- Nipple pain or blocked ducts in nursing mother
As your child grows, tongue ties can affect how they eat, speak, or even clean food off their teeth. Some children have trouble sticking out their tongue, licking ice cream, or making certain speech sounds. Others may not show obvious signs until they’re older.
When is Treatment Needed?
Not every tongue tie needs treatment. If your child eats, speaks, and functions well, no action may be needed. But when the restriction causes issues—such as feeding difficulties, speech delays, or oral hygiene challenges—your pediatric dentist may recommend a frenectomy.
This simple procedure releases the tight tissue and allows the tongue to move more freely. A careful evaluation will help determine whether it’s the right choice for your child.
Tongue Tie Evaluation at Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX
At Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Chang Ryu and Dr. Michelle Kim take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to diagnosing and treating tongue ties. We work with families and, when needed, feeding or speech specialists to support your child’s comfort and development. If you’re unsure whether a tongue tie is affecting your child, we’re here to evaluate and talk through the options with you.