The journey of watching your child grow involves countless milestones, from their first smile to their first words. When these developmental stages don’t progress as expected, particularly in speech or feeding, parents naturally become concerned. One often overlooked cause of these difficulties is tongue tie, a common but frequently misunderstood condition that can significantly impact a child’s development, comfort, and quality of life.

At Flourish Tongue Tie Center, we specialize in identifying and treating oral restrictions like tongue tie in children of all ages. Our team understands the challenges these conditions present and offers compassionate, expert care to help your child thrive. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Nam have dedicated their careers to pediatric dental health, completing 2-3 additional years of specialized training beyond dental school to provide the highest level of care for your little ones.

What Is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenum—the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short, thick, or tight. This restriction limits the tongue’s normal range of motion, potentially affecting numerous oral functions.

In a typically developing mouth, the tongue should move freely to:

  • Touch the roof of the mouth
  • Reach the teeth and lips
  • Move from side to side
  • Extend outward from the mouth

When tongue tie is present, these movements become restricted to varying degrees, from mild limitations to severe restrictions that significantly impact daily functions.

How Tongue Tie Affects Feeding

For infants and young children, feeding difficulties are often the first noticeable sign of tongue tie. The impact can manifest in several ways:

  • Poor latch: Restricted tongue movement makes it difficult for babies to create the proper seal needed for effective breastfeeding
  • Inefficient feeding: Babies may tire quickly during feeds or take longer to obtain adequate nutrition
  • Clicking sounds during feeding: Indicating loss of suction due to tongue movement limitations
  • Colic or excessive gas: From swallowing air during difficult feeds
  • Maternal discomfort: Including nipple pain, damage, or mastitis due to improper latch

The following are bottle feeding issues that may manifest:

  • Difficulty forming a seal around the nipple
  • Milk leakage from the sides of the mouth
  • Extended feeding times
  • Frustration and fatigue during feeds

Solid Food Transitions

As children grow, tongue tie can continue to affect feeding by causing:

  • Difficulty moving food around the mouth
  • Challenges with chewing age-appropriate foods
  • Gagging or choking more frequently than peers
  • Messy eating beyond typical developmental stages
  • Food aversions or picky eating

We understand the challenges associated with tongue ties and infant development. Speak with one of our skilled professionals to learn more about tongue ties in infancy and your treatment options.

Impact on Speech Development

The tongue is a primary articulation tool for clear speech. When its movement is restricted, various speech issues may develop:

Common Speech Difficulties Associated with Tongue Tie

  • Articulation problems: Particularly with sounds requiring tongue elevation (t, d, n, l, s, z)
  • Unclear speech: Words may sound mumbled or indistinct
  • Difficulty with rapid speech: Struggling when trying to speak quickly
  • Limited tongue protrusion: Problems with sounds requiring the tongue to extend forward
  • Frustration: Children may become aware they cannot produce sounds correctly

Some children develop compensatory mechanisms that allow them to produce problematic sounds differently, but these adaptations can create additional speech patterns that may require therapy to correct.

Beyond Speech and Feeding: Other Effects

The impact of tongue tie extends beyond the obvious speech and feeding issues:

Oral Development

  • Dental spacing problems: The tongue’s position affects dental development
  • Oral hygiene challenges: Difficulty cleaning certain areas of the mouth
  • Increased decay risk: From food particles that remain trapped in difficult-to-clean areas

Some emotional and social effects include the following:

  • Frustration when not understood by others
  • Potential social withdrawal if speech difficulties persist
  • Mealtime stress for both children and parents
  • Impact on self-confidence as children become more self-aware

Speak with one of our skilled professionals at Flourish Tongue Tie Center for support and treatment options.

Identifying Tongue Tie

Recognizing tongue tie early allows for more timely intervention. Key indicators include:

  • Visible restriction of tongue movement
  • Heart-shaped tongue tip when extended
  • Not being able to touch the roof of the mouth with the tongue
  • Persistent feeding difficulties despite intervention
  • Speech delays or articulation problems that don’t improve with age
  • Frustration during communication attempts

Professional evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis, as the severity and impact of tongue tie vary significantly among children.

Treatment Approaches to Tongue Ties

When tongue tie significantly impacts a child’s development, function, or comfort, treatment may be recommended. Options include:

Frenectomy

This gentle procedure releases the restrictive tissue, allowing for improved tongue mobility. Modern approaches include:

  • Laser frenectomy: Using precise laser technology for minimal discomfort and quick healing
  • Traditional surgical release: A quick procedure that can be performed in the office

Following a frenectomy, comprehensive care may include:

  • Stretching exercises to prevent reattachment
  • Speech therapy to develop proper tongue movement patterns
  • Feeding therapy to establish effective techniques
  • Regular follow-up to monitor progress and function

When to Seek Help

Consider a professional evaluation if your child shows:

  • Persistent feeding difficulties
  • Speech development concerns
  • Visible restriction of tongue movement
  • Frustration with oral activities

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and prevents the development of compensatory habits that may be difficult to correct later.

Contact Our Practice at Flourish Tongue Tie Center

Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate clearly and enjoy meals without struggle. At Flourish Tongue Tie Center, we provide comprehensive evaluations that look beyond the symptoms to identify how tongue tie may be impacting your child’s unique development. Our practice focuses exclusively on pediatric oral restrictions, allowing us to offer specialized insights and treatment approaches tailored to each child’s specific needs and developmental stage.

Whether your child is experiencing feeding challenges as an infant or speech difficulties as they grow, our team is here to provide answers and effective solutions. Take the important step toward resolving your child’s tongue tie concerns. Call Flourish Tongue Tie Center at 720-251-4444 or complete our contact form to schedule your child’s evaluation with our caring team.