Should You Treat Your Child’s Tongue Tie?
20 May 2025
What is a Tongue Tie
A tongue tie happens when the tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is too short or tight. This limits how much the tongue can move. Some children can still function well, while others may have trouble with feeding, speech, or breathing.
A tongue tie can be hard to notice at first. It isn’t always visible just by looking into your child’s mouth. A full evaluation often requires a professional like a pediatric dentist or a lactation consultant.
Symptoms of a Tongue Tie
Some symptoms show up early, especially during feeding. Others become more noticeable as your child grows.
In babies:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Long or frequent feeding sessions
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Fussiness or frustration during feeds
- Poor weight gain
In older children:
- Trouble pronouncing certain sounds
- Speech that sounds unclear or mumbled
- Mouth breathing
- Trouble sticking the tongue out
- Difficulty eating or chewing certain foods
If you see any of these, it doesn’t always mean your child has a tongue tie, but it can be a good reason to ask for an evaluation.
Issues Caused by a Tongue Tie
A tongue tie can affect more than just feeding or speech. If the tongue sits too low in the mouth, it can lead to mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose means air bypasses the natural filters in the nasal passages.
Over time, mouth breathing can influence the way the face and jaw grow. It can narrow the dental arch and limit space in the airway. This might raise the chance of future issues like sleep-disordered breathing or crowding of teeth.
Tongue ties can also create muscle tension in the head and neck. This tension may affect posture, movement, or coordination as your child grows.
Should You Treat Your Child’s Tongue Tie?
Kids Dental Group recommends monitoring your child’s tongue tie before deciding on treatment. Not all tongue ties cause problems, and many children function well without any procedure. If your child is feeding, speaking, and breathing without difficulty, immediate treatment may not be needed.
In some cases, working with a lactation consultant, osteopath, or chiropractor can help ease related concerns without surgery. These professionals check for tension or alignment issues that might affect feeding or development.
If symptoms persist or affect your child’s daily function, a frenectomy may be the next step. Our pediatric dentists will guide you through that process, including preparation and follow-up care, to improve your child’s comfort and long-term outcomes.
Every child is different. That’s why we take the time to assess, monitor, and only recommend treatment when it’s truly needed. You’ll always have support and clear information to help you decide what’s right for your child.
You can also read our full guide to tongue ties here
Talk to a Pediatric Dentist
If you think your child has a tongue tie, the best place to start is with a pediatric dentist. They have training in child development and oral health and can assess whether your child needs treatment.
They also know how to work with other professionals—like lactation consultants, bodyworkers, and myofunctional therapists—to support your child in the most effective way.
You don’t have to make these decisions alone. Talk to a pediatric dentist to understand your options and make a plan that fits your child’s needs.
Kids Dental Group Can Help with Tongue Ties
Kids Dental Group offers professional assessments and care for children with tongue ties. Our pediatric dentists can determine if your child needs treatment and explain what to expect before and after a frenectomy. We work closely with other specialists, including lactation consultants, bodyworkers, and myofunctional therapists, to give your child the best support possible.
