If your baby struggles to latch when breastfeeding, or your child has difficulty with speech, you may have heard about tongue tie. This common but often overlooked condition can affect feeding, speech, dental health, and even sleep. The good news is that tongue tie can be treated safely and effectively, often with immediate improvements.
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is when a short or tight frenulum restricts tongue movement. It can cause breastfeeding problems, speech difficulties, dental issues, and sleep concerns. Treatment is safe and effective, often involving a simple frenotomy that quickly restores function and improves feeding, speech, and long-term oral health.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we provide specialist care for children and families, including diagnosis and treatment of tongue tie. This guide explains everything you need to know about tongue tie, including what it is, the symptoms to look out for, its causes, and the available treatment options.
Ankyloglossia, commonly called tongue tie, is a condition where the band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is abnormally tight, thick, or short. This restricts tongue mobility and may lead to difficulties with feeding, speech, and oral development. This restricts how the tongue moves, making everyday functions like feeding, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing more difficult.
Tongue tie is present from birth, and while in some cases it is mild and causes no problems, in others it can significantly affect health and development.
Tongue tie is a developmental condition, meaning babies are born with it. The exact cause is not always known, but research suggests:
The signs of tongue tie vary depending on age.
When left untreated, tongue tie can lead to:
One of the most common reasons tongue tie is diagnosed is because of breastfeeding challenges. Babies with tongue tie may be unable to latch properly, causing frustration for both baby and mother. Feeding sessions may be prolonged, painful, and ineffective, often leading to early weaning if untreated.
It’s important for parents to know:
In toddlers and children, tongue tie can interfere with speech development. The restricted tongue movement makes it harder to produce certain sounds, which may lead to a lisp or unclear pronunciation.
Not every speech delay is caused by tongue tie, which is why an assessment by a paediatric dentist or speech specialist is essential. Early treatment can make a huge difference, reducing frustration and helping children communicate confidently.
The right treatment depends on the severity of the tongue tie and the individual’s age.
Mild tongue ties may not cause significant issues. In these cases, a “wait and see” approach can be appropriate, especially if the child is feeding well and developing normally.
The most common treatment is a frenotomy, a quick and simple procedure where the frenulum is released to free tongue movement. This can often be performed in infants with minimal discomfort and immediate results.
For more complex cases, a frenectomy (a slightly more involved surgical procedure) may be recommended. This ensures full release of the restricted tissue and long-term improvement.
Modern techniques, including laser-assisted treatments, make the procedure safe, precise, and with very short healing times.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, your child’s care is delivered by a specialist in paediatric dentistry, ensuring safety and comfort.
Reassurance: Most parents report noticeable improvements in feeding or speech straight away.
Yes. Tongue tie release is considered a safe, low-risk procedure. Complications are rare, and recovery is usually very quick.
When carried out by an experienced dental specialist, the treatment can be life-changing for babies, children, and adults.
In some cases, myofunctional therapy is recommended alongside tongue tie treatment. This helps retrain the tongue and oral muscles after release, ensuring:
This combination approach often provides the best outcomes, especially for children undergoing orthodontics or adults with long-standing habits.
If you suspect your baby or child may have tongue tie, or if you are an adult struggling with symptoms, the first step is a professional assessment.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, we offer:
Book your consultation today and take the first step towards better feeding, speech, and oral health.
Tongue tie is a common but often underdiagnosed condition that can affect feeding, speech, dental health, and sleep. The good news is that treatment is safe, simple, and effective, with life-changing benefits for children and adults alike.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we are here to provide compassionate, specialist care for your family.
Enquire today and give your child the best possible start in life.
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