{"id":157,"date":"2025-09-15T09:29:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T08:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/?p=157"},"modified":"2025-10-01T09:53:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T08:53:55","slug":"what-is-tongue-tie-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-tongue-tie-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Tongue Tie? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding tongue tie in babies, children, and adults \u2013 and how treatment can help<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your baby struggles to latch when breastfeeding, or your child has difficulty with speech, you may have heard about <\/span>tongue tie<\/b>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/b><\/p>\n

At <\/span>Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Tongue Tie?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes Tongue Tie?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tongue tie is a <\/span>developmental condition<\/b>, meaning babies are born with it. The exact cause is not always known, but research suggests:<\/span><\/p>\n