{"id":268,"date":"2026-04-17T14:14:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/?p=268"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:14:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:14:50","slug":"tongue-tie-in-babies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/tongue-tie-in-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"Tongue Tie in Babies: Signs, Symptoms and When to See a Specialist Dentist in London"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your baby has been struggling to latch during feeding, making clicking sounds while nursing, or seeming unsettled and colicky after most feeds, tongue tie could be the cause. It is one of the most common yet frequently overlooked conditions in newborns, and identifying it early can make a real difference to your baby’s comfort, feeding success and longer-term development.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide explains what tongue tie in babies is, how to recognise the signs and symptoms, and when an assessment from a specialist paediatric dentist is the right next step for your family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Is Tongue Tie in Babies?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Tongue-tie, medically referred to as ankyloglossia, is a birth condition in which the lingual frenulum, a small tissue band beneath the tongue, is unusually tight and restricts the tongue\u2019s movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

In most people, the frenulum is thin, flexible and sits well back from the tongue tip. In babies with tongue tie, it may be shorter, thicker or positioned too far forward, restricting how freely the tongue can move. That restriction affects the baby’s ability to create the suction needed for effective feeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the<\/span> NHS<\/span><\/a>, tongue tie affects an estimated 4% to 11% of newborns in the UK, and is more common in boys than in girls. In many cases it is mild and causes no problems at all. In others, it significantly affects feeding and requires professional assessment and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Types of Tongue Tie: Anterior and Posterior<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are two main types of tongue tie, and understanding the difference matters, particularly because one of them is frequently missed at routine newborn checks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anterior tongue tie<\/b> is the more visible form. The frenulum attaches close to the tip of the tongue, which may appear heart-shaped or notched when the baby cries or tries to protrude it. This type is usually identified quickly by midwives or health visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Posterior tongue tie<\/b> sits further back under the tongue and is harder to detect without a hands-on functional assessment. The tongue may appear to move normally on visual inspection, yet the underlying restriction can be just as significant in its impact on feeding. If a tongue tie has been ruled out but difficulties persist, posterior tongue tie is often the reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Babies<\/b><\/h2>\n

Tongue tie presents differently depending on its severity and the individual baby. Some infants feed well and show no signs of a problem. Others struggle considerably from the earliest days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common signs in breastfed babies:<\/b><\/p>\n