Tongue Tie Q&A
What is a tongue tie?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin beneath the tongue (lingual frenulum) is too short, restricting its movement.
How common is it?
It is a relatively common condition. Up to 10% of newborns may have some degree of tongue tie.
Are there different types of tongue ties?
Yes! There are 4 different types of tongue tie: Anterior, Posterior, and Submucasal Tongue Tie and Short Lingual Frenulum, with the Anterior Tongue Tie being the most common type.
What are the symptoms?
In infants:
- your baby’s tongue appears notched or “heart- shaped” when crying,
- difficulties with sticking the tongue out or lifting it up,
- “Eiffel tower” or unusually thick frenulum,
- nipple pain,
- breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficulties,
- clicking noises when baby attempts to latch,
- drooling,
- losing weight or having difficulties putting on weight.
Older children/teenagers/adults:
- speech difficulties, e.g., challenges making specific letter sounds such as "t," "d," "l" and “th",
- not able or having difficulties with lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth or moving it side to side,
- trouble sticking the tongue past the upper/lower lip,
- problems with eating, e.g. licking an ice cream,
- swallowing difficulties,
- mouth breathing,
- head/ neck and shoulder tension.
Can tongue tie cause any complications?
Children who grow without having their tongue tie treated can often experience a range of symptoms and/or even develop some severe conditions:
- speech issues,
- poor oral hygiene with higher risk of cavities and gum disease,
- developing smaller or narrower palate,
- developing crooked teeth,
- jaw clenching/ pain and teeth grinding,
- jaw recession, where the lower jaw is smaller and set back and can restrict the airways,
- mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome,
- forward head posture,
- head/ neck/ shoulder and upper back tension,
- headaches
What causes tongue tie?
The exact cause of a tongue tie is not always clear. It can be a result of various factors, including genetics as they can sometimes run in the families.
If one or both parents have a tongue tie, there may be an increased likelihood of their child having one as well.
What are the treatment options?
Some patients with diagnosed tongue tie may be advised with the frenectomy, a surgical procedure to cut or release the lingual frenulum. Osteopathy can also play a supportive role in the post-frenectomy phase by aiding in the recovery process. Osteopathic techniques can help reduce postoperative discomfort, enhance tissue healing, and optimise the overall function of the tongue following the procedure. Osteopathy can also help with any musculoskeletal issues caused by untreated tongue ties in older children/ teenagers and/ or adults.
If you have concerns about a potential tongue tie for yourself or your child, please contact us. We will be happy to help!
