Understanding Tongue Tie Symptoms

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—called the lingual frenulum—is too short or tight. This restriction can anchor the tongue tip, limiting its movement and affecting numerous oral functions throughout life.

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we specialise in identifying and treating tongue ties in patients of all ages in North Mackay. Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.

Tongue ties can vary in severity and presentation:

• Complete tongue tie: The frenulum extends all the way to the tip of the tongue
• Partial tongue tie: The restriction affects tongue movement but doesn’t reach the tip
• Posterior tongue tie: A less visible restriction at the base of the tongue that can be harder to diagnose

Tongue tie symptoms evolve as children grow, affecting different functions at different ages:

In Infants

For newborns and infants, feeding challenges are often the first sign of a tongue tie:

• Breastfeeding Difficulties
  • Poor latch or inability to maintain a proper latch
  • Inability to properly draw the nipple into the mouth
  • “Chewing” on the nipple instead of proper suckling
  • Inefficient feeding with extended nursing sessions
  • Clicking sounds during feeding as suction is repeatedly lost
  • Excessive gassiness from improper seal and air intake
  • Reflux symptoms and discomfort
  • Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding attempts

• Bottle Feeding Challenges
  • Difficulty creating proper suction
  • Milk leakage around the mouth
  • Excessive air intake causing discomfort
  • Prolonged feeding times

• Observable Physical Signs
  • Restricted tongue movement, especially when crying
  • Inability to extend the tongue beyond the lower gum or lip
  • Heart-shaped or notched tongue tip when extended
  • Tongue that appears flat or square instead of pointed
  • Visible tension in the frenulum when the tongue moves

These feeding difficulties can be distressing for both mother and baby, often leading to early weaning, maternal discomfort, and feeding aversion.

In Toddlers and Young Children

As children begin to eat solid foods and develop speech, new challenges emerge:

• Eating Difficulties
  • Trouble managing various food textures
  • Difficulty moving food around the mouth
  • Gagging or choking more frequently than peers
  • Messy eating habits beyond typical developmental stages
  • Food aversions and limited diet preferences

• Speech Development Issues
  • Difficulty with sounds requiring tongue tip mobility, particularly:
    • Sibilant sounds (s, z, sh, zh)
    • Lingual sounds (t, d, n, l)
    • Liquid sounds (r)
  • Frustration when not understood by others
  • Delayed speech development
  • Unclear articulation despite practice

• Other Observable Signs
  • Inability to stick out the tongue
  • Trouble licking ice cream or popsicles
  • Difficulty licking lips
  • Persistent open-mouth posture
  • Challenges with oral hygiene

In Teenagers and Adults

Without intervention, tongue tie symptoms continue into adolescence and adulthood:

• Persistent Speech Challenges
  • Ongoing difficulty with certain sounds
  • Self-consciousness about speech clarity
  • Professional and social impacts of speech limitations

• Eating and Social Challenges
  • Difficulty with certain foods
  • Slower eating than peers
  • Embarrassment in social dining situations
  • Inability to properly kiss or limitations with intimacy
  • Restricted tongue movements affecting various aspects of life

• Oral Health and Comfort Issues
  • Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
  • Increased risk of gum recession
  • Jaw tension and potential TMJ problems
  • Sleep-related breathing issues

When checking for tongue tie at home, observe:

• Tongue Appearance and Movement
  • Can the tongue extend beyond the lips?
  • Is there a heart-shaped or forked appearance at the tongue tip?
  • Does the frenulum appear to attach close to the tongue tip?
  • Is there visible tension in the frenulum when the tongue moves?

• Functional Limitations
  • Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
  • Inability to move the tongue from side to side
  • Restriction when attempting to extend the tongue

Consider scheduling an evaluation with our experienced team at Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature if:

• Your infant is experiencing feeding difficulties
• Your lactation consultant has suggested a possible tongue tie
• Your child shows signs of speech delay or difficulty with specific sounds
• You notice restricted tongue movement in yourself or your child
• There are persistent difficulties with eating or oral comfort

Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent many of the long-term challenges associated with tongue tie. Our gentle laser frenectomy procedures provide effective release with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.

If you suspect that you, your infant, or your child has a tongue tie, contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our team can quickly assess the situation and discuss appropriate treatment options.

The sooner a tongue tie is addressed, the easier it will be to establish proper feeding, speech, and oral function for a lifetime of comfort and confidence.