Youthrive Integrated Therapy Services
By Ozgul Kara, Speech Pathologist at Youthrive
What is tongue tie?
Tongue tie is a congenital condition (present from birth) that is recognised by an unusually thickened, tightened or shortened frenum (string of tissue under the tongue), which limits movement of the tongue in activities connected with feeding, which has an adverse impact on both dental health and speech.
How common is tongue tie?
Research reveals very mixed results regarding the prevalence of tongue tie (Ankyloglossia). It is believed that tongue tie occurs in approximately 1-2 % of babies and that it may be more prevalent in boys. In some cases, tongue tie can be inherited (runs in the family).
What are signs your child may be experiencing Tongue Tie?
Red Flags: What to look out for in babies and children:
- Difficulty with latching onto nipple
- Failure or abnormal pain for mother to nurse
- Baby fails to gain weight
- Heart-shaped tongue tip
- Tongue not lifting when crying
- Messy eating
- Excessive drooling
- Problems with teeth- Cross-bite or open-bite
- Drinking lots of fluids with meals.
- Cavities due to not being able to clear food debris
- Difficulty with speech sounds requiring tongue lifting: R, L, S, SH, CH, J
Will tongue tie affect a child’s speech?
Tongue tie may impact on speech sounds requiring tongue lifting: T, D, N, R, L, S, SH, CH, J
However when assessing a child for possible tongue tie, Speech Language Pathologists will often look at more than just the impact on speech sounds. It is important to determine whether a tongue tie (and sometimes Lip or Buccal Tie) is having a negative effect on not only speech, but also tongue function, oral development and feeding skills. If a child is suspected of having a tongue tie that impacts on these skills, they will be referred to a professional such as a Paediatric surgeon to determine whether the tongue tie needs to be released as not all tongue ties will require surgery.
What to do if you think your child has tongue tie?
Please don’t hesitate to contact a health professional, including your local general practitioner, obstetrician or a speech pathologist if you are concerned your child may have a tongue tie.
