Tongue Tie in Children: Signs Walnut Creek Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
Many parents in Walnut Creek first hear the term “tongue tie” during infancy, especially if breastfeeding feels unusually difficult. However, tongue tie in children is not only a newborn issue. It can continue to affect feeding, speech development, jaw growth, airway health, and even long-term oral development if left unaddressed.
Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight. This restriction limits proper tongue mobility. While some cases are mild, others significantly impact how a child eats, speaks, breathes, and develops.
Early Signs of Tongue Tie in Infants
In babies, tongue tie often presents during feeding. Common signs include difficulty latching, clicking sounds while nursing, prolonged feeding sessions, poor weight gain, or maternal discomfort during breastfeeding. Bottle-fed babies may also struggle with coordination or tire easily while feeding.
Because the tongue plays a key role in shaping the upper jaw and supporting proper palate development, early restriction can influence craniofacial growth patterns.
Signs of Tongue Tie in Toddlers and Older Children
As children grow, the symptoms can shift. Walnut Creek parents should watch for:
- Speech articulation issues, especially difficulty with sounds like “L,” “R,” “T,” “D,” or “TH”
- Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture at rest
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Gagging easily
- Dental crowding or a narrow, high palate
- Persistent gap between lower front teeth
When the tongue cannot properly rest against the roof of the mouth, it cannot guide healthy jaw development. Over time, this may contribute to a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, and airway restriction.
The Airway and Tongue Tie Connection
Functional pediatric dentistry recognizes that the tongue plays a crucial role in airway development. A restricted tongue may contribute to mouth breathing, which is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and, in some cases, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
Children who snore, grind their teeth, wet the bed beyond typical developmental age, or wake up tired may benefit from a comprehensive airway and tongue tie evaluation.
How Tongue Tie Is Evaluated
A proper tongue tie assessment goes beyond simply looking under the tongue. Evaluation includes observing tongue mobility, functional movement patterns, speech concerns, feeding history, and jaw development. In some cases, imaging and airway evaluation may also be recommended.
Not every tongue tie requires treatment. The decision depends on functional impact. When intervention is necessary, a frenectomy (often performed with a gentle laser technique) can release the restriction and restore proper mobility. Post-procedure exercises are typically recommended to support optimal healing and function.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Early identification of tongue tie in children can help prevent more complex orthodontic or airway issues later. When addressed appropriately, many children experience improvements in feeding efficiency, speech clarity, breathing patterns, and overall comfort.
If you’re noticing signs of tongue tie, mouth breathing, speech concerns, or feeding challenges, a functional pediatric dental evaluation can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your child’s development.
Healthy growth starts with proper function. If you would like your child evaluated for tongue tie or airway development concerns, we welcome you to schedule a visit.
Ready to get started on your family's new dental journey? Contact us here!
Call (925) 949-8427
1800 San Miguel Dr.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
