Finding out your child has a tongue tie can be confusing and even a little overwhelming. As speech pathologists, we often work with families going through this, and want to help you understand what it means and what to expect.
What is a tongue tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is when the small piece of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter or tighter than usual. This can limit how well the tongue moves. Some tongue ties are easy to spot, while others are harder to see but still affect function.
Treatment options for tongue tie in children
Not every tongue tie needs treatment. The most important thing is how it affects your child. Some babies with tongue tie have trouble breastfeeding, while older children may struggle with speech sounds, eating certain foods, or keeping their teeth clean.
A speech pathologist can assess your child’s feeding, speech, and oral motor skills. We’ll work closely with other professionals like lactation consultants, dentists, or ENTs if needed. If the tongue tie is causing problems, your child may benefit from a procedure called a frenectomy, which releases the tie.
Before and after a frenectomy, therapy may help your child learn to use their tongue more effectively. This might include gentle exercises, speech sound practice, or support with feeding.
The good news is that many children with tongue ties go on to speak clearly and eat well with the right support. If you're unsure, trust your instincts and ask for help. Early support can make a big difference.
If you have questions, book a session with our Speech Pathologists who have additional skills in tongue tie treatment. They can help you to identify if your child has a tongue tie, and help you decide whether or not a frenectomy would be beneficial. If it is needed, they can then refer you to the right person to do the procedure while providing pre and post frenectomy exercises.
You can learn more about our Oral Myofunctional Therapy clinic on our website.
📞 Reach out to the team at Inner West Paediatrics to book a consultation or learn more on (02) 9560 8905 or info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au (or Contact Us through our website)
