Tongue-tie is a condition present at birth where the thin band of tissue under the tongue — called the lingual frenulum — is shorter or tighter than normal. This can restrict how the tongue moves, making it harder for babies to feed and, in some cases, affecting speech or oral health later on.
Normally, the frenulum separates before birth, allowing the tongue to move freely. When this doesn’t happen completely, the tongue may stay partially attached to the floor of the mouth — this is what’s known as tongue-tie.
You may notice your child has tongue-tie if they experience one or more of the following:
Limited tongue movement — difficulty lifting, sticking out, or moving it from side to side
Trouble latching or staying latched while breastfeeding
Clicking sounds or frustration during feeding
A notched or “heart-shaped” appearance when the tongue is extended
Difficulty swallowing certain foods as they grow older
Speech challenges or unclear pronunciation in early childhood
The most common treatment for tongue-tie is a quick and gentle procedure called a frenotomy. During this procedure, the doctor or pediatric dentist carefully releases the tight frenulum using sterile scissors or a laser. Because the frenulum has very few nerve endings or blood vessels, the procedure is typically fast, safe, and requires only a local anesthetic. Stitches are rarely needed, and most babies can feed right after the procedure.
For older children or adults, the treatment process is similar but may be done under general anesthesia for comfort. In some cases, speech therapy is recommended afterward to help improve tongue movement and pronunciation.
