Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Tongue-Tie Release

A tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the thin strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. This restriction can limit tongue movement, leading to issues with feeding, speech, and oral development. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue-ties to help infants and children thrive.

Common Signs of Tongue-Tie in Infants

For newborns and infants, an untreated tongue-tie can make breastfeeding difficult, affecting both the baby and the mother. Some key signs include:

• Difficulty latching – The baby struggles to maintain a deep, secure latch while nursing.
• Frequent feedings or prolonged nursing sessions – Inefficient sucking may cause babies to feed more often or for longer periods without satisfaction.
• Poor weight gain – Babies who struggle with latching and sucking may not get enough milk, leading to slow weight gain.
• Clicking sounds while nursing – A tongue-tie can cause improper suction, leading to clicking noises during feeding.
• Maternal nipple pain or damage – Poor latch mechanics can result in sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, making breastfeeding painful.
• Excessive gassiness or reflux – Swallowing air due to inefficient sucking can lead to digestive discomfort.

How Tongue-Tie Affects Toddlers and Older Children

While tongue-ties often become noticeable in infancy, some children do not receive a diagnosis until they experience speech, eating, or dental issues. Signs that an older child may benefit from tongue-tie release include:

• Speech difficulties – Trouble pronouncing certain letters, such as “L,” “R,” “T,” “D,” and “S.”
• Limited tongue mobility – Difficulty sticking out the tongue, licking an ice cream cone, or moving the tongue side to side.
• Difficulty swallowing solid foods – A restricted tongue may make eating certain textures challenging.
• Mouth breathing or snoring – Tongue-tie can contribute to improper tongue posture, leading to airway issues.
• Oral hygiene challenges – Limited tongue movement can prevent proper clearing of food debris, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Frustration or avoidance of certain foods – Some children with tongue-ties struggle with textures or chewing, making mealtimes difficult.

Benefits of Tongue-Tie Release

A tongue-tie release, or frenectomy, is a simple, quick, and effective procedure that allows for greater tongue mobility. The benefits of treatment include:

• Improved breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
• Better speech clarity
• Enhanced eating and swallowing function
• Reduced risk of dental issues and oral infections
• Improved sleep and airway health

Schedule a Consultation at Juban Cowen Dental Care

If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie, early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, we provide gentle, expert tongue-tie release procedures to support your child’s oral and overall health. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and give your child the best start possible!