Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Tongue movement plays an important role in feeding, speaking, and everyday oral function. When the thin band of tissue under the tongue is too tight or short, the tongue cannot move normally. This condition is called a tongue tie.
Legacy Surgery offers frenectomy in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
What Are the Symptoms of a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum restricts how far the tongue can lift, extend, or move side to side. When movement is limited, normal oral function may be affected.
Common tongue tie symptoms include:
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
- Limited ability to stick the tongue out
- Trouble moving food around the mouth while eating
- Speech sounds that are difficult to pronounce
- Jaw or tongue fatigue from overworking other muscles
The severity of symptoms depends on how restricted the tongue movement is.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Babies
In babies, tongue tie symptoms most often appear during feeding. The tongue must move freely to create suction and maintain a stable latch during breastfeeding.
Signs of tongue tie in babies may include:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Frequent slipping off the breast
- Long feeding sessions without satisfaction
- Slow or poor weight gain
Mothers may also experience nipple pain because the baby cannot maintain a proper latch.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Children
As children grow, the tongue becomes important for speech and oral coordination. Restricted movement may make certain sounds harder to produce.
Symptoms in children may include:
- Difficulty pronouncing sounds such as t, d, l, or r
- Speech that sounds unclear or delayed
- Difficulty licking lips or removing food from teeth
- Frustration when trying to pronounce certain words
Some children adapt well, but others may continue to struggle with articulation.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Adults
Tongue tie can remain present into adulthood if it was not treated earlier. Some adults learn to compensate, but limited tongue movement can still affect oral function.
Symptoms in adults may include:
- Difficulty with certain speech sounds
- Tightness or fatigue in the jaw during speaking
- Trouble clearing food from teeth with the tongue
- Discomfort when eating certain foods
These symptoms often develop slowly as surrounding muscles compensate for restricted tongue movement.
Treatment for Tongue Tie
When tongue movement is significantly restricted, a procedure called a frenectomy may be recommended. This procedure releases the tight tissue under the tongue so it can move more freely.
During a frenectomy, the lingual frenulum is carefully released using small surgical instruments such as a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a cauterizing tool. The procedure is designed to improve tongue mobility and allow more normal oral function.
Tongue Tie Evaluation at Legacy Surgery
At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker evaluates tongue and lip ties by examining anatomy and how the tongue functions during daily activities. This evaluation helps determine whether treatment may improve feeding, speech, or oral movement.
Tongue Tie Release in Staunton, VA
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
What does a tongue tie look like?
A tongue tie often appears as a short or tight band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It may limit how far the tongue can lift or extend.
Can adults have tongue tie symptoms?
Some adults have had a tongue tie since birth but only notice symptoms later, especially if speech, eating, or oral muscle tension becomes a concern.
Does every tongue tie need treatment?
Does every tongue tie need treatment?
Treatment is only recommended when the restriction affects feeding, speech, or normal oral function.
Is a frenectomy a major procedure?
A frenectomy is a short, non-invasive procedure that is performed in-office. It is typically a very quick appointment and does not require sedation.