What Is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin piece of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual. This restricts how freely the tongue can move — which can affect how a person feeds, speaks, swallows, and even breathes.
Tongue-ties can appear in infants, children, and even adults. While many people assume it’s only a breastfeeding issue in babies or speech issue in children, research now shows that tongue function plays a vital role in oral development, airway growth, and overall health.
Why Is Tongue-Tie Becoming More Recognized Now?
You may wonder — if tongue-tie has existed for generations, why are we only hearing about it now?
In the past, tongue-ties were often dismissed or missed entirely because their impact went beyond what was visible. With modern advances in functional medicine and dentistry, lactation science, and speech therapy, professionals now understand that tongue restriction affects far more than feeding — it influences speech clarity, facial growth, sleep quality, and posture.
The rise of laser frenectomies has also made treatment more precise, gentle, and accessible, contributing to the growing awareness and acceptance of tongue-tie care worldwide.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Tongue-Tie
In Infants:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Prolonged feeding sessions or poor weight gain
- Falls asleep easily during feeding
- Mother experiencing nipple pain or damage
In Children:
- Speech delay or unclear pronunciation (e.g., difficulty with “r”, “l”, “t”, “d”, “s”)
- Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
- Trouble eating certain textures or swallowing properly
- Teeth grinding, drooling, or restless sleep
In Adults:
- Speech fatigue or tension in the jaw and neck
- Snoring or sleep-disordered breathing
- Difficulty maintaining good oral posture
- Chronic headaches or tightness under the tongue
Benefits of a Tongue-Tie Release (Frenectomy)
A tongue-tie release can bring life-changing improvements when performed for the right reasons and in the right hands. Some benefits include:
- Improved latch and feeding for infants
- Better tongue mobility and clearer speech
- Enhanced sleep and breathing patterns
- Healthier facial and jaw development
- Relief from neck, jaw, and shoulder tension
- Increased confidence in oral function and daily comfort
At Medikalevant/ Denta Levant TT Clinic, Dr. Fahmi and Dr Najib uses the latest technology in tongue tie release, CO₂ Laser which allows for gentle, precise frenectomies with minimal discomfort and rapid healing.
Not All Tongue-Ties Need to Be Released
It’s important to understand that treatment should never be rushed. Some tongue-ties are functional, meaning they do not significantly restrict movement or cause symptoms.
A thorough assessment by a trained professional — often alongside input from lactation consultants, speech therapists, or myofunctional therapists — helps determine whether a release is truly needed or if myofunctional therapy (tongue exercises) alone may help improve function.
Why Seeing a Skilled Tongue-Tie Provider Matters
Tongue-tie assessment is more than just looking under the tongue. A qualified provider will evaluate appearance, mobility, and function — how the tongue moves during feeding, swallowing, and speech.
At Medikalevant/ Dentalevant TT, Dr. Fahmi and his team practice a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical, dental, and functional expertise to ensure patients receive comprehensive care before, during, and after treatment.
Potential Complications of Leaving a Tongue-Tie Untreated
If a significant tongue-tie is not addressed, it may lead to:
- Ongoing breastfeeding difficulties eventually leading to early cessation of milk production
- Poor weight gain in infants despite frequent nursing
- Speech and articulation problems not up to age
- Chronic mouth breathing and airway narrowing, causing facial and postural changes
- Sleep disturbances (snoring, teeth grinding)
- Long-term effects on jaw development and mouth and tongue posture
Addressing tongue restriction early can prevent years of frustration and functional challenges.
In Summary
Tongue-tie awareness is growing because modern healthcare now recognizes that oral function is deeply connected to overall health. Whether for a newborn struggling to feed, a child with speech challenges, or an adult with sleep or tension issues, understanding tongue mobility is key.
At Medikalevant/ Dentalevant TT Clinic, Dr. Fahmi and Dr Najib alongside our multidisciplinary team are dedicated to helping patients eat, speak, and breathe better through compassionate, evidence-based care.
