Imagine this: You're in the early, sleep-deprived weeks of parenthood, trying to breastfeed your newborn but every feeding feels like a battle. Your baby struggles to latch, cries in frustration, and you're in pain. A lactation consultant mentions tongue-tie, and suddenly, you're down a rabbit hole of research. Do you wait? Act now? How do you know what's right?

These are the kinds of questions many parents face when navigating a tongue-tie diagnosis. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that can impact a child’s ability to feed, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.

Understanding when and how to address a tongue-tie is key to supporting your child’s growth and development. In this guide, we’ll break down what tongue-tie looks like at different stages, the ideal age for treatment, what to expect from a frenotomy, and why early intervention can make all the difference.

Understanding Tongue-Tie: What Is It?

Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue beneath the tongue—is too short, thick, or tight, restricting the tongue's range of motion. While it’s present at birth, its symptoms can appear at different times depending on the severity and the child’s stage of development.

What Does Tongue-Tie Look Like in Different Ages?

In infants, symptoms often include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, prolonged feeding sessions, weight gain issues, or a clicking sound while nursing. In toddlers, signs may evolve into speech delays, trouble with solid foods, or messy eating. In older children, limited tongue movement can lead to challenges with speech clarity, oral hygiene, and even sleep-disordered breathing.

There are two main types of tongue-tie:

Anterior tongue-tie: Easily visible and located near the tip of the tongue. Often recognized earlier due to its effect on feeding.

Posterior tongue-tie: Less visible and located farther back under the tongue, but still restrictive and often overlooked.

Tongue-tie is estimated to affect up to 10% of newborns, though diagnosis rates vary. It may also run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Common Myths

“They’ll grow out of it.” Not always. While some mild cases become less problematic over time, many worsen or create new challenges as the child grows.

“Only breastfeeding babies are affected.” False. Even bottle-fed babies and older children can experience functional limitations due to tongue-tie.

The Ideal Age for Tongue-Tie Release

When Is Too Early—or Too Late?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal timing depends on how the tongue-tie is affecting your child. In newborns (0–3 months), early treatment is often recommended if there are obvious feeding issues. A quick in-office frenotomy can resolve latch problems, alleviate maternal pain, and support healthy weight gain.

Between 3–12 months, treatment is still highly effective and may support transition to solids or address early signs of speech delays. In toddlers and preschoolers (1–4 years), the decision to intervene may be prompted by speech challenges, picky eating, or sleep issues.

Should You Wait Until Speech Issues Arise?

Waiting can sometimes make things more complex. By the time a child develops compensatory habits—like improper speech patterns or swallowing dysfunction—it may take more therapy to correct those habits even after the tongue-tie is released.

That said, later intervention is not ineffective. Many children benefit from tongue-tie treatment in elementary school and beyond, especially if symptoms were missed earlier. The key is working with professionals who understand how tongue-tie impacts function, not just appearance.

What Happens During a Tongue-Tie Release?

The Frenotomy Procedure

A frenotomy is a quick and safe procedure to release the restrictive frenulum. At Floss Academy, we use a dental laser for most frenotomies. This method offers several benefits over scissors, including:

• More precision
• Minimal bleeding
• Less discomfort
• Faster healing

The procedure usually takes just a few minutes. In infants, it's often done in-office while the parent holds the baby. Older children may be treated with topical or local anesthetic.

What to Expect Afterward

Most infants are able to nurse immediately after the procedure. Some mild fussiness or discomfort is normal but short-lived. For older children, soft foods are recommended for a few days. You may be given stretches or oral motor exercises to reduce the chance of reattachment and improve function—especially in children who already have speech or feeding habits in place.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

For Breastfeeding

• Better latch: Babies can maintain suction more effectively.
• Less pain for parents: Sore nipples and cracked skin often resolve quickly after treatment.
• Improved milk transfer: Infants can feed more efficiently and gain weight consistently.
• Enhanced bonding: Feeding becomes a more relaxed and connected experience.

For Speech

• Clear articulation: The tongue plays a crucial role in forming sounds like “L,” “R,” “T,” and “S.”
• Fewer compensatory habits: Treating early can prevent children from forming incorrect speech patterns.

For Oral Health

• Improved self-cleaning: A mobile tongue helps clean food off the teeth and gums.
• Better hygiene habits: Brushing and flossing are easier with full tongue mobility.

For Airway Health

• Better breathing: In some cases, a restricted tongue can contribute to mouth breathing or airway obstruction.
• Improved sleep: Releasing the tongue may support nasal breathing and reduce issues like snoring or restless sleep.

Risks and Considerations

While tongue-tie treatment is generally safe, it’s not without considerations.

When to wait: If the restriction is mild and not currently causing functional problems, your provider may recommend monitoring instead of immediate treatment.

Risks: As with any procedure, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or reattachment. However, with proper technique and aftercare, these risks are minimal.

Aftercare matters: Gentle stretches and follow-up visits are essential to support healing and reduce the risk of reattachment.

Therapy may be needed: Depending on the age and symptoms, myofunctional therapy or feeding therapy may be recommended to fully address the impact of the tie.

What Do the Experts Say?

Leading health organizations and specialists recognize the potential impact of tongue-tie and support treatment when symptoms are present.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that tongue-tie can interfere with breastfeeding and that frenotomy may help improve outcomes.

IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) often identify tongue-tie in babies struggling to nurse effectively.

Speech-language pathologists and pediatric dentists note that untreated ties can lead to articulation problems and oral dysfunction later in life.

Parent FAQ

Is tongue-tie genetic?

Yes, tongue-tie often runs in families. If one sibling has been diagnosed, it’s worth evaluating others as well.

Can tongue-tie grow back?

The tissue itself doesn’t grow back, but if aftercare exercises aren’t followed, the site can reattach. That’s why post-op instructions are so important.

Will my child need speech therapy after?

Not always—but if the tongue-tie caused speech delays or incorrect articulation, therapy may help retrain the muscles and improve clarity.

What if my pediatrician says to wait?

Pediatricians may take a “watch and wait” approach, especially if symptoms aren’t obvious. Consulting a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant with experience in tethered oral tissues can give you a more function-focused evaluation.

Can adults have tongue-tie?

Absolutely. Many adults discover they’ve had a posterior tongue-tie their whole life and seek treatment for speech or airway issues later on.

Take Action for Your Child's Health in Chicago

At Floss Academy, we understand how overwhelming parenting decisions can be—especially when it comes to something as personal and foundational as feeding, speech, and sleep. We’ve seen firsthand the transformation that tongue-tie release can make in a child’s life—and in the lives of their parents.

If you’re unsure whether your child may benefit from treatment, we’re here to help. Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Call us today at (312) 584-0447 to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a healthier, happier future for your child.