Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, may seem like a minor issue at first, but for many infants and young children, it can have significant impacts on feeding, speech, and even sleep quality. Understanding the symptoms and long-term effects of tongue-tie is essential for parents who want to support their child’s development. Let’s explore how tongue-tie affects daily functions and how myofunctional therapy can be a game-changer for kids dealing with this condition.

What exactly is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie occurs when the frenulum—the small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion, making it harder for children to perform essential functions such as sucking, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing effectively.

How Tongue-Tie Affects Feeding in Babies and Children

Feeding issues are often the first sign that a child may have tongue-tie. Here’s how it shows up across different age groups:

Infants: For babies, a restricted tongue can make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenging. Many infants with tongue-tie struggle to latch properly, tire quickly during feedings, or swallow air, which can lead to gas and colic-like symptoms. Parents may notice that their baby is fussier than usual after feeding or that feedings take longer.
Toddlers and Older Kids: As children move to solid foods, they may have difficulty chewing foods that require more complex tongue movements. This can lead to selective or picky eating, as well as frustration during mealtimes. Some kids may avoid certain textures entirely, preferring soft foods because they’re easier to manage.

The Link Between Tongue-Tie and Speech Delays

Many parents first notice a speech delay as their child grows. Tongue-tie can make it challenging to produce certain sounds, especially those that require the tongue to move freely. Speech sounds like "t," "d," "l," "r," and "s" often involve specific tongue placements that children with tongue-tie find difficult to achieve. This can lead to unclear speech or frustration in children who are trying to communicate but struggle with articulation.

The Hidden Connection: Tongue-Tie and Sleep Issues

Tongue-tie doesn’t just affect feeding and speech—it can also disrupt sleep. When the tongue is tethered, children are more likely to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing can disturb sleep patterns, lead to snoring, and in some cases, contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. This lack of restful sleep can impact a child’s mood, focus, and overall well-being.

Signs of Tongue-Tie in Your Child

Parents should look out for several key signs, which can sometimes appear subtle but indicate possible tongue-tie:

Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding as an infant
Gagging or choking on solid foods due to poor control while chewing
Messy eating or a limited diet due to texture sensitivity
Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation of certain sounds

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help

Myofunctional therapy focuses on training the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to work harmoniously. This therapy can significantly improve tongue mobility, support feeding and chewing, and help correct mouth-breathing habits that contribute to sleep disturbances. Therapy exercises encourage proper tongue posture and movement, which is essential for kids with tongue-tie and can prevent or mitigate the need for surgical intervention.

Practical Tips for Parents

If you suspect your child may have tongue-tie, here are some practical tips to support their development:

Encourage Chewing: Offer safe, chewable foods to strengthen the muscles involved in eating.
Practice Fun Tongue Exercises: Simple activities, like trying to reach the roof of the mouth with the tongue, can improve tongue mobility and make a difference over time.
Promote Nose Breathing: Gently remind your child to breathe through their nose, which can become a helpful habit over time.
Consult a Professional: If you notice persistent feeding, speech, or sleep issues, consulting a myofunctional therapist can be a valuable first step.

Tongue-ties can be a challenging issue for children and parents alike, but with the right information and support, it’s possible to help your child thrive. Whether it’s feeding, speech, or sleep, myofunctional therapy offers promising solutions to tackle the symptoms of tongue-tie head-on.

Thank you for reading, and here’s to supporting your child’s development every step of the way!

The Impact of Tongue-Tie on Feeding, Speech, and Sleep: What Every Parent Should Know