How to Check for a Tongue Tie in Children

Tongue tie in children is present from birth. If not treated in certain cases, it may cause feeding, speech, and dental issues as the child grows.

Why Spotting Tongue Ties Early Matters

Catching a tongue tie early can make treatment easier and help prevent:

• Feeding problems in babies
• Speech delays in toddlers
• Trouble eating certain foods
• Dental concerns from restricted tongue movement

Not every child with a tongue tie will have all these issues, but early assessment helps decide the best approach.

Signs of Tongue Ties in Babies

If your baby is having trouble feeding, it may be a sign of a tongue tie. Look for:

• Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
• Long feeding sessions
• Clicking sounds while feeding
• Slow weight gain
• Sore nipples for the mother

If you notice these, book an appointment for child dental care in Narellan or see your paediatrician or lactation consultant.

How to Check for a Tongue Tie at Home

Only a dentist, doctor, or speech professional can confirm a tongue tie, but here’s a gentle at-home observation you can try:

Step 1: Wash your hands, then gently lift your child’s tongue to look underneath.
Step 2: Check the thin tissue (frenulum). Does it look short, tight, or pull the tongue tip down?
Step 3: Ask your child to:

• Stick their tongue out
• Touch their top teeth with their tongue
• Move their tongue side to side

If they can’t do these easily — or if you see a heart-shaped tongue tip when sticking it out — it may be tongue tie.

Tip: These checks are only a guide and can’t replace a professional diagnosis.

What Happens at a Dental Check-Up

At First Choice Dental, we look for:

• Tongue shape and movement range
• How your child swallows and speaks
• Feeding or chewing difficulties

If your child does have a tongue tie, we’ll talk about the best treatment — sometimes this may involve a quick, gentle frenectomy procedure, or we may work alongside a speech pathologist or lactation consultant for a full care plan.

How Tongue Ties Can Affect Your Child

If left untreated, a tongue tie can sometimes cause:

• Feeding problems – trouble breastfeeding or bottle feeding in infants
• Speech challenges – difficulty making sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r”
• Dental issues – affecting jaw growth and tooth alignment
• Eating difficulties – trouble chewing or swallowing

Treatment for Tongue Ties in Children

Recovering proper tongue and mouth function often needs a team approach. Chiropractic or osteopathic care can help relax the muscles, making breastfeeding, swallowing, chewing, and everyday movement easier. Lactation consultants can guide you through both breast and bottle feeding, helping you find the best approach for your child’s needs. If speech has been affected, speech therapy can make a big difference.

When to See a Children’s Dentist for Tongue Tie

Book a check-up if your child has:

• Feeding or chewing difficulties
• Delayed speech
• Limited tongue movement
• Pain or tightness under the tongue

Depending on age and needs, you may also see a paediatrician, lactation consultant, or speech therapist.

Can Tongue Ties Go Away Naturally?

In some mild cases, the frenulum may stretch as your child grows. However, if your child can’t move their tongue freely and it’s impacting feeding, speech, or comfort, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.

How Parents Can Help at Home

• Follow tongue exercises given by your dentist or speech therapist
• Observe changes in feeding, speech, and eating habits
• Keep up with regular dental visits

Bottom line: Spotting tongue ties early and getting the right advice can help your child eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

At First Choice Dental, we care for families in Narellan, Mount Annan, Camden, and nearby suburbs with gentle, professional children’s dental care. Whether it’s a simple check-up or a quick treatment, your child’s smile is in safe hands.