The Consequences of Leaving Your Child’s Tongue Tie Untreated

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which children cannot properly move their tongues. While some cases do not cause any problems, others need to be treated to avoid problems in the future.

What Causes Tongue Tie?

The lingual frenulum, a thin band of tissue that runs from the tongue to the base of the mouth, generally separates when babies are born. Occasionally, this tissue band remains intact. As a result, children with this condition may find it challenging to move their tongues through a full range of motion, which may interfere with speaking and eating.

Though it can also happen to girls, tongue tie is more common in boys. There is no known cause for this condition, although having a family history of tongue tie might increase the likelihood of developing it.

Symptoms of Tongue Tie

Several obvious signs can alert you to the possibility that your baby has tongue tie. However, the symptoms will start to change as your child gets older.
Watch for the following symptoms in your baby:

• A clicking noise while feeding
• Latching challenges during breastfeeding
• Long periods of breastfeeding
• Sleep deprivation
• Weight gain challenges
• Constant hunger
• Difficulties introducing solids
• Tongue tip in the shape of a heart

Mothers breastfeeding a tongue-tied baby may experience some of their own symptoms, such as sore or cracked nipples, pain during nursing, low milk production, mastitis and depression.
As your baby grows into a young child, they will exhibit different symptoms, such as:

• Swallowing issues
• Continuous dribbling
• Having difficulty licking ice cream
• Speech impediments
• Unable to move the tongue in all directions
• Playing wind instruments is challenging
• Unable to stick out tongue

If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, you should make an appointment at the NYC Tongue Tie for a consultation as soon as possible.

Consequences of Tongue-Tie Left Untreated

Without treatment, tongue-tie can harm your child’s health at different stages of their life. If tongue-tie is left untreated until adulthood, it can lead to various complications, including:

• Popping or clicking jaws
• Jaw ache
• Migraines
• Lower jaw protrusion
• Difficulties in social situations, such as eating, dating and kissing
• Speech challenges following light alcohol use
• Unable to speak loudly, softly or fast clearly
• Oral health issues such as persistent cavities, gum disease and the necessity for extractions
• Elevated stress level
• Older adults may find it challenging to keep their dentures in place

Tongue-Tie Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

Fortunately, treating a tongue tie in babies, children and adults is quick and painless. The process takes less than ten minutes, and patients can return home and begin drinking and eating immediately. If you have questions about tongue tie treatment, please get in touch with us at NYC Tongue Tie in Midtown Manhattan to make an appointment.