A Parent’s Guide to Tongue Tie in Older Kids: Symptoms & Treatment
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Many parents hear about tongue ties only in the context of breastfeeding. Once those early months pass, the conversation often fades.
But the truth is that many tongue and lip ties go undiagnosed in infancy and continue to cause challenges as children grow. These restrictions can affect tongue movement, speech development, feeding issues, and even oral hygiene habits as kids get older.
In this blog, you will learn the signs and symptoms of tongue ties and lip ties in older children, how they can cause speech difficulties and dental problems, and what treatment options are available in Frisco, TX.
We are always accepting new patients at our offices in Frisco, McKinney and Prosper, TX
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Tongue ties are often associated with infants, but they can affect older kids as well. A tongue tie may contribute to challenges with speech, eating, or dental development.
Signs of a Tie in Older Kids
Tongue and lip ties are often most talked about in infancy, but they can sometimes continue to play a role as children grow.
Not every tie needs treatment, but when the restriction is more significant, it may contribute to challenges with speech, eating, or dental development. Recognizing these signs early can help parents decide whether an evaluation is worthwhile.
Lip tie may cause a poor seal while nursing, leading infants to swallow more air and experience discomfort, spitting up, or excessive gassiness. As children grow, an untreated lip tie can sometimes contribute to orthodontic concerns such as a gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth.
Speech and Pronunciation Issues
A tongue tie can cause speech problems because a restricted tongue cannot easily lift to the roof of the mouth. This makes certain sounds very hard to form clearly, including “t,” “d,” “l,” “n,” “r,” “s,” and “z.” A speech therapist can help identify whether tongue mobility is limiting sound production.
Picky Eating
A tongue tie also affects how food is moved around the mouth. Without a full range of motion, chewing is less efficient. Kids may:
- Eat slowly because chewing takes extra effort
- Gag or choke more often
- Show strong preferences for soft foods like pasta or yogurt, while avoiding meats, crunchy vegetables, or chewy textures
Sometimes what looks like picky eating is actually a physical limitation. A lactation consultant may notice these feeding issues early in infancy, but if left untreated, they can carry over into childhood.
Dental, Jaw, and Airway Concerns
A tongue tie can sometimes influence how the mouth and jaws develop, though the effects vary from child to child.
When the tongue cannot easily rest against the palate, it may sit lower in the mouth. Over time, this positioning can contribute to a higher, narrower palate or crowding as permanent teeth come in. Some children may also develop a habit of mouth breathing, which can be influenced by other factors such as allergies or enlarged tonsils.
In certain cases, restricted tongue movement may play a role in airway development or sleep quality, though this connection is still being studied. Not every child with a tie will experience these challenges, but if concerns like crowding, mouth breathing, or poor sleep arise, a pediatric dentist can help determine whether a tongue tie is part of the picture
Tongue Tie Treatment Options
Not every tongue or lip tie requires treatment right away. In mild cases where a child is not experiencing speech, eating, or dental concerns, a “watch and wait” approach may be appropriate. Regular check-ins with a pediatric dentist can help ensure that the restriction is not causing new problems as your child grows.
When a tie is more restrictive, the most common treatment is a frenectomy. This simple in-office procedure releases the tight band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip.
We perform this treatment with the LightScalpel CO₂ soft tissue laser. Benefits include:
- Minimal discomfort
- Little to no bleeding
- Fast healing and quick return to normal eating and speaking
Book a Tongue Tie Consultation in Frisco, TX
Wondering if a tongue or lip tie is affecting your child? Schedule a consultation with Lonestar Kids’ Dentistry in Frisco.
To book an appointment, call (214) 618-5200, request an appointment online or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQs
A tongue tie itself does not directly cause headaches. However, some children with restricted tongue movement may develop muscle tension in the jaw or neck, which can sometimes contribute to discomfort. If headaches are frequent, it is best to discuss them with your child’s dentist or pediatrician.
There is no set age limit. A frenectomy can be performed safely on children, teens, and even adults. Earlier treatment may help prevent long-term issues, but older children can still benefit.
Yes, it can in some cases. If the tongue has limited range of motion, food may not move around the mouth as easily, which can make gagging more likely. This is especially common with tougher or textured foods.
Sometimes nothing at all, many mild ties never cause problems. In other cases, a tie can continue to affect speech clarity, eating habits, or dental development as a child grows. If concerns persist, an evaluation can help decide whether treatment is needed.
If you are in the Frisco area, Lonestar Kids’ Dentistry provides tongue and lip tie evaluations and laser frenectomy treatment for children. With offices in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, our team makes it convenient for families across North Texas to get care close to home.