
Understanding Tongue Tie and Its Impact On Speech
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Reading time: three minutes.
Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, occurs when a tight band of tissue called the lingual frenulum restricts tongue mobility and reduces range of motion.
A common question we hear is: Can a tongue tie affect speech?
The answer is—yes! In this blog, we will explain why a tongue-tie affects speech, the signs to watch for, and how a frenectomy can help address this condition, improving your child’s quality of life.
Table of Contents
How Tongue-Tie Restricts Speech Development
The tongue plays a crucial role in forming sounds by pressing against the roof of the mouth, teeth, or lips.
When tongue movement is restricted by a tight frenulum, it may limit the ability to reach these positions, making it difficult for children to produce certain sounds, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.”
These sounds require precise tongue placement and movement, which may not be achievable with tongue-tie. Over time, this restriction can lead to frustration, delayed speech development, and unclear articulation.
Speech therapists often note that children with tongue-tie may compensate by substituting or omitting sounds, which can further hinder language skills.
While not every case leads to speech difficulties, restricted tongue movement caused by a tight frenulum can interfere with clear articulation and overall language development.
Key Takeaway
Yes, tongue-tie can affect speech. By limiting tongue mobility, it can make it harder for children to produce certain sounds, potentially leading to speech difficulties. Early intervention, such as a frenectomy, can improve speech clarity and help children communicate more effectively.
Identifying Signs of Tongue-Tie in Children
Recognizing this condition early is essential for addressing potential issues, including feeding challenges and speech difficulties.
Here are common signs to watch for:
- Feeding difficulties: Struggling to latch during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- Breastfeeding issues: Clicking sounds, poor weight gain, or incomplete milk transfer.
- Speech challenges: Delayed speech development or unclear articulation.
- Restricted tongue movement: Difficulty lifting or extending the tongue, or a heart-shaped tongue tip.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician, speech therapist, or pediatric dentist for an evaluation.
Treating Tongue-Tie with a Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy is a quick and effective procedure to release the restrictive lingual frenulum, restoring tongue mobility and range of motion. This procedure is also referred to as a tongue tie and lip tie laser surgery.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we offer a state-of-the-art laser frenectomy using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, which minimizes discomfort and promotes faster healing.
Steps of the Laser Frenectomy:
- Evaluation: The dentist assesses the degree of restriction and recommends the procedure if necessary.
- Preparation: Your child is positioned comfortably, and the area is numbed for a pain-free experience.
- Laser application: The LightScalpel CO2 laser gently vaporizes the tight tissue with minimal bleeding and no need for general anesthesia.
- Post-procedure care: You will receive detailed instructions for stretching exercises and tips to support healing.
Benefits of Addressing Tongue-Tie
A frenectomy offers several advantages for your child, including:
- Improved speech clarity: Greater articulation of sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.”
- Better feeding experiences: Easier breastfeeding or bottle feeding for infants.
- Enhanced oral hygiene: Reducing the buildup of food debris that can occur around the teeth.
- Support for language development: Facilitating clearer communication as your child grows.
Expert Care from Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry In Frisco, TX
Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Paul Rubin,DDS, Dr. David Sentelle, DMD,PHD, and Dr. Ashley Orynich, DMD, are skilled in LightScalpel CO2 laser frenectomies.
Their expertise ensures your child receives safe, effective, and compassionate care. Our goal is to support your child’s speech and feeding development with minimally invasive solutions.
To book an appointment at our Frisco location, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie can begin impacting speech as early as infancy, but noticeable challenges often emerge during toddler years as children develop language skills.
Untreated cases can lead to persistent feeding difficulties, speech delays, and long-term oral health issues like tooth decay or improper bite alignment.
Yes, a frenectomy can significantly enhance speech clarity by improving tongue mobility, allowing for proper articulation of sounds.
Yes, but it can be challenging. A tongue-tie may make it difficult for babies to latch properly, resulting in inefficient milk transfer, longer feeding times, and potential discomfort for the mother. Addressing the condition can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes.