A Parent’s Guide to Tongue Tie: How to Prepare You and Your Child

If you’re a parent worried about your baby’s latch, your toddler’s eating habits, or your child’s speech development, you are not alone. Many families discover that a small but important issue—tongue tie—is the cause of these concerns.

We know the words “oral restriction” or “frenotomy” can feel intimidating, especially when they involve your child. But a guide to help understand how to prepare for a tongue tie consultation or procedure can ease your mind and set you and your child up for a smoother experience.

Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) due to a short lingual frenulum, in a 4 years old child.

Gzzz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, happens when the band of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight. This limits how well the tongue can move.

Tongue ties can affect newborns, babies, toddlers, and even older children.

Signs of a Tongue Tie at Different Ages

Tongue ties can show up in a variety of ways depending on your child’s age.

In infants and babies, look for:

Difficulty latching or staying latched
Gassy, fussy feeding
Clicking sounds during nursing or bottle feeding
Poor weight gain despite frequent feeds
Long, tiring feeding sessions

In toddlers and young children, you might notice:

Difficulty with solid foods or a limited diet
Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation
Frustration with talking
Trouble sticking out the tongue or licking lips

What Happens During a Tongue Tie Evaluation?

Your ENT provider will examine your child’s mouth, tongue mobility, and any related concerns. Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, we may:

Observe a feeding (for babies)
Assess speech sounds (for older children)
Check how the tongue lifts, sticks out, and moves

What to Expect from a Tongue Tie Procedure

If a tongue tie is confirmed, your provider may recommend a frenotomy (tongue frenuloplasty)—a quick, safe procedure to release the tight tissue. In babies, this often takes just seconds and is done in the office. For older children, the procedure may require numbing or light sedation.

Tongue Tie Aftercare Guide: What to Expect and Watch For

Most children recover quickly. Some soreness or fussiness is normal, especially in the first 24–48 hours.

Keep an eye out for:

Unusual bleeding
Fever
Signs your child isn’t feeding or speaking as usual after a few days

Your child's provider should give detailed aftercare instructions, including how to encourage proper tongue movement as your child heals.

Schedule a Tongue-Tie Consultation in Hollywood, Florida

If you’re looking for a trusted ear, nose, throat specialist to evaluate your child’s tongue tie, we’re here to help. Your child’s comfort, health, and confidence matter—and together, we can make sure their smile (and speech!) shines bright.

Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States

Phone: 754-888-1368

Email: info@entfamily.com

Schedule Appointment

References

Becker S, Brizuela M, Mendez MD. Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) [Updated 2023 Jun 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482295 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, August 2). Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tongue-tie/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378456

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022, April 12). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tongue-tie-ankyloglossia