Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a common condition present at birth where the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short, thick, or tight. This restriction limits the tongue’s range of motion, which might seem minor at first—but it can have far-reaching effects on breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, airway health, posture, sleep, and even cognitive development.

At Angela B Bateson, DDS, we see families every day whose children struggle with symptoms that they never connected to a tongue tie. Early identification and a holistic treatment approach can make a world of difference. Here’s what every parent should know.

Effects on Latching for Breastfeeding

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a tongue tie appears during feeding. A restricted tongue cannot lift, extend, or cup properly around the nipple, leading to a shallow latch. Babies often make clicking sounds, slip off the breast, or feed for long periods without transferring enough milk. Mothers frequently experience cracked, sore, or blanched nipples and may develop mastitis or low milk supply. Babies can show poor weight gain, excessive gas, reflux, and frustration at the breast. Without intervention, this can lead to early weaning.

Impact on Speech Development

As children grow, limited tongue mobility can interfere with forming certain sounds—especially “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” “s,” “z,” and “th.” Speech may sound unclear, mumbled, or delayed. Many children compensate with jaw or facial movements, which can create additional strain.

Challenges with Swallowing

Proper swallowing requires the tongue to press against the roof of the mouth and move food or liquid backward efficiently. A tongue tie often results in a tongue-thrust swallow pattern, gagging on textures, messy eating, or food pocketing in the cheeks. Over time, this can contribute to digestive discomfort and poor oral hygiene.

Airway Health, Sleep Apnea, and Breathing Issues

The tongue’s natural resting position should be against the palate, helping to shape a wide upper jaw and open airway. When restricted, the tongue sits low in the mouth, encouraging mouth breathing, a high/narrow palate, and crowded teeth. This can lead to snoring, noisy breathing, and even obstructive sleep apnea in children. Poor airway development is a root cause of many sleep-related breathing disorders.

Tension in the Neck, Shoulders, and Full-Body Fascia

The tongue is connected to the rest of the body through a network of fascia (connective tissue). A tight frenulum creates compensatory tension that travels up to the jaw, neck, and shoulders—and even down the spine and pelvis. Children may develop forward head posture, chronic neck or shoulder tightness, headaches, or TMJ issues. Many parents are surprised to learn that a tongue tie can contribute to full-body fascial restrictions.

Sleep Disturbances: Night Terrors, Bedwetting, Thrashing, and More

Disrupted breathing at night robs children of restorative sleep. Common signs include:

• Restless sleep or frequent tossing and turning (“thrashing”)
• Night terrors or nightmares
• Bedwetting (enuresis) beyond the typical age
• Teeth grinding
• Mouth breathing during sleep

These issues stem from the brain waking repeatedly to reopen the airway, even if the child doesn’t fully remember it.

Effects on Cognitive Growth and Misdiagnosis as ADHD

Poor sleep quality directly impacts brain development, attention, memory, and emotional regulation. Children with untreated tongue ties may appear hyperactive, inattentive, or irritable—symptoms that closely mimic ADHD. Many are misdiagnosed and medicated when the root issue is actually a restricted airway and chronic sleep fragmentation. Addressing the tongue tie and improving sleep often leads to dramatic improvements in focus, behavior, and learning.

How to Identify Tongue Tie: Symptoms That Warrant a Check by a Myofunctional Therapist

If your child shows any of the following, it’s time for a professional evaluation by a trained myofunctional therapist (the experts in oral function and tongue mobility):

In Infants:

• Difficulty latching or maintaining a deep latch during breastfeeding
• Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
• Prolonged feeding sessions or frequent short feeds
• Poor weight gain or “failure to thrive”
• Falling asleep quickly at the breast but still seeming hungry
• Gassiness, reflux, or colic-like symptoms
• Heart-shaped or notched tongue tip when crying or sticking out the tongue

In Toddlers and Older Children:

Limited tongue movement (cannot lift to the roof of the mouth, stick out past the lower teeth/gums, or move side-to-side easily)
Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing sounds like t, d, l, r, s, z
Messy eating, gagging on textures, or food falling out of the mouth
Open-mouth posture or mouth breathing (even during the day)
Snoring, restless sleep, night wakings, night terrors, or bedwetting
Complaints of neck/shoulder tightness or headaches
Behavioral issues, poor concentration, or ADHD-like symptoms
Teeth grinding or crowded teeth

A myofunctional therapist performs a functional assessment of tongue mobility, swallowing, breathing, and posture to determine if a tongue tie is contributing to these issues. Early evaluation is key—don’t wait for problems to worsen.

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?

If you suspect a tongue-tie, schedule a consultation with Angela B. Bateson, DDS. Our team works closely with myofunctional therapists and other specialists for comprehensive care. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Contact us today in Findlay, Ohio, at 419-425-0303 to learn more.