Tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is a condition that is present at birth. It can make everyday tasks harder, like eating, speaking, and breathing. It happens when the lingual frenulum, a small band of tissue, is too short, tight, or thick.  This band connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Doctors often find tongue-tie in babies, but they can miss it in childhood or adulthood. This is especially true when symptoms of tongue-tie are mild or confused with other problems.

At Therapeutic Potentials, Inc. (TPI), we have a team of licensed speech-language pathologists. They understand how tongue-tie can impact communication. They also know it can affect quality of life. 

If you are a worried parent or an adult with undiagnosed symptoms, this guide is for you. This will help you spot the signs of tongue-tie at any age. You will also learn how speech therapy can help.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie limits the tongue’s range of motion. For some people, this restriction is minor and doesn’t cause problems. For others, it can interfere with essential oral functions like breastfeeding, chewing, swallowing, and articulating certain sounds.

Doctors find and treat some cases of tongue-tie early. A child may struggle with speech later. An adult might have ongoing oral or airway problems.

Tongue-Tie in Babies

In infants, tongue-tie is often discovered during feeding difficulties. Breastfeeding in particular requires a wide range of tongue movements, including cupping and elevation. When these movements become restricted, both the baby and the parent may feel frustration.

These issues can look like other feeding problems. A full evaluation from a speech-language pathologist can help. Trainers should provide them with training in oral motor function. This evaluation can show if tongue-tie is a factor.

Tongue-Tie in Children

Some cases of tongue-tie are not identified until speech or eating issues emerge in early childhood. Children with undiagnosed tongue-tie may have trouble saying some sounds. This is especially true for sounds that need the tongue to move up or forward. Examples include “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” “th,” and “s.”

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie in Children:

A child with tongue-tie may develop new ways to cope. They might move their jaw instead of moving their tongue. This helps them deal with their limited tongue movement. While these strategies may “work” for a while, they can cause long-term issues with oral coordination and speech clarity.

Tongue-Tie in Adults

Many adults with tongue-tie do not receive a diagnosis in childhood. They change how they speak, eat, or breathe without knowing why. However, tongue-tie can still cause long-term functional problems that impact daily life.

Speech issues related to tongue-tie can also affect confidence in professional or social situations. In some cases, myofunctional therapy and/or surgical intervention (frenectomy) combined with speech therapy can significantly improve function, mobility, and clarity.

Functional Impacts of Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie doesn’t just affect speech—it impacts a range of essential activities. When left untreated, it may contribute to:

At TPI, we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We check how tongue-tie affects function, posture, breathing, and quality of life.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

If someone suspects tongue-tie, a speech-language pathologist will perform a full oral motor and functional assessment. This may include:

The therapist will suggest a personalized care plan. This plan may include speech therapy alone or with a surgical release, like a frenotomy or frenuloplasty.

Can Speech Therapy Help Tongue-Tie?

Yes, speech therapy can be crucial before and after a frenectomy. You can also use it alone if you do not need surgery. At TPI, our trained clinicians support clients by:

Therapy is customized to each individual’s goals, age, and lifestyle. If your child needs help with clear speech or you want to speak confidently at work, we can help. Our approach is practical, personal, and supportive.

When to Seek Help

If you or your child have problems with feeding, speech, or oral function, schedule a screening. A certified speech-language pathologist can help.

Early evaluation and intervention can: