If your child is struggling to speak clearly, one possible reason can be tongue-tie. Parents have never heard of it, and yet it can influence the way a child speaks, eats, and even sleeps. Tongue tie for baby is a condition that leads to feeding and speech issues, and it should be diagnosed early. Treatment for tongue-tie can do wonders for your child’s growth.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is too short or tight. This makes it hard for the tongue to move properly. Some children with tongue-tie, such as tongue-tie for baby, will have no symptoms, but others will have difficulty with breastfeeding, eating solid foods, and speaking. Tongue-tie is usually checked for by professionals during routine checkups.
Is Tongue-Tie Related to Speech Delay?
Yes, it can be. A child with tongue-tie may find it hard to move their tongue freely. This can make it difficult to say certain sounds clearly, especially sounds that need the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth or teeth—like “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” and “s.” When the tongue can’t move properly, the child may not be able to make these sounds the right way. Over time, this can lead to a speech delay. However, not every child with tongue-tie will have speech problems. That’s why a professional at a tongue tie center in Tampa needs to look at each child closely.
Signs Your Child May Have Tongue-Tie
Here are some signs that may show your child has tongue-tie:
- Trouble sticking their tongue out
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the top of the mouth
- Speech that’s hard to understand
- Problems with eating or swallowing
- Sounds like “t” or “l” are unclear
- Drooling often, even after toddler age
If your child shows these signs, it’s a good idea to speak with a professional.
How Tongue-Tie Is Diagnosed?
A professional usually checks for tongue-tie by looking at how the tongue moves. They may ask the child to stick out their tongue, move it side to side, or touch the roof of their mouth. Sometimes, if speech is already delayed, the child may also see a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This professional is trained to test how children speak and if the tongue-tie is affecting speech.
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
If tongue-tie is causing problems, treatment may be needed. The most common treatment is a small procedure called a frenectomy. During this procedure, the professional gently cuts the tight tissue under the tongue to let it move more freely. It’s quick and often done with little pain, especially in babies or young children.
Sometimes, a laser is used instead of scissors. This can make the healing process faster.
After the procedure, speech and eating usually improve, but not always right away. Some children may still need help from a speech therapist, especially if they’ve been struggling for a while.
The Role of Speech Therapy
Even after a tongue-tie is released, speech therapy may be needed to help a child learn how to say sounds correctly. A speech-language professional works with the child to teach them how to move their tongue and lips the right way when speaking.
There are special exercises for this. These are called tongue-tie speech therapy exercises. They help stretch and strengthen the tongue muscles. These exercises might include:
- Lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
- Moving the tongue side to side
- Making sounds like “la-la-la” or “ta-ta-ta”
These tongue tie speech therapy exercises can make a big difference in helping a child speak clearly.
When to Seek Help?
If you think your child has trouble speaking, don’t wait. Early help can prevent long-term problems. Talk to a professional, as they may check for tongue-tie and send you to a speech therapist if needed.
You should seek help if:
- Your child’s speech is hard to understand
- They are frustrated when trying to talk
- Their tongue seems to have limited movement
- They’re not reaching speech milestones for their age
It’s always better to check early and be sure.
Can Tongue-Tie Be Missed?
Yes, sometimes it can. Mild cases may not be easy to spot. Some children learn to speak clearly even with a tight frenulum, while others don’t. That’s why it’s important to look at the child’s speech, feeding habits, and how the tongue moves.
Wrapping Up
Tongue-tie may seem small, but it can cause big problems for a child’s speech and eating habits. The good news is that it’s easy to check for and often easy to treat. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is tongue-tie related to speech delay?”—the answer is yes, and in some cases, it is.
If your child is struggling to speak or eat properly, talk to a professional. With the right help, your child can learn to speak clearly and confidently.
Early Tongue-Tie Care Supports Better Communication!
Tampa Tongue-Tie Center is here to help your child overcome tongue-tie. We use simple, gentle methods to check and treat tight tongue tissue. Early care can prevent speech problems and feeding issues. Our team makes sure each child feels safe and cared for. Contact our office today. We’re here to guide your child to better health.