What is a tongue tie?

A restricted lingual or labial frenulum—commonly known as a tongue tie or lip tie—is a congenital condition where the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth is shorter, thicker, or tighter than normal. This restriction limits the range of motion of the tongue or lips and can contribute to a variety of functional difficulties, particularly with feeding, speech, and oral development.

Common Symptoms of a Tongue or Lip Tie

Signs and symptoms can vary from infant to adulthood, but often include:

• Shallow latch or difficulty breastfeeding

• Maternal pain during breastfeeding

• GERD or reflux

• Noisy or clicking sounds during breast or bottle feeding

• Choking or gagging

• Constipation

• Excessive drooling

• Picky eating or food aversions

• Poor speech intelligibility

• Sleep challenges such as snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting, or teeth grinding

• TMJ pain or dysfunction

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Neck tension

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

If left untreated, a tongue or lip tie can affect oral motor development, feeding efficiency, and overall comfort. Early identification and therapy support can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.