Tongue tie is a condition a baby is born with that keeps the tongue from moving freely in the mouth. It occurs when a band of tissue (called the frenulum) connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Usually, this tissue goes away on its own before birth, leaving just the back of the tongue attached.

Tongue tie can range from mild to severe, depending on the thickness of the tissue and where it is attached to the tongue. In some cases, it can make it hard for a baby to breastfeed. Tongue tie can also affect a child’s speech, eating and swallowing.

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What are the signs and symptoms of tongue tie?

Some common symptoms of tongue tie include:

  • Having trouble breastfeeding
  • Difficulty speaking clearly
  • Having trouble licking the lips or moving the tongue
  • A tongue that looks heart-shaped or notched when it’s stuck out

What causes tongue tie?

Experts don’t know why the frenulum in some babies does not fully separate from the bottom of the mouth before birth. But tongue tie can run in some families, and it is more common in boys than in girls.

How is tongue tie treated?

Some children with mild tongue tie don’t need any treatment, especially if it is not causing any problems or symptoms. The frenulum can also stretch over time. This can make it easier for a child to move the tongue and speak clearly.

If your child’s tongue tie is severe, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment:

  • Frenotomy (or frenulectomy). In this surgery, the doctor cuts the frenulum. It’s most often done in babies under 3 months old in the hospital nursery or during an office visit. A frenotomy usually does not require anesthesia because the area has few blood vessels or nerve endings.
  • Frenuloplasty. This is a surgery to cut the frenulum under anesthesia. It is usually done in older children or when the frenulum is too thick for a frenotomy.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for tongue tie.