Sometimes. A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue, and while many children with a mild tie have no problems at all, a tight one can affect feeding, certain speech sounds, cleaning of the teeth and, in some kids, how the jaws develop. It’s common, present from birth, and not dangerous, but if it’s causing problems, a quick release procedure such as a frenectomy with laser dentistry can help.

I always start with function, not appearance. Plenty of kids have a tie that looks dramatic and causes nothing. Others have one that looks mild and makes eating, talking and brushing hard. A gentle exam with a kids dentistry team checks how the tongue lifts, moves side to side and rests in the mouth.

When a release is recommended, it’s usually a short procedure. More involved cases, or older children with thick tissue, may be handled by an oral surgery team. Parents often worry about pain and whether their child needs to be put to sleep, and most kids don’t; local numbing is usually enough, with dental sedation only considered for very anxious children after careful screening.

Because tongue position affects jaw growth, an orthodontist may be part of the conversation for older kids with crowding, a narrow palate or an open bite.

What is a tongue-tie?

Everyone has a frenulum, the thin fold of tissue under the tongue. In a tongue-tie, that tissue is short, thick or attached too far forward, limiting how far the tongue can lift, stick out or move side to side.

How common is it?

Studies estimate tongue-tie affects roughly 4 to 11% of newborns, with boys more often affected. Some ties loosen naturally as children grow; many don’t.

Lip-tie

A similar band connects the upper lip to the gums. A tight lip-tie can sometimes make brushing the front teeth hard or leave a gap between the front teeth, though most lip ties need no treatment.

How can tongue-tie affect children’s teeth?

Cleaning and cavities

The tongue naturally sweeps food off the teeth. When movement is limited, food can sit around the back teeth and along the gums longer, which may raise cavity risk.

Tongue posture and jaw growth

A tongue that can’t rest against the roof of the mouth tends to sit low. Over years, this may contribute to a narrow upper jaw, crowding and mouth breathing in some children.

Gaps and gum recession

A tight frenulum on the lower front gums can pull on the tissue and contribute to gum recession in some cases.

How can it affect speech and eating?

• Speech: Sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” “n,” “r,” “th” and “s” need tongue tip movement. Some children with a tight tie have trouble with these, though many speak clearly.
• Eating: Toddlers may struggle to move food around the mouth, leading to messy eating or gagging on certain textures.
• Infant feeding: Babies may have trouble latching, causing nipple pain for the parent and poor weight gain.
• Social: Older kids may find licking an ice cream cone or playing wind instruments harder.

Signs your child should be assessed

• The tongue tip looks notched or heart-shaped when stuck out
• They can’t lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth with the mouth open
• They can’t move the tongue side to side easily
• Speech sounds aren’t developing as expected
• Food often gets stuck or pocketed in the cheeks
• Breastfeeding has been painful or difficult
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Visible tightness or pulling of the gum below the lower front teeth

What happens at the first visit?

1. A relaxed welcome for your child to get used to the room.
2. History. Feeding, speech, sleep, and any past dental concerns.
3. Functional exam. The dentist asks your child to lift, stick out and move the tongue, and checks the lips and gums.
4. Teeth and bite check. Looking for cavities, crowding or a narrow palate.
5. Discussion. Whether treatment is needed, or whether to watch and wait.
6. Team approach. Referral to a speech-language pathologist, lactation consultant or physician when helpful.

Treatment options

What laser treatment is like

The area is numbed. The laser gently releases the tissue in a few minutes. Bleeding is usually minimal, and stitches often aren’t needed. Mild soreness for a few days is typical, and stretching exercises afterward help prevent the tissue from reattaching tightly.

Myths about tongue-tie, sedation and children’s dentistry

“Every tongue-tie should be cut”

No research supports releasing ties that cause no problems. Treatment should be based on function.

“Tongue-tie release fixes all speech problems”

Many speech issues have other causes. A speech-language assessment helps clarify whether the tie plays a role.

“Kids need general anesthesia for a frenectomy”

Most children are treated with local anesthetic. Sedation, including nitrous oxide, is used only when appropriate, after careful medical screening, with monitoring by trained professionals.

“Children’s dental visits are always stressful”

A team experienced with kids takes time, explains each step and lets children set the pace. Many kids leave asking when they can come back.

Types of dental care that may be involved

Families dealing with tongue-tie may use several kinds of care over the years: general and pediatric checkups for prevention, laser or surgical release, orthodontic treatment for crowding or a narrow jaw, restorative fillings if cavities develop, and occasionally emergency visits after injuries to the tongue or lip.

Invisalign vs braces if crowding develops later

Common mistakes parents make

• Assuming a tie will always stretch out on its own
• Choosing a release without a functional assessment
• Skipping stretching exercises after treatment
• Ignoring speech concerns because “kids catch up”
• Forgetting regular dental checkups to watch cavity risk

Prevention and aftercare tips

• Do any prescribed tongue exercises daily for several weeks after a release
• Offer soft, cool foods for the first few days
• Keep brushing gently, avoiding the healing area for a day or two
• Use a pain reliever if your dentist recommends one
• Watch speech and eating progress, and keep follow-up visits

Real scenarios

A 4-year-old had trouble saying “l” and “th,” and food often pocketed in his cheeks. After a functional exam and speech assessment, a laser frenectomy was done with local anesthetic. With 6 weeks of exercises and speech therapy, his sounds improved steadily.

A 9-year-old had a visible tie but spoke clearly, ate well and had healthy teeth. No treatment was needed. The family keeps it on the checklist at regular visits.

Choosing a dental clinic in Woodbridge for your child

When choosing a dentist in Woodbridge for tongue-tie concerns, look for a team that focuses on function, explains options clearly, and works with speech and medical professionals. Dentists should be registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

Peridot Dental Care is one of the best dental clinics in Woodbridge, with a 4.9 Google rating from 165+ patient reviews, and is well regarded for pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care, including Invisalign and braces.

The clinic accepts new patients and CDCP patients, with evening and weekend appointments. Ask about special promotions for kids and for implant and braces consultations, and the 20% senior discount for patients 65 and older. Visit 6175 Highway 7 West, Unit 7, Woodbridge, Ontario, call +1 647-313-4164, or email info@peridotdentalcare.com to book an assessment.

Simple tongue exercises kids can do at home

Whether your child has had a release or you’re watching a mild tie, these playful exercises build tongue strength and range. Make them a game, 2 or 3 times a day, for about 2 minutes.

1. Peanut butter lift. Put a tiny dab of something tasty on the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth. Your child lifts the tongue to lick it off with the mouth open.
2. Lip circles. Trace around the lips slowly with the tongue tip, both directions.
3. Clock game. Touch the tongue tip to “12 o’clock” (nose), “6 o’clock” (chin), “3” and “9” (corners of the mouth).
4. Horse clicks. Suction the tongue to the roof of the mouth and click it down.
5. Tongue push-ups. Press the tongue against a spoon held in front of the lips.
6. Cheek pokes. Push the tongue into each cheek and hold for 3 seconds.

Stop if anything hurts, and follow the exact plan from your dental team after a procedure. Exercises after a release are especially important in the first 2 to 3 weeks.

What to expect after a laser frenectomy, day by day

A white patch under the tongue during healing often worries parents. It’s a normal part of healing in the mouth and fades on its own.

Questions to ask before treatment

• What specific problem is the tie causing for my child?
• What happens if we wait?
• Which method do you recommend, and why?
• How much numbing or sedation will be used?
• What exercises are needed afterward, and for how long?
• Should we see a speech or feeding specialist too?

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Tongue-tie is common, and many children never need treatment.

When it affects eating, speech, cleaning or jaw growth, a release can help.

A functional assessment by a licensed dental team guides the right decision for your child.