What are the symptoms of tongue-tie?
Some signs that a person might have tongue-tie include:
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out
- The tongue looks heart-shaped when trying to stick it out
- Difficulty moving the tongue side to side
- Problems with breastfeeding in newborns
- Speaking issues later in life
What causes tongue-tie?
The exact cause of tongue-tie is not clear, but it is thought to be a condition that happens during early development in the womb. Genetics may play a role since it can run in families.
How common is tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie is quite common, especially among newborns. It is estimated that it affects about 3 to 5 out of every 100 babies born.
Who is more likely to get tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie can happen to anyone, but some factors that may increase the likelihood include:
- Having a family history of tongue-tie
- Being born prematurely
- Being part of certain ethnic groups, as some studies suggest a higher prevalence in certain populations
How can I treat tongue-tie?
For many people, tongue-tie does not cause significant issues and does not need treatment. However, if it causes problems, treatment options include:
- Surgery to release the frenulum, often done in infants
- Speech therapy to help with speaking difficulties
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Final thoughts
Tongue-tie may affect how some people eat and speak, but it can often be managed. If you are concerned about tongue-tie for yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
