Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a real cause of feeding difficulty for some babies — and over-diagnosed in others. What matters is not how the frenulum looks, but how your baby’s tongue works during a feed.
Signs it’s worth getting help
- Painful feeding that doesn’t improve with positioning changes
- Clicking, a shallow latch, or milk leaking from the corners of the mouth
- Slow weight gain alongside long, frequent feeds
- You’ve been told your baby has a tie and aren’t sure what to do next
What we’ll do together
I carry out a functional oral assessment and watch a feed. Many babies improve with positioning and oral exercises alone. If a release (frenotomy) may help, I explain the evidence honestly, refer you to an experienced specialist, and support feeding before and after the procedure.
When it can’t wait
Tongue tie on its own is rarely urgent — but poor weight gain, dehydration or a baby who cannot feed is. Contact your pediatrician the same day if you are worried.
Written by Dr. [Name Surname]. General information only — not a substitute for an individual consultation.