The Effects of Tongue Ties on Speech – Everything You Should Know

Tongue ties (ankyloglossia) happen in about 5% of newborns, so they’re quite common. In fact, many kids with minor tongue ties don’t notice any negative effects at all as they grow. But in some children, tongue ties can cause problems with feeding, and even lead to speech problems later in life. In this blog from Arctic Dental, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about tongue ties and how they may affect your child’s speech.

What Are Tongue Ties (Ankyloglossia?) 

First, let’s go over the basics of tongue ties. A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) attaching the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is over-developed. When this tissue is too thick and stiff, your child’s oral range of motion is affected. Basically, they can’t move their tongue freely.

This is why kids with tongue ties may have trouble latching onto the breast or a bottle when feeding. They can’t form a proper latch with their tongue. Their tongue may also look “notched” or “heart-shaped,” since the tongue tie is pulling it downward.

Understanding The Effects Of Tongue Ties On Speech

Since tongue ties restrict the movement of the tongue, it isn’t difficult to imagine how the condition can affect speech. Due to the tongue’s inability to move properly, children with tongue ties often have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, known as “phonemes.” 

That’s because the tongue is really important for speech. Take the phoneme “D” as an example. When you make the “D” noise, your tongue contacts the roof of your mouth, then flicks downward. If you don’t have a tongue tie, it’s easy to move your tongue properly and make this sound.

But if you couldn’t move your tongue properly, it would be much harder. That’s how tongue ties affect speech. Some of the phonemes most affected by tongue ties include “T,” “D,” “Z,” “S,” “Th,” “L” and “R.”

It’s important to note that tongue ties typically don’t interfere with your child’s ability to learn speech. They will not lead to developmental delays, and your child will still be able to speak relatively normally. 

But their speech may be indistinct. They may sound “slushy” or “lispy” when they speak. If you think your child may have tongue ties, you should consult with a speech-language pathologist for a diagnosis.

How Are Tongue Ties Treated? 

The best option is usually a frenectomy. This is a simple surgical procedure where a specialist like Dr. Jarod snips the band of tissue that attaches your child’s tongue to the bottom of their mouth. Along with some simple physical therapy exercises, this restores your child’s oral range of motion.

When Should My Child Get Treatment?

Earlier is always better. In fact, infant frenectomies are usually recommended if the issue is noticed early, as soon as a few weeks after birth. The sooner you get treatment for your child’s tongue tie, the easier the procedure will be.

Come To Arctic Dental For Frenectomies In Muscatine

If your child has been diagnosed with tongue ties, Dr. Jarod is here to help. Thanks to our investment in laser dentistry, we offer safe, pain-free frenectomies in Muscatine. We’re dedicated to the comfort of you and your child, and are always accepting new patients. Contact us online or give us a call at (563) 607-5979 to schedule your appointment today.