One of the major issues that bothers parents is whether their child’s tongue tie and speech problems are somehow connected. The answer is not complicated: Yes, they can be. Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia in medical terms, is a condition that is there from the time of birth when an unusually short, thick, or tight part of the tissue, called the lingual frenulum, sticks the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth from underneath.
Although the most immediate and most prominent problems are related to breastfeeding and infant feeding, the long-term effect on the mouth’s function, especially speech, is a reason for concern. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss tongue tie and speech problems along with the causes, symptoms, and treatments in children
The Mechanics of Speech: Why the Tongue Matters
Human speech is a very intricate physical activity. The formation of vocal and other types of sounds relies on the movements of the tongue that are determined by the positions and the points of contact in the mouth.
Let’s take a look at the most notable speech sounds (phonemes) groups that depend upon the very precise positioning of the tongue:
Lingual Alveolar Sounds (Tip-to-Palate)
The sounds like /t/, /d/, /l/, and /n/ need the very tip of the tongue to be in contact with the alveolar ridge.
Sibilants (Air Flow Shaping)
The sounds like /s/, /z/, /sh/, and /ch/ call for super fine skill to control and shape the airflow through the tongue.
Velar Sounds (Back of Tongue)
The back of the tongue is used for producing sounds like /k/ and /g/, while a severe tie, even if it has restricted movement, can still influence the entire coordination to some extent.
Vowels and R-Sounds
Requiring subtle unrestricted movements of the tongue body, even seemingly simple vowels, and the tricky /r/ sound do this.
When the frenulum is too tight, it can prevent the tongue from reaching these necessary points, resulting in noticeable tongue tie and speech problems.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Tongue Tie Assessment
The tongue tie assessment should not be limited to a straightforward visual check. A professional assessment is characterized by the cooperation of different specialists, which may include a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) as well as a dentist or an expert in oral restrictions. The assessment emphasizes function over just appearance:
Functional Movement
Assessing the mobility of the tongue (extending, lifting, moving sideways).
Feeding History
Assessing problems with chewing, swallowing, or eating in the past and presently.
Speech Production
The speech-language pathologist conducts direct tests on the child’s production of sounds that a tight lingual frenulum would affect specifically.
If the detailed assessment validates that the physical restriction is the reason for tongue-tie and speech problems, treatment options can then be considered.
Intervention: Treatment for Tongue Tie and Speech Problems
In cases where the tie is significantly affecting the speech of the child and tongue, the most widespread and successful solution is a mild surgical operation to free the frenulum.
Tongue Tie Release (Frenotomy/Frenulectomy)
This uncomplicated operation, popularly known as a tongue tie release, consists of cutting or totally removing the blocking frenulum. In a dental office, we mostly make use of cutting-edge methods.
Laser Frenectomy
The contemporary method of a laser frenectomy employs a dental laser to effectively and accurately detach the tissue. Often, it is the most preferred technique because it is fast, germ-free, involves very little blood loss, and the patient recovers in no time.
Tongue Tie Surgery
Though often referred to as tongue tie surgery, a simple frenotomy or laser frenectomy is usually very quick and can be done on infants and older children with the proper anesthesia/sedation.
It’s vital to note that a tongue tie release is only the first step. The tongue needs to learn how to use its new range of motion.
Post-Procedure Therapy and Exercises
After a tongue tie surgery or release, the child’s body will need some assistance in adapting to the change. Post-operative exercises are an integral part of the process to keep the tissue from reattaching and to prepare the tongue muscles to use their full potential.
- In addition, a youngster who was unable to get a tongue tie surgery timely may require therapeutic help to unlearn the vocal patterns acquired.
- It is very important to have an SLP on board after a tongue tie release to make sure that the physical movement results in better pronunciation.
The main focus of speech therapy will be on the following:
Motor Retraining
Teaching the tongue the correct positioning to produce sounds accurately.
Articulation Practice
Repeating the specific sounds that were hard to produce earlier because of the physical limitation, causing tongue tie and speech problems.
The practice of unblocking the physical limitation (for example, using a laser frenectomy) along with focused speech therapy is a perfect solution for resolving the issues of tongue tie and speech problems.
In The End
A cautious functional assessment is very important in proving that the limited frenulum is the cause of tongue tie and speech difficulties. As soon as a strong connection is found, treatment is indicated. Present day techniques such as frenotomy or laser release generally have specific therapeutic exercises as their next step. Prompt intervention lets the child employ their maximum motion, which is good for articulation, lessens frustration, and thus, communication development is supported. Do not hesitate. Visit a pediatric dentist today for your kid’s tongue tie assessment.
Why Choose Dental Smart Kids Pediatric Dentistry?
At Dental Smart Kids Dentistry, we specialize in providing exceptional care. Our expert team combines specialized training in behavior management with a truly kid-friendly environment and advanced technology, including the Solea Laser. We prioritize personalized, quality care to build confidence in every child while focusing on their long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does a child who had a tongue-tie released as an infant still need speech therapy later on?
Possibly. While the tongue tie release removes the physical barrier, the child may have developed compensatory habits (using the jaw or lips instead of the tongue) to make sounds. Speech therapy is often needed to retrain the tongue to use its new mobility correctly.
Q2. What specific sounds are most difficult for a child with a tongue tie?
The most commonly affected sounds are those that require tongue elevation or precision: /t/, /d/, /l/, /n/, /s/, /z/, /sh/, /ch/, and the /r/ sound. The child may substitute these with simpler sounds or distort them.
Q3. Is a laser frenectomy better than traditional tongue tie surgery?
Many specialists prefer a laser frenectomy because it is precise, minimizes bleeding (as the laser seals blood vessels), and often results in less post-operative discomfort and faster healing than traditional scissors or scalpel tongue tie surgery.
