37. Does a tongue tie affect speech or feeding?

A tongue tie can sometimes impact both feeding and speech, depending on how tight or restrictive the tissue under the tongue is.

For infants and toddlers:
-Feeding may be challenging — difficulty latching during breastfeeding, prolonged feeding sessions, or nipple discomfort for mom
-Some babies may not get enough milk, which can affect weight gain
For older children:
-Speech may be affected, making certain sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r” harder to pronounce
-Eating can be more difficult, including licking, chewing, or clearing food from the mouth

Not all tongue ties cause issues, but early evaluation can help determine if a simple procedure, called a frenectomy, is needed to support better feeding, speech, and oral development.