Tongue ties in babies are more common than many parents realise. A tongue tie (also known as ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual. This restriction can make everyday functions—like breastfeeding, swallowing, or even speech development later in life- more challenging.
At Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care in Carrara, we often see parents who suspect their child may have a tongue tie but aren’t sure what to look for. Early recognition is key, as a tongue tie can affect not only oral development but also overall well-being.
So, how do you know if your baby has a tongue tie?
While every child is different, there are some clear indicators that parents can look for. Understanding these early signs can help you decide whether it’s time to seek an assessment from a healthcare professional. Here are five common signs to watch for:
1. Breastfeeding Difficulties
One of the earliest signs of a baby tongue tie is trouble with breastfeeding. Babies may struggle to latch properly, feed for very short or very long periods, or seem unsettled after feeds. Mothers often report sore or cracked nipples, frequent blocked ducts, or low milk supply due to ineffective feeding.
If breastfeeding feels harder than it should, it may be worth having your baby assessed for a tongue tie.
2. Clicking or Noisy Feeding
When the tongue cannot move freely, babies often make clicking or smacking sounds during feeding. This can be caused by a poor seal around the breast or bottle teat. Along with the noises, you may notice excessive dribbling or your baby swallowing a lot of air, leading to wind, colic, or reflux-like symptoms.
3. Poor Weight Gain
Because tongue tie can interfere with efficient feeding, some babies struggle to gain weight at the expected rate. This can be stressful for parents who are doing everything right but still see slow growth in their child.
4. Visible Signs Under the Tongue
In some cases, you may be able to see the tongue tie yourself. Gently lifting your baby’s tongue may reveal a tight band of tissue underneath. Babies with tongue tie may also struggle to stick their tongue out, lift it to the roof of the mouth, or move it from side to side.
5. Sleep and Breathing Challenges
Tongue ties can affect how the tongue rests in the mouth. Instead of sitting comfortably against the roof of the mouth, it may fall back, contributing to mouth breathing, snoring, or disrupted sleep. Over time, this can affect jaw development, posture, and even concentration in older children.
Why Early Assessment Matters
While some tongue ties are mild and cause little impact, others can significantly affect a baby’s feeding, comfort, and development. Early diagnosis helps prevent ongoing issues and allows parents to make informed decisions about treatment.
At Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care, our team takes a holistic approach to tongue tie assessment and management. We consider not just the oral restriction, but how it may be affecting feeding, breathing, posture, and whole-body health.
Recognising and Treating Tongue Ties Early
If you’ve been wondering, “How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?” these five warning signs may help you recognise the condition early. From breastfeeding difficulties to visible restrictions under the tongue, timely assessment can make a world of difference to your baby’s comfort and development.
Our team at Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care is here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care, always with a focus on whole-body health.
Holistic Dentistry for Families
Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care provides more than just tongue tie treatment. Our oral health therapists support families with preventive dental care for children (over the age of 5), while our integrative therapies, such as myofunctional therapy, airway and sleep assessments, and nutritional guidance, can help promote overall well-being.
We are passionate about helping families on the Gold Coast take a proactive, holistic approach to health.
Tongue Tie Treatment at Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care
If a tongue tie is diagnosed, treatment may involve a simple, safe procedure to release the restriction. Our dentists in Carrara use a biological and minimally invasive approach, tailored to each child’s needs.
We also work closely with allied practitioners such as lactation consultants and myofunctional therapists to ensure your baby receives the best possible care after a release. This collaborative care helps improve feeding outcomes, supports healthy oral development, and reduces the risk of long-term issues.
Supporting Your Baby’s Oral Health
Recognising the signs of a tongue tie early on can make a big difference to your baby’s long-term development. If you’re concerned your little one may have a tongue tie, our experienced team at Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care in Carrara is here to help.
Contact our team today to book an assessment and find out how we can support your child’s oral health.
