Could It Be a Tongue Tie? A Doctor’s Perspective on What to Look Out For
As an tongue tie doctor on the Gold Coast, spotting the signs of tongue tie early can make a dramatic difference in an infant’s feeding, maternal and infant comfort, and long-term oral development. A tongue tie isn’t always obvious, but knowing what to look for means parents can seek timely support and improve feeding, dental health, and speech outcomes.
What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the thin tissue under the tongue, called the frenulum, restricts normal tongue movement. This can impact an infant’s ability to breastfeed, bottle feed, and swallow. It can affect palate formation, dental alignment, and, later, speech development.
Recognising tongue tie early makes a huge difference for both parents and babies and their feeding journey.
Physical Signs of Tongue Tie
Look for:
A tongue that can’t extend past the lips or appears ‘heart-shaped’ or notched at the tip when extended.
Difficulty lifting the tongue or moving it side to side.
Dimpling or cupping of the tongue.
A visible or tight frenulum under the tongue.
A white milk coating over the tongue (often misdiagnosed as thrush).
Tongue down or V-shaped when crying.
Functional Signs of Tongue Tie
Look for:
Feeding difficulties such as trouble latching or frequent slipping off the breast or bottle.
Poor weight gain or failure to thrive.
Fussiness or unsettled babies.
Windiness, colic or reflux symptoms.
Long feeds that never seem to satisfy.
Short feeds that never seem to satisfy.
Choking or gagging when swallowing.
Sleeping with mouth open and tongue down.
Inability to maintain suction on a dummy.
Persistent nipple pain, blocked ducts, or mastitis in mothers.
Misshaped nipples after a feed.
Tongue Tie Signs in Older Children and Adults
While most cases are detected in infancy, tongue tie can also cause issues later in life.
Speech problems, especially trouble making “t,” “d,” “l,” “n,” and “th” sounds clearly.
Problems licking lips or eating ice cream
Difficulties playing wind instruments.
Difficulty with oral hygiene or dental health.
Teeth crowding, narrow jaw or high palate.
Open mouth posture, snoring, headaches, or jaw tension.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
As a tongue tie doctor, addressing these signs early helps prevent ongoing feeding frustration and helps prevent speech-related challenges or palate and dental related challenges in the future. If any signs or breastfeeding concerns occur, parents shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice or a tongue tie assessment.
If you’re worried your child might have a tongue tie, contact a trusted oral tie clinic for assessment and expert support.
“A tongue-tie diagnosis should never be based on appearance alone - it requires evidence of restricted movement and functional feeding difficulty.”
This blog is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. For further information or assessment, please consult your healthcare provider.
Book a Consultation with Dr Carly Hupfeld
Whether you're ready to book or just want to learn more, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family.
Dr Carly Hupfeld assess and manages oral ties and performs circumcisions:
Medical On Robina
T3/299 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226
(07) 5690 1290