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PENINSULA TONGUE TIE
Children & AdolescentsScreening Tips
Our expert team treats a range of oral ties, including tongue, lip, and buccal ties, to improve feeding, speech, and overall oral health.
Scheduling is handled through Chompers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics — we're proud to be part of the same trusted care team.
Screening Steps for Tongue, Lip & Buccal Ties
Is Your Child Showing Signs of a Tie?
As children grow, the symptoms of tongue, lip, or buccal ties can change — shifting from feeding concerns in infancy to issues with speech, sleep, or dental health. In many cases, these signs are subtle and develop gradually, making them easy to miss without a proper evaluation.
Common indicators that may suggest an oral restriction:
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (like R, L, S, or TH)
Speech that sounds mumbled, unclear, or requires extra effort
Mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep
Picky eating, slow chewing, or swallowing challenges
Ongoing struggles with brushing/flossing or oral hygiene
Gaps between teeth or persistent orthodontic concerns
Jaw tension, headaches, or poor posture during speech or swallowing
Avoidance of social speech (e.g., reading aloud, class participation)
Every child is unique, and not all symptoms mean a tie is present. But if you’ve noticed multiple signs from the list above, a professional assessment can help determine whether oral restrictions may be contributing — and whether treatment could help your child feel and function better.
Tongue Ties
Visual Inspection for Tongue Tie
Take a close look at the tongue’s shape and how it moves. In some children, a tongue tie may cause the tip to appear notched or heart-shaped. You might also notice a limited range of motion — especially when they try to lift or stick out their tongue. A visible string of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue may look tight or pull the tongue downward.
Tongue Tie Functional Assessment
Ask your child to perform a few basic movements with their tongue:
Lift the tongue toward the roof of the mouth
Move it side to side
Try to extend it past the lips
If these movements are uncomfortable, seem limited, or cause strain in the jaw or neck, it may suggest a restriction worth evaluating. Older children may also describe their tongue feeling “tight,” or you might notice slurred or effortful speech when they talk for long periods.
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Other Screening Tips
Medical History:
Your child’s medical and developmental history can offer valuable insight into whether a tongue or lip tie is affecting their daily life. Previous concerns such as feeding difficulties, speech delays, orthodontic problems, or mouth breathing can all point to underlying restrictions that deserve a closer look. Sharing this background helps us provide the most accurate and effective care.
Feeding or Speech Evaluation:
Pay close attention to how your child speaks and eats. Are certain sounds hard for them to pronounce? Do they get tired or frustrated when talking? Are meals unusually slow or difficult? If your child continues to struggle with feeding, speech clarity, or oral coordination, a professional assessment can help determine if a tie may be contributing to the issue.