Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:

“My baby was diagnosed with a tongue tie. What does that mean, and does it need to be fixed?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:

It’s amazing how something so small — a thin piece of tissue under the tongue — can cause so much confusion and late-night worry. We’re talking about tongue ties, or what doctors call ankyloglossia.

If you’ve peeked into your baby’s mouth and noticed a tight little band tethering their tongue to the bottom, you might wonder: Is this normal? Does it need to be treated?

And why does everyone seem to have a different opinion? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

Everyone has a band of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum). In some babies, that tissue is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual, limiting how far the tongue can move.

Sometimes this causes trouble with nursing, bottle-feeding, or later, with speech or oral hygiene.

When Does It Matter?

Many mild tongue ties cause no trouble. But if your baby struggles to latch, makes clicking sounds, milk leaks while feeding, or isn’t gaining well, mention it to your pediatrician. Sometimes the tie is the cause, and sometimes it’s not..

To Clip or Not to Clip?

Research shows tongue ties rarely cause major speech issues. Decisions are usually based on how feeding is going now, not what might happen later.

The Bottom Line

If you suspect a tongue tie, don’t panic. Talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant familiar with the issue. The goal is a baby who feeds comfortably and grows well — not a perfect-looking frenulum.

Tongue Tie Truths & Myths

Myth 1: “Every tongue tie needs to be fixed.”

Many mild ties never cause problems. If your baby feeds well and gains weight, there’s no need to act just because it’s there.

Myth 2: “A tongue tie will definitely cause speech problems later.”

Most children with mild, untreated ties speak perfectly fine. Speech issues usually have more complex causes.

Myth 3: “The procedure is major or risky.”

A frenotomy is quick, safe, and often done without anesthesia. Babies are usually feeding again within minutes.

Myth 4: “If I don’t fix it now, I’ll regret it forever.”

There’s no rush. If it’s not causing feeding trouble, you can always revisit it later with your pediatrician or feeding specialist.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A