Is Tongue-Tie Genetic?
It’s natural to wonder why one child has tongue-tie when another didn’t. Children differ, and so does the small band of tissue under the tongue. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can vary between siblings because of differences in how this thin band, called the frenulum, develops. Tongue-tie can surprise many parents—one child might have no issues, while another struggles to latch or speak. While genetics can play a role, other factors may also contribute, and it doesn’t always follow a clear pattern within families. Here’s what you need to know about the possible role of genetics in tongue tie and how Brisbane paediatric dentists often help.
What Is Tongue?
The tongue is a vital muscle in the mouth that helps with speaking, eating, and swallowing. It’s attached to the floor of the mouth by a thin band of tissue called the frenulum. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, happens when the frenulum is too short, thick, or tight, restricting the tongue’s movement. This condition can affect feeding in babies, speech in children, and sometimes even oral hygiene in older individuals. There are different types of tongue-tie based on how much the tongue’s movement is limited. Some cases are mild and allow partial movement, while others are severe, making it hard for the tongue to lift, extend, or move freely.
Can Tongue-Tie Run in Families?
Tongue-tie can sometimes run in families, as research shows it can have a genetic link. If a parent or sibling has had tongue-tie, there may be a higher chance of it showing up in other family members, too. This happens because genes passed down from parents can influence how the thin band of tissue under the tongue, called the frenulum, develops. However, not all cases are hereditary, and even within the same family, one child might have tongue-tie while others do not.
How Common Is Tongue-Tie in Families?
Tongue-tie often appears in families, but it’s not a guarantee. If a parent or sibling has had tongue-tie, the chances of another child having it are higher. While studies suggest a genetic link, the exact percentage of hereditary cases varies depending on the research. Even in the same family, the condition doesn’t always affect every child. One child might have no issues, while another has noticeable feeding or speech challenges. This is why it’s important to consider family history when seeking advice, but also remember that each child is unique. If there are concerns, consulting a kids dentist can help determine the best course of action.
Why Didn’t My Older Child Have This Problem?
It’s understandable to wonder why your older child didn’t have tongue-tie while your younger one does. Tongue-tie isn’t always genetic, so its occurrence can differ even among siblings. The structure of the frenulum, which is the small band of tissue under the tongue, can vary greatly from one child to the next. These differences are usually just a part of natural variation, and they don’t mean anything went wrong. If your younger child is struggling with feeding or speech, seeking advice from a professional can help you figure out the best steps forward.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Child’s Tongue-Tie Is Genetic?
If you think your child’s tongue-tie might be genetic, here are some practical steps you can take to address the concern:
Talk to a health professional. Speak with a doctor, dentist, or lactation consultant who can evaluate your child’s condition and provide guidance. They are experienced in spotting tongue-tie and understanding how it might affect feeding or speech.
Share your family history. Mention if anyone in the family, including yourself or a sibling, has had tongue-tie. This information can help during consultations and might guide the professional in their assessment.
Watch for specific signs. Pay attention to any feeding difficulties, such as poor latching or clicking sounds during breastfeeding or speech challenges as your child grows. These can be clues that tongue-tie is causing problems.
Seek a professional evaluation. If you notice issues with feeding or speech, arrange an assessment with a paediatric dentist or other specialist. They can confirm if the tongue-tie is significant and whether treatment might help.
Is Tongue-Tie More Common in Boys or Girls?
Tongue-tie is more common in boys than girls. Studies have shown that boys are about twice as likely to have tongue-tie compared to girls. The reason for this difference isn’t fully understood, but it may be linked to genetic factors that influence how the frenulum develops. Despite this, tongue-tie can affect anyone, and the severity of the condition varies from child to child regardless of gender.
What To Watch For
Tongue-tie can affect children in different ways, and knowing the signs early can help parents seek the right support. Here are three key areas to watch for:
Feeding Issues
Babies with tongue-tie may have difficulty breastfeeding. They might struggle to latch properly, causing pain for the mother, or slip off the breast frequently. Bottle feeding can also be a challenge, with clicking sounds or swallowing air being common signs. Feeding often takes longer than usual, and babies may seem fussy or unsatisfied after feeding.
Speech Challenges
As children grow, tongue-tie can make it hard to pronounce certain sounds, like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “n.” Words may sound unclear, and children may struggle to speak clearly compared to their peers. These issues can become more noticeable as they start forming longer sentences or learning to read aloud.
Daily Activities
Tongue-tie can also impact simple tasks like licking a popsicle or clearing food from the cheeks. Some children may drool more often because their tongue can’t move freely. These small difficulties can sometimes make eating or other daily activities frustrating.
If you notice these signs, consulting a paediatric dentist, speech therapist, or doctor can help. They can assess your child’s tongue movement and recommend steps to improve feeding, speech, or daily comfort.
How Paediatric Dentists Evaluate Tongue-Tie
Paediatric dentists play an important role in identifying and addressing tongue-tie. They use a detailed, step-by-step process to assess your child’s condition:
Examine Tongue Movement
The dentist will observe how your child moves their tongue. They may ask your child to stick out their tongue, lift it, or move it side to side. Limited movement can indicate tongue-tie.
Check Feeding or Speech Issues
For babies, the dentist might ask about breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges, such as poor latching or clicking sounds. For older children, they may look for speech difficulties, like trouble pronouncing certain sounds.
Inspect the Frenulum
The dentist will closely examine the frenulum, the small band of tissue under the tongue. They check its thickness, length, and position to determine if it restricts tongue movement.
Assess the Impact
Not all tongue-ties need treatment. The dentist will evaluate if the tongue-tie is causing significant problems with feeding, speech, or daily activities before recommending any intervention.
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
If tongue-tie is causing problems with feeding, speech, or daily activities, treatment might be recommended. Here are the common options:
Frenotomy
A frenotomy is a quick and simple procedure where the frenulum is snipped with scissors or a laser. It usually takes just a few seconds, and most babies can breastfeed immediately afterwards with improved latch and comfort. This procedure is often done without the need for anaesthesia in younger infants.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a more involved procedure that removes additional tissue from the frenulum. It may require stitches and is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the child’s age and needs. This treatment is often recommended for older children or when the tongue-tie is severe.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy can help children learn to use their tongue more effectively after a procedure. A therapist works with the child to improve tongue movement and help with speech challenges. In some cases, therapy alone may be enough if the tongue-tie is mild.
The best treatment depends on your child’s specific situation. Your dentist or doctor will guide you through the options and help you decide what’s best for your child.
How Painful Is the Frenectomy Procedure for Babies?
A frenectomy is a more involved procedure compared to a frenotomy, as it removes additional tissue from the frenulum. For babies, the level of discomfort depends on the child’s age and the extent of the tongue-tie. The procedure is often done under local anaesthesia to minimise pain. Babies may feel some soreness afterwards, but this usually subsides quickly. Breastfeeding immediately after the procedure can help soothe discomfort and promote healing.
At Pure Dentistry, we prioritise your child’s comfort. For babies or children who may feel anxious, we offer advanced care options like sleep dentistry and laughing gas. Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic describes Sleep Dentistry Brisbane as a service that creates a worry-free and comfortable atmosphere for dental care. If you’re unsure about what’s best for your child, our team is happy to guide you through every step and answer your questions.
Do All Tongue-Ties Need Treatment?
Not all tongue-ties need treatment. Mild cases often cause no problems, and many children adapt without intervention. If your baby feeds well and is growing normally, or if your child has no speech or daily activity challenges, treatment might not be necessary. In these cases, a “wait and see” approach is often recommended. Regular check-ups with your doctor or dentist can help monitor the situation and ensure your child is thriving. If concerns do arise later, professionals can guide you on the next steps.
Take the Next Step for Your Child’s Care
If you’re concerned about tongue-tie and how it may be affecting your child, Pure Dentistry in Brisbane is here to help. Our experienced team provides thorough assessments and tailored treatment options, including frenectomy procedures with options like sleep dentistry and laughing gas for added comfort. We also make payment easier with Humm and Supercare. Call us today on 07 3343 4869 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your child’s health and well-being.