Dubai, UAE - When most parents hear the term tongue tie, they immediately think of babies who struggle with breastfeeding. Tongue tie, also known medically as ankyloglossia, is more than just a concern in infancy. In many cases, children grow into their school years and sometimes even into adolescence without the condition ever being identified. It’s common for tongue tie to be missed in early childhood, especially when symptoms are mild or when a child develops coping strategies.
If your child has recently been diagnosed with a tongue tie, you may be wondering if it’s too late to seek treatment from the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai. The reassuring answer is that treatment can still be highly beneficial even at a later age. Understanding what tongue tie is, how it can affect your child, and what treatment options are available can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health and development.
What Is Tongue Tie Condition?
Tongue tie occurs when the thin piece of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth makes the lingual frenulum shorter, tighter, or thicker than normal. This limits the tongue’s natural range of motion and can interfere with several essential functions of children, including speaking, eating, swallowing, and maintaining good oral posture.
While some children may not experience noticeable issues right away, others may face a range of challenges that become more pronounced as they grow. The tongue plays a key role in speech clarity, chewing, facial development, and even breathing patterns. When its movement is restricted, it can lead to functional limitations that affect a child’s daily life.
How Does Tongue Tie Affect Older Children?
As children grow, the demands on their tongue’s mobility increase. While a mild tongue tie may not be obvious in a toddler, it can become more problematic as the child begins to talk more, eat independently, and engage in social and academic activities. As per a Pediatric Dentist near me, below are some common areas where older children may experience challenges due to tongue tie.
a) Speech Difficulties
Difficulty producing certain sounds such as “L,” “R,” “T,” “D,” “N,” “S,” “Z,” and “th.”
Unclear speech that may cause communication challenges.
Speech delays or slower language development compared to other children.
Feeling frustrated or self-conscious while speaking, which can impact a child’s confidence.
b) Feeding and Chewing Problems
Difficulty moving food around the mouth, leading to messy or slow eating.
Preference for soft or easy-to-chew foods due to discomfort with tougher textures.
Gagging, choking, or spitting out food that is hard to manage.
Ineffective tongue movements, making it difficult to swallow food properly.
c) Oral Hygiene and Dental Issues
Inability to use the tongue to clean food debris from teeth and gums.
Increased risk of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Development of malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or a narrow upper palate due to poor tongue posture.
Challenges during dental procedures from the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, because of restricted tongue movement.
d) Sleep and Breathing Concerns
Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, which can affect oxygen intake and jaw development.
Snoring or restless sleep, sometimes associated with sleep-disordered breathing.
Teeth grinding at night (bruxism), which can be a sign of airway restriction.
In some cases, poor sleep quality may even contribute to behavioral issues or learning difficulties.
e) Emotional and Social Impacts
Children with speech difficulties may avoid speaking in class or participating in social conversations.
Feeling different from other children can lead to low self-esteem or social withdrawal.
Academic performance may be affected if communication struggles are not addressed.
What Does Treatment of Tongue Tie in Older Children Involve?
a) Comprehensive Evaluation
A full assessment is conducted by a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, considering tongue mobility, speech clarity, oral posture, breathing patterns, and overall function.
b) Tongue Tie Release Procedure (Frenectomy)
Depending on the severity, a minor tongue tie surgery procedure is done to release the tongue tie. Frenectomy is a quick and simple release, for children of all ages with a fun-filled atmosphere and comfortable experience.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide sedation, ensuring the child remains relaxed and at ease. In some cases, especially for highly anxious children or those requiring comprehensive care, general anesthesia may be administered in a hospital setting (hospital dentistry).
It is a day-care procedure with minimal downtime, allowing children to return home the same day. Healing is usually rapid, and most children resume normal activities within a short time, with excellent outcomes and improved oral function.
c) Pre and Post-Release Rehabilitation and Therapy
Surgery is just the first step for older children, as post-release care is essential for optimal results. Myofunctional and speech therapy, along with stretching exercises, help improve tongue function, prevent reattachment, and support healing. Regular follow-ups with a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai ensure proper recovery and effective tongue use.
d) Airway-Focused Intervention (Myobrace Therapy)
If the child shows signs of airway compromise such as snoring, teeth grinding, or chronic mouth breathing, Myobrace therapy may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan from the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai. This approach helps correct oral habits, improve jaw development, and support proper nasal breathing, contributing to better sleep quality and overall health.
Is It Too Late to Treat Tongue Tie in Older Children?
It is never too late to treat a tongue tie. Usually treatment of infant tongue tie is simpler and requires less therapy afterward, while older children can still benefit greatly from treatment. In fact, many older children show significant improvement in speech, eating, and breathing after proper treatment, especially when followed by the right support therapies.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
Untreated tongue tie can continue to cause functional limitations into adulthood. Problems such as chronic jaw pain, poor posture, speech challenges, dental issues, and sleep-disordered breathing may persist or worsen over time. Early treatment from the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai helps reduce the risk of these long-term complications.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a trusted and the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, has helped countless children overcome tongue tie challenges with gentle, expert care. From accurate diagnosis to advanced procedures and post-treatment guidance, Dr. Yasmin Kottaiy provides a comprehensive and child-friendly approach to ensure every child’s smile thrives.
About Dr. Yasmin Kottait:
Having dedicated over 20 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name as the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism-friendly Dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.