Tongue-tie is commonly associated with infant feeding issues—but what many people don’t realize is that it can also have a lasting impact on speech. When the tongue's movement is restricted, it can affect how we pronounce sounds, how clearly we speak, and even our confidence when communicating.
This article breaks down how tongue-tie affects speech from infancy through adulthood, what to watch for, and how treatment can support healthy communication at any age.
A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum—the tissue under the tongue—is too tight, short, or thick. This limits the range of motion of the tongue. A tongue with restricted mobility can’t perform essential movements like elevation, lateralization (side-to-side movement), or extension past the lower teeth.
These motions are critical for:
Tongue-ties are often overlooked until noticeable symptoms, like feeding difficulty or speech delay, bring them to light.
Speech development begins before a baby speaks their first word. From infancy, babies experiment with sounds using their tongue and lips. A restriction can delay or distort this process.
Because children often adapt in clever ways, parents might not notice a speech issue until preschool or kindergarten, when their speech is compared to peers or flagged by a teacher.
As academic and social communication becomes more demanding, speech issues related to a tongue-tie can become more obvious—and more frustrating.
Children with tongue-tie may also develop muscle compensation in their jaw, neck, or lips, which can lead to tension and fatigue during long speech tasks.
The social and emotional toll of unclear speech can be significant. Children who are misunderstood may feel embarrassed or anxious when speaking. Over time, this can affect:
Some children begin withdrawing from group discussions or avoiding new friendships simply because speaking is too exhausting or embarrassing.
It’s not uncommon for adults to discover they have a tongue-tie only after years of unexplained symptoms. In many cases, these individuals had speech therapy as children—but never achieved full clarity.
Adults may avoid careers or activities that involve frequent talking due to discomfort or embarrassment. Others report lifelong insecurity about their voice or speech habits.
A proper diagnosis includes more than just visual inspection. Functional assessments evaluate how the tongue moves during speech, chewing, and swallowing. At Colorado Tongue Tie, evaluations may involve:
We often work in collaboration with speech-language pathologists and myofunctional therapists to determine if a tongue-tie is contributing to speech problems.
This is a minimally invasive procedure, typically done with a soft-tissue laser, to release the tight tissue under the tongue. It is safe, quick, and well-tolerated at any age.
Before and after the release, therapy exercises help train the tongue to move properly. This re-education ensures muscles are working efficiently for speech, swallowing, and breathing.
In some cases, working with a speech therapist can help refine articulation or retrain speech patterns that developed as compensation for a restricted tongue.
Together, these approaches can dramatically improve articulation, clarity, and confidence in both children and adults.
Recovery varies slightly depending on age, but in general:
It’s important to pair the release with guided exercises to prevent reattachment and maximize mobility.
Many patients at Colorado Tongue Tie report feeling understood for the first time in years. Parents have shared stories of children finally being able to express themselves clearly or gaining the confidence to read aloud in class.
Adults often describe feeling more in control of their voice and less exhausted after talking.
One adult patient noted:
“I used to avoid Zoom calls because I couldn’t speak without tension in my jaw. After my release and therapy, I feel like my voice finally matches my thoughts.”
If you or your child:
It may be time to consider a tongue-tie evaluation.
Your voice matters. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or an adult seeking clarity and confidence, we’re here to help.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we take a whole-body, functional approach to diagnosis and treatment. You deserve to speak comfortably and be heard.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.