If you’ve ever asked, “What does a tongue tie look like?” you’re not alone. Many parents notice feeding challenges before they ever see a clear visual sign. Others spot a heart-shaped tongue or a tight string of tissue and wonder if something is wrong.
Tongue tie, medically called ankyloglossia, is more common than many people realize. While some cases are obvious, others are subtle or hidden. This guide explains what a tongue tie looks like, how to compare it to normal anatomy, what a lip tie looks like, and when to seek an evaluation.
Underneath every tongue is a small band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. The frenulum in the tongue acts like a guide rope, anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth while still allowing it to move freely.
In a normal tongue:
When the frenulum is unusually short, thick, tight, or positioned too close to the tip of the tongue, it may restrict movement. That restriction is what we call a tongue tie.
When a normal tongue is lifted:
A healthy tongue can also stick out beyond the lips and move freely from side to side. These movements are essential for effective breastfeeding, bottle feeding, speech development, chewing, swallowing, and proper airway posture.
If lifting the tongue creates tension, a notch, or limited elevation, it may suggest restriction.
Tongue ties vary in appearance. Some are clearly visible, while others require functional assessment.
This is the most recognizable type.
Signs include:
The heart shape occurs because the center of the tongue is pulled back by the tight frenulum while the sides move forward.
This type is easier to see during crying, yawning, or when the tongue is extended.
A posterior tongue tie is less visible. Instead of a thin string near the tip, the restriction lies further back under the tongue.
It may appear as:
Posterior ties often cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone. They are identified through functional evaluation, including how the tongue lifts, cups, and coordinates during feeding.
This is why a baby may struggle even when the tongue looks “normal” at first glance.
A lip tie involves the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
A normal labial frenulum:
A restrictive lip tie may:
Lip ties can affect latch and feeding mechanics, especially when combined with a tongue tie.
Ankyloglossia is the medical term for tongue tie.
It describes restricted tongue movement due to a tight lingual frenulum. While the word sounds complex, it simply refers to functional limitation of the tongue.
Diagnosis is not based on appearance alone. It requires assessing:
This is why two tongues that look similar may function very differently.
Often, the clearest signs of a tongue tie are functional, not visual.
A tongue tie in adulthood is often overlooked, especially if feeding issues were never identified in infancy.
Yes.
Proper tongue posture plays a critical role in palate development and airway growth. When the tongue cannot rest fully against the roof of the mouth, it may contribute to:
This is why early identification can have long-term benefits beyond feeding alone.
While a professional evaluation is essential, you can observe:
If multiple signs are present, it is worth scheduling a consultation.
If feeding is painful, stressful, prolonged, or ineffective, or if your child shows signs of speech or airway concerns, a trained provider should assess function.
Appropriate specialists may include:
During your appointment, ask:
A thorough evaluation focuses on function, not just appearance.
A tongue tie does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it is obvious, like a heart-shaped tip. Other times, it is subtle and hidden beneath the surface.
The key is not just how it looks — but how it functions.
If you suspect a restriction, trust your instincts. Early evaluation can bring clarity, reduce stress, and support better feeding, speech, and long-term oral development.
If you would like a professional assessment, schedule a consultation to determine whether your baby’s tongue movement is within normal limits or may benefit from further care.
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.