Tongue ties, also known as ankyloglossia, are often associated with obvious symptoms like difficulty breastfeeding or speech issues. However, there are several hidden symptoms that parents may not be aware of. Understanding these lesser-known signs can help identify tongue ties early and seek appropriate treatment. Here are 10 hidden tongue tie symptoms you need to know about:

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1. Reflux or Spitting Up: Tongue-tied babies may experience reflux or frequent spitting up due to swallowing air while feeding. This can be a result of inefficient milk transfer caused by restricted tongue movement.
2. Mouth Breathing: Babies with tongue ties may have difficulty breathing through their nose, leading to mouth breathing, especially during sleep. This can affect their sleep quality and overall well-being.
3. Digestive Issues: Tongue ties can impact digestion, leading to symptoms like gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in infants. These digestive issues may be attributed to inefficient feeding due to restricted tongue movement.
4. Poor Weight Gain: Infants with tongue ties may struggle to gain weight adequately due to ineffective breastfeeding. Poor weight gain can be a sign that the baby is not receiving enough milk during feeding sessions.
5. Difficulty Swallowing Solid Foods: As babies transition to solid foods, those with tongue ties may have difficulty swallowing or managing certain textures. This can lead to feeding aversions or delays in introducing solid foods.
6. Recurrent Ear Infections: Tongue ties can contribute to poor drainage of the Eustachian tubes, increasing the risk of recurrent ear infections in babies. Addressing the underlying tongue tie may help reduce the frequency of ear infections.
7. Chronic Neck or Shoulder Tension: Babies with tongue ties may compensate for restricted tongue movement by using their neck and shoulder muscles excessively. This can lead to chronic tension or discomfort in the neck and shoulder area.
8. Delayed Milestones: Tongue-tied babies may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones related to feeding, speech, and oral motor skills. Early intervention for tongue ties can help support optimal development.
9. Speech Articulation Issues: While speech difficulties are commonly associated with tongue ties, subtle articulation issues may go unnoticed. Tongue-tied children may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or may exhibit unclear speech patterns.
10. Dental Problems: Untreated tongue ties can contribute to dental issues such as crowded teeth, misalignment, or improper jaw development. Addressing tongue ties early can help prevent potential dental complications.

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If you notice any of these hidden symptoms in your baby, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about tongue ties. Early detection and intervention can help address feeding difficulties, promote optimal development, and prevent potential long-term issues associated with tongue ties.

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At Colorado Tongue Tie, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue ties in infants. If you suspect that your baby may have a tongue tie, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 720-797-5040 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to support you and your baby on your feeding and oral development journey.

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