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Tongue Tie in Kids
Tongue Tie Surgery & Treatment in Dubai
Tongue tie is a condition present from birth that affects tongue movement and function. Children's mouths and tongues continue to develop with age; therefore, feeding and speech difficulties linked to tongue tie can present differently at various stages of childhood.
At Aster Hospitals Dubai, our paediatric surgery team assesses and treats tongue tie in kids. Our experienced and board-certified paediatric surgeons explain the diagnosis and available treatment options to parents and tailor care according to the child's age, symptoms and severity.
Why Tongue Tie in Kids Requires a Specialised Approach
A child's tongue, mouth and speech patterns continue to develop through infancy and early childhood. As a result, the impact of tongue tie may not always be obvious at birth and can become noticeable later.
Some cases are identified shortly after birth during feeding difficulties. Others become apparent only when a child begins speaking or eating solid foods.
A paediatric surgeon can assess the degree of tongue restriction and identify problems that may affect feeding, oral hygiene or speech if left untreated.
Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Common signs and symptoms of tongue-tie that may be a cause for a visit to a paediatric surgeon are:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding: Your baby struggles to attach properly to the breast or slips off repeatedly during feeds.
- Clicking sounds while feeding: A clicking noise during breastfeeding may suggest an improper latch caused by restricted tongue movement.
- Poor weight gain: Your baby feeds frequently but does not gain weight as expected.
- Limited tongue movement: The tongue cannot extend past the lower lip or move side to side with ease.
- Speech difficulties: Your child has trouble pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those requiring the tongue tip to touch the roof of the mouth.
- Notched or heart-shaped tongue tip: The tip of the tongue appears notched when your child sticks it out.
If you notice any of these symptoms, arrange an assessment with a tongue tie specialist in Dubai. The doctor can determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Common Tongue Tie Conditions We Treat
Children may develop feeding, speech or oral hygiene difficulties linked to tongue tie that require monitoring or a procedure. Our paediatric surgery doctors manage such conditions:
- Anterior tongue tie: The lingual frenulum is attached near the tip of the tongue, often causing visible restriction and feeding difficulty.
- Posterior tongue tie: The frenulum is attached further back along the tongue and can be harder to identify without a careful examination.
- Feeding-related tongue tie: Restricted tongue movement affecting latch, milk transfer or feeding duration in infants.
- Speech-related tongue tie: Limited tongue mobility affecting the pronunciation of certain sounds in older children.
- Recurrent feeding or growth concerns: Poor weight gain or prolonged feeding sessions that may be linked to an underlying tongue tie.
Parents looking for tongue tie treatment for kids in Dubai can consult our paediatric surgery team for an assessment tailored to their child.
Our Approach to Tongue Tie Care
Children need care that takes their age, development and feeding needs into account. Depending on the condition, treatment may include:
- Clinical assessment: The surgeon examines the tongue's appearance and movement and, for infants, may observe a feeding session to assess its impact.
- Frenotomy: A quick procedure where the surgeon releases the lingual frenulum. This is often performed for infants and typically takes only a few minutes.
- Frenuloplasty: A more involved surgical procedure used for thicker or more complex tongue ties, usually performed under general anaesthesia in older children.
- Feeding support: Lactation guidance may be offered alongside treatment to help mothers and babies establish a comfortable feeding routine.
- Follow-up care: Parents receive guidance on feeding, wound care and recovery based on the treatment their child receives.
Some cases of tongue tie can affect feeding, oral hygiene or speech if they remain untreated. An early assessment from a tongue tie specialist at our paediatric hospital helps identify the cause and determine whether your child needs monitoring or a procedure.
Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Tongue Tie in Kids in Dubai?
Treatment of tongue tie in kids requires an approach that considers both the physical condition and the child's feeding or speech development. At Aster Hospitals, paediatric teams work with families throughout assessment, treatment and follow-up.
- Paediatric diagnostic assessment: Doctors evaluate tongue movement and feeding difficulties through a thorough clinical examination.
- Experienced surgical team: Paediatric surgeons perform frenotomy and frenuloplasty procedures with attention to each child's anatomy and age.
- Age-appropriate communication: Doctors explain examinations, findings and treatment options in language that children and parents can understand.
- Multidisciplinary care: Paediatricians, surgeons, lactation consultants and speech therapists work together when a child needs combined support.
- Multiple locations: As one of the leading tongue-tie hospitals for children in Dubai, Aster's paediatric treatments are available at Mankhool, Al Qusais, Jebel Ali and Muhaisnah.
Starting from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up, the paediatric surgery team works with parents to understand the child's condition and decide on the next steps.
Meet Our Paediatric Surgery Team
A thorough assessment helps the paediatric surgeon understand the extent of your child's tongue-tie. During the consultation, the doctor reviews feeding history, symptoms and examination findings and may observe a feeding session where needed.
The paediatric surgeon then discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with the parents. If a procedure is required, the team explains what it involves, how the child should prepare and what to expect during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tongue tie in kids?
Tongue tie is a condition present from birth where the strip of tissue under the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is shorter or tighter than usual, restricting tongue movement.
At what age should my child see a tongue tie specialist?
A child may need a tongue tie assessment at any age. Many cases are identified in infancy during feeding difficulties, while others become noticeable once a child begins speaking.
Is tongue tie treatment safe for young children?
Tongue tie procedures are planned according to the child's age and the severity of the condition. A frenotomy is a brief, low-risk procedure, while frenuloplasty is performed under anaesthesia for added comfort.
What are the treatment options for tongue-tie in older children?
Older children with thicker or more complex tongue ties are usually treated with frenuloplasty, a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
How much does tongue tie in kids treatment cost in Dubai?
The cost varies based on the required procedure and the child's specific condition. A specialist can estimate the expected treatment costs after an assessment.
Last updated: 04-11-2026
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