Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) in Grand Rapids, MI

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tongue’s movement is restricted by a short, tight, or thick band of tissue under the tongue called the lingual frenum. This limited movement can affect breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, swallowing, and sometimes speech.

In many babies, children, and adults in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a short lingual frenum causes no problems and never needs treatment. In other cases, especially in newborns, it can make feeding more difficult and stressful for families.

What Causes Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie occurs during fetal development. The lingual frenum normally thins and moves further back under the tongue before birth. Tongue-tie can happen when:

  • The frenum is too short, tight, or thick
  • The frenum does not move back and remains attached close to the tongue tip

This is a structural (anatomical) difference, not something caused by feeding choices or parenting.

Signs of Tongue-Tie

General Signs in Children and Adults

Some people in Grand Rapids may have a visible tongue-tie but no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • The tongue cannot extend (stick out) past the lips
  • The tongue tip cannot touch the roof of the mouth
  • The tongue cannot move side to side to the corners of the mouth
  • The tongue tip looks flat or square instead of pointy when extended
  • The tongue tip looks notched or heart-shaped when sticking out
  • A gap between the lower front teeth in some children
  • Difficulty with certain oral tasks, such as:
    • Licking lips or an ice cream cone
    • Clearing food from the teeth
    • Playing wind instruments or some sports mouth movements

Many of these signs are mild and may not interfere with daily life.

Tongue-Tie in Babies: Feeding and Breastfeeding Signs

In newborns and infants, tongue-tie is often first suspected because of breastfeeding problems. In West Michigan, especially during colder months when babies are bundled up and feeds may be longer, these issues can feel particularly challenging.

Signs in the Baby

A baby with tongue-tie may:

  • Have trouble latching onto the breast or bottle
  • Come on and off the breast frequently
  • Make a clicking sound while sucking
  • Feed for very long periods or very frequently
  • Get tired quickly during feeds
  • Have poor weight gain or seem unsatisfied after feeds

Signs in the Breastfeeding Mother

The breastfeeding parent may notice:

  • Sore, damaged, or cracked nipples during and after feeds
  • Flattened-looking nipples after breastfeeding
  • White compression lines on the nipple after feeds
  • Ongoing breast pain despite trying different positions and latch techniques
  • Feeling that breastfeeding is unusually difficult compared with previous children

These symptoms can be caused by tongue-tie, but they can also be due to other common breastfeeding challenges. That’s why a professional assessment is important.

Tongue-Tie and Speech Development

Most children with tongue-tie in Grand Rapids do not develop speech problems. However, in some persistent or more severe cases, the restricted tongue movement may affect how certain sounds are produced.

A child may have difficulty with sounds that require the tongue to:

  • Lift or arch off the floor of the mouth, such as the “r” sound
  • Touch the roof of the mouth, such as:
    • t
    • d
    • n
    • l
    • s
    • z

If you notice unclear speech, frustration when talking, or your child is being misunderstood at school or daycare, a speech-language pathologist can help determine whether tongue-tie is contributing to the problem.

Can Tongue-Tie Improve on Its Own?

Tongue-tie in toddlers appears to be less common than in newborns, suggesting that in some children:

  • The frenum loosens naturally
  • The tongue gains more movement as the mouth grows

Because of this, not all tongue-ties require immediate surgery. Many providers in Grand Rapids will recommend watchful waiting, especially if:

  • Feeding is going well
  • Weight gain is appropriate
  • Speech is developing normally

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about tongue-tie, especially in a newborn or toddler, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.

You can start by contacting:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or other local practices)
  • A lactation consultant (often available through local hospitals and birth centers)
  • Your maternal and child health nurse or postpartum nurse
  • A speech-language pathologist (for speech concerns)
  • A pediatric dentist or oral surgeon experienced in tongue-tie

In Grand Rapids, many families access care through:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics and affiliated pediatric practices

For public health guidance, you can also contact the:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources and local parenting support programs

Tongue-Tie and Baby Feeding: Getting the Right Support

Most breastfeeding and bottle-feeding difficulties in West Michigan are not caused by tongue-tie and can often be improved with:

  • Correct positioning and latch techniques
  • Adjustments to feeding frequency and duration
  • Support from a lactation consultant

Because winters in Grand Rapids are long and cold, families may spend more time indoors, which can make feeding challenges feel overwhelming. Early support can make a big difference in both milk supply and parental confidence.

If feeding problems continue despite skilled lactation support, your provider may recommend an evaluation specifically for tongue-tie.

Treatment for Tongue-Tie in Grand Rapids

Non-Surgical Management

Before considering surgery, your care team may suggest:

  • Lactation support for breastfeeding
  • Feeding therapy (with an occupational or speech therapist)
  • Speech therapy for older children with speech concerns
  • Monitoring growth, feeding, and speech over time

Surgical Treatment: Frenectomy

If tongue-tie is clearly affecting feeding or speech and other methods have not helped, a surgical procedure may be recommended.

The medical term for this procedure is frenectomy.

A frenectomy typically involves:

  • Snipping or releasing the lingual frenum with sterile scissors or laser
  • A quick procedure, often done in-office for young babies
  • Minimal bleeding and usually very short recovery time
  • Follow-up instructions, which may include stretching or motion exercises as directed by your provider

For older children or more complex cases, the procedure may be done in a hospital or surgical center under appropriate anesthesia.

In Grand Rapids, frenectomy may be performed by:

  • Pediatric dentists
  • Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
  • Some family dentists experienced in tongue-tie management

Local Dental and Oral Health Resources in Grand Rapids

If you suspect tongue-tie or need a provider experienced in frenectomy, you can:

  • Ask your pediatrician or family doctor for a referral
  • Contact local hospital networks:
    • Corewell Health / Spectrum Health pediatric and ENT clinics
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids pediatric and dental providers
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health affiliated clinics
  • Use the American Dental Association “Find a Dentist” tool to locate a dentist in the Grand Rapids area who treats children and offers frenectomy

For lower-cost or public dental services, check:

  • Kent County Health Department dental programs
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics in and around Grand Rapids
  • Michigan state and local public health websites for updated lists of community dental clinics and eligibility

Living in Grand Rapids with Tongue-Tie: What Parents Should Know

  • Many babies and children with tongue-tie in Grand Rapids do very well without surgery.
  • The decision to treat is individual and should be based on:
    • Feeding success
    • Growth and weight gain
    • Speech development
    • Family goals and concerns
  • Local weather and seasonal changes (long winters, dry indoor air) can affect overall comfort and feeding routines, but they do not cause tongue-tie.

When to Call a Healthcare Professional

Consider calling a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if:

  • Your baby has persistent feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or you are in pain with breastfeeding
  • You notice limited tongue movement and are concerned
  • Your child’s speech is unclear or they struggle with specific sounds
  • You are considering a frenectomy and want a professional opinion

Start with:

  • Your GP or pediatrician
  • A lactation consultant
  • Your maternal and child health nurse
  • A speech-language pathologist
  • An oral health professional (dentist, pediatric dentist, or oral surgeon)

Early assessment and support can help you find the least invasive, most effective approach for your child and family.

If you’re in the Grand Rapids, MI area and worried about tongue-tie, talk with your local pediatrician, lactation consultant, or dentist. They can help you decide whether watchful waiting, therapy, or frenectomy is the right option for your situation.