It is unusual for a tongue tie to have an impact on speech and as most stretch over time it is impossible to predict the potential impact on future speech development in a baby with a tongue tie.  In older children it may become clearer that the tongue is restricting movement causing speech issues. This may not simply be the inability to protrude the tongue to beyond the teeth but also a restriction in side movements and rolling the tongue back against the palate causing slurring of speech and difficulty with pronouncing the letter “r.”

Later in life a tongue tie can restrict the ability to lick ice cream, kiss and play wind instruments. It is also thought that a tongue tie may cause a gap between the lower incisors but this has not been validated by studies.