Private Tongue Tie Clinic in Bournemouth and Poole

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum, the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is shorter or tighter than usual. This restricts tongue movement and can cause difficulties with feeding in babies and, later, with speech and oral development in older children.

Tongue tie affects an estimated 4–11% of newborns in the UK, making it more common than many parents realise. It can affect both boys and girls, though it is slightly more prevalent in boys. Early assessment is important, as untreated tongue tie can have a lasting impact on feeding, speech and oral development.

The exact cause of tongue tie is not fully understood, but it is thought to be genetic in origin and can run in families. It occurs when the frenulum fails to separate from the underside of the tongue during foetal development, resulting in a shorter or tighter band of tissue than usual.

A tongue tie may be visible as a tight or short band of tissue beneath the tongue, sometimes causing the tongue tip to appear heart-shaped or notched when the baby cries or attempts to extend the tongue. Posterior tongue ties sit further back in the mouth and can be harder to identify without specialist examination.

An anterior tongue tie is visible at the front of the mouth, where the frenulum is clearly attached near the tip of the tongue. A posterior tongue tie sits further back and is often harder to identify without specialist assessment. Both can restrict tongue movement and may require treatment depending on severity.

Common signs include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, a clicking sound during feeding and visible frustration at the breast or bottle. If you are concerned your baby may have tongue tie, Mrs Kate Heathcote offers professional assessments at our private clinic in Canford Cliffs.

A specialist assessment is the most reliable way to confirm tongue tie. Mrs Kate Heathcote will examine your baby or child’s mouth, assessing the tongue’s range of motion and the degree of frenulum restriction. If treatment is needed, she will discuss the procedure and next steps with you at the same appointment.

The procedure involves a precise release of the frenulum to allow greater freedom of tongue movement. It is quick, safe and performed on-site at Haven Medical by Mrs Kate Heathcote. Most babies can return to feeding almost immediately following the procedure, with full healing typically occurring within a few days to a week.

Tongue tie treatment at Haven Medical costs £350. This includes the initial consultation, assessment and treatment. There are no hidden fees.

Yes. In addition to treating babies and young children, Mrs Kate Heathcote also assesses and treats tongue tie in older children and adolescents, including more complex cases that may have been missed earlier in life. If you are an adult concerned about tongue tie, please contact us to discuss your situation.

No. You can book directly with Haven Medical without a GP referral. If you are concerned about tongue tie in your baby, child or yourself, contact us to arrange an assessment with Mrs Kate Heathcote at our clinic in Canford Cliffs.