Poor Latching or Clicking Sounds? Recognizing Infant Tongue-Tie Symptoms

Feeding should feel calm, steady, and productive for both baby and parent. When an infant has trouble latching, makes clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding, or seems frustrated during feeds, it may be a sign of an infant tongue-tie or lip tie.

A tongue-tie occurs when the small band of tissue under the tongue limits normal tongue movement. A lip tie can restrict how well the upper lip moves or flanges outward. These oral restrictions can affect how a baby seals, sucks, swallows, and transfers milk.

Why Poor Latching Happens

A strong latch depends on coordinated tongue and lip movement. When the tongue cannot lift, cup, or move forward properly, a baby may struggle to maintain suction. This can lead to shallow latching, frequent unlatching, prolonged feeding sessions, or fatigue during feeds.

Clicking sounds are often caused by a loss of suction. While occasional sounds may not always point to a problem, consistent clicking during feeding can be one of the more noticeable tongue-tie symptoms parents report.

Common Infant Tongue-Tie Symptoms

Tongue-tie symptoms can look different from one baby to another. Some infants show obvious feeding challenges, while others compensate in ways that make the problem harder to recognize at first.

Signs that may be connected to an infant tongue-tie or lip tie include:

•          Poor latch or difficulty staying latched

•          Clicking, smacking, or leaking milk while feeding

•          Long nursing or bottle-feeding sessions

•          Frequent gassiness, fussiness, or reflux-like symptoms

•          Poor weight gain or inefficient milk transfer

•          Difficulty holding a pacifier

•          Frustration, fatigue, or falling asleep quickly during feeds

Parents may also experience painful nursing, flattened or damaged nipples, plugged ducts, mastitis, or concerns about milk supply. These symptoms do not confirm a tongue-tie on their own, but they are important reasons to seek a full evaluation.

The Importance Of A Functional Evaluation

Not every feeding issue is caused by a tongue-tie. Latching problems can also be related to positioning, muscle tension, milk supply, bottle flow, or other feeding factors. That is why a visual check alone is not enough.

A proper evaluation looks at both structure and function. This means assessing how the tongue and lips move, how the baby feeds, and how symptoms affect both parent and infant. For many families, working with a lactation consultant or feeding specialist before treatment can help clarify what support is needed.

When Treatment May Be Recommended

If a tongue-tie or lip tie is limiting oral function and contributing to feeding problems, a frenectomy may be discussed. This procedure releases the restricted tissue so the tongue or lip can move more freely.

At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Poplin evaluates infant tongue and lip ties with a careful, conservative approach. The goal is to understand the full picture before recommending treatment and to support healthier feeding, better comfort, and more confident care at home.

Schedule an infant tongue-tie consultation with Poplin Pediatric Dentistry to better understand your baby’s feeding concerns and explore the right next steps for care. Contact our office in Austin, Texas, by calling (512) 346-1283 today.