Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help if a baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, turns blue or grey, or has bleeding that does not stop after a procedure.
Breathing problems are not a typical symptom of tongue tie and need immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day care if a baby is taking much less milk than usual, has noticeably fewer wet nappies, has a very dry mouth, or is becoming unusually sleepy.
These may be signs of dehydration or illness, whether or not tongue tie is present.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical or feeding support if:
Breastfeeding remains painful despite help with positioning
A baby repeatedly slips off, tires, or struggles during feeds
Feeds are consistently very long or ineffective
You are concerned about milk intake or weight gain
An older child has speech or eating difficulties linked to tongue movement
A frenotomy wound appears increasingly painful, swollen, or inflamed
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tongue tie. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.