Tongue tie

Tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. It occurs when the lingual frenulum (the thin piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually short, thick or tight. This can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, speech articulation, and mechanical tasks such as licking the lips.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tongue-tie can vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Some individuals with tongue-tie may not experience any symptoms, while others may have significant difficulties. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving it from side to side
• Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
• A tongue that appears notched or heart-shaped when stuck out

Causes

The exact cause of tongue-tie is unknown, but it appears to be more common in boys than girls. It is also more likely to occur in babies who have a family history of tongue-tie.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tongue-tie is typically made through a physical examination. The doctor may ask about symptoms and medical history, and will likely examine the mouth and tongue to assess the frenulum's appearance and flexibility.

Treatment

Treatment for tongue-tie usually involves a surgical procedure called a frenotomy. If additional repair is needed or the lingual frenulum is too thick for a frenotomy, a more extensive procedure known as a frenuloplasty might be required.

See also

• Frenulum of tongue
• Speech and language pathology
• Breastfeeding difficulties