A condition called tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, affects the tongue's movement. When the lingual frenulum, the thin strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight, it causes it. The tongue may be unable to stick out, move from side to side, or touch the roof of the mouth as a result of this.
The exact cause of tongue tie is not known, but it may be related to genetic factors, as it can sometimes run in families. Tongue tie is more common in boys than girls, and it affects up to 10% of newborns. When the lingual frenulum fails to separate properly from the tongue, tongue tie usually develops before birth.
Tongue tie symptoms and complications vary depending on severity and age. Some people have no problems with tongue tie, while others have problems with:
Tongue tie is a condition that makes it difficult for a baby to latch on, suck, and swallow breast milk. This can lead to nipple pain, low milk supply, poor weight gain, and frustration for both mother and child.
This can lead to speech delays, lisping, and unclear speech when the tongue touches the teeth, the roof of the mouth, or the sides of the mouth, such as "t", "d", "z", "s", "th", "r", and "l".
Tongue tie can make it difficult for the tongue to clean the teeth and gums with the tongue, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Tongue tie can also cause a gap between the lower front teeth.
Tongue tie can affect chewing, swallowing, and tasting food. It can also make it hard to lick an ice cream cone, lick your lips, or kiss.
A tongue tie can affect the appearance and function of the tongue, leading to embarrassment, social anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Doctors, dentists, lactation consultants, and speech-language pathologists can diagnose tongue tie. In addition to examining the tongue and mouth, they may also perform some tests to assess the strength and range of motion of the tongue. They may also ask about symptoms and problems associated with tongue tie.
The treatment for tongue tie depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the person. Some cases of tongue tie do not require treatment, while others may benefit from simple surgical procedures such as frenotomies or frenectomy. Frenotomies are small cuts that release the lingual frenulum, while frenectomy is a more extensive removal of it. Both procedures can be performed with a scalpel, scissors, laser, or electrocautery. In most cases, they are performed under local anesthesia, and they take only a few minutes to complete. Recovery is usually quick and painless, with minimal bleeding.
As tongue tie is a congenital condition, there is no way to prevent it. In most cases, people who undergo a frenotomy or a frenectomy have better tongue function and reduced symptoms after undergoing a frenectomy. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or reduce complications. For some people, breastfeeding, speech, or oral hygiene may require additional therapy or exercises. A person with tongue tie can lead a normal, healthy life with proper treatment and support. With proper treatment and support, tongue tie is not a life-threatening condition.
