Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) is a condition that limits the range of motion.
With tongue-tie, an unusually short, often or narrow strip of fabric (frenulum) binds to the underside of the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A person who has tongue-tie might have difficulty sticking out his tongue. Tongue-tie can also affect how a child eats, speaks, and swallows, as well as interfere with breastfeeding.
Sometimes the frenulum loosens over time and tongue-tie resolves by itself. In other cases, tongue-tie persists without causing problems.
If necessary, tongue-tie can be treated with a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy. If you require further repair or the frenulum is too thick for frenotomy, a broader procedure known as Frenuloplasty could be an option.
References GC Isaacson. Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants and children. www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed February 6, 2012. Buryk M, et al. effectiveness of neonatal Ankyloglossia release: a randomized trial. Pediatrics. 2011; 280.128: Suter VG, et al, Ankyloglossia: facts and myths in the diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Periodontology. 2009; 80: 1204. Edmunds J, et al. Tongue-tie and breastfeeding: a review of the literature. Review of breastfeeding. 2011; 19:19. Block SL Ankyloglossia: when frenectomy is the right choice. Pediatric Annals. 2012; 41: 14. Beatty CW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota March 11, 2012.
