ankyloglosia

Ankyloglosia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a condition present from birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. It occurs when the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, thick, or tight. This restriction can affect the tongue's ability to move freely in the mouth.

The severity of ankyloglosia varies, and its impact can range from no noticeable symptoms to significant problems. In infants, it can interfere with breastfeeding, causing difficulties with latching, poor weight gain, and pain for the mother. As children grow, ankyloglosia may lead to speech impediments, as the tongue plays a crucial role in forming certain sounds. It can also affect oral hygiene, making it harder to clean the teeth, and may contribute to issues with eating solid foods or the development of the jaw and teeth.

Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or dentist, through a physical examination. Treatment options depend on the severity and the presence of symptoms. For mild cases, no intervention may be necessary. In more significant cases, a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy can be performed to release the frenulum. This is a quick procedure often done without anesthesia in infants. For older children and adults, a more involved surgery called a frenuloplasty may be required.