Tongue Tie

Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when a band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting its movement. This condition can result in various functional impairments, including difficulties with nursing, eating, and speech. The impact of tongue tie varies with age. In newborns, it may cause breastfeeding challenges due to an inadequate latch, leading to symptoms such as a weak latch, frequent loss of latch, and nipple pain or injury for breastfeeding mothers. In older children, tongue tie may impede clear speech articulation and limit the ability to protrude the tongue past the teeth. Depending on the severity and impact, a surgical intervention known as a frenulectomy may be considered to alleviate these issues.