Tongue Tie
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too short, thick or tight. This can restrict the movement of the tongue and affect a child’s ability to perform functions such as latching, swallowing or speaking. In newborns, tongue tie is often identified because of feeding difficulties. A baby with tongue tie may have trouble latching during breast or bottle feeding, may feed for long periods without gaining enough weight or may cause pain for the breastfeeding mother.
As children grow, tongue tie can cause issues beyond infancy. In toddlers and older children, restricted tongue movement may interfere with speech development. Children with tongue tie may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds including “T”, “D” and “L”. Not all children with tongue tie have symptoms, but when it impacts daily functions treatment may be necessary.
The primary treatment for symptomatic tongue tie is a frenulectomy. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue. In newborns, this is typically a quick and simple procedure that can be completed in our office at ENT for Kids. Older children may require the procedure to be done in an operating room with anesthesia, especially if the tissue is thicker or if the child is anxious.
Infants and children undergoing frenulectomy typically recover quickly. In cases where speech has been affected, speech therapy may be recommended following the procedure.
If you’re concerned your child might have tongue tie—especially if they have feeding challenges, speech delays, or tongue movement limitations, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.