Understanding Tongue-Ties and Their Impact

Understanding Tongue-Ties and Their Impact

Tongue-ties, clinically referred to as ankyloglossia, occur when the lingual frenulum—a small fold of tissue under the tongue—is unusually short, thick, or tight. This condition restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can impact several developmental functions, particularly in infants and young children.

Most often identified in infancy, tongue-ties can interfere with effective breastfeeding. The tongue’s restricted mobility may prevent infants from latching properly, leading to inadequate milk transfer and symptoms such as maternal nipple pain or infant weight loss. In such cases, lactation consultants are often the first professionals to identify the concern.

When untreated, tongue-ties may contribute to speech articulation issues, oral hygiene challenges, and even sleep-disordered breathing. As children grow, the condition can manifest in difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those requiring elevation of the tongue. It can also make routine tasks like licking, eating, or maintaining dental hygiene more difficult due to limited tongue movement.

Diagnosis is typically made through a clinical examination that evaluates tongue function alongside observable physical characteristics. Providers may use assessment tools to score tongue mobility and determine functional limitations. It’s essential to differentiate between a visible frenulum and one that functionally impairs mobility, as not all visible ties require intervention.
Treatment, when deemed necessary, often involves a procedure called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty. These outpatient procedures release the tie and are frequently accompanied by therapeutic support, including feeding therapy or myofunctional therapy, to retrain proper tongue movement and promote optimal outcomes.