Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia
Frenulum linguae
Synonyms	Tongue-tie
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Difficulty with breastfeeding, speech difficulties, oral hygiene issues
Complications	Speech impediments, dental issues
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Congenital
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Frenotomy, frenuloplasty
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a congenital oral anomaly that may decrease the mobility of the tongue tip and is caused by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. This condition can affect feeding, speech, and oral hygiene, as well as have mechanical/social effects.

Signs and Symptoms

Ankyloglossia can present with a variety of symptoms, which may include:

• Difficulty breastfeeding in infants, as the tongue may not be able to move effectively to suckle.
• Speech difficulties, particularly with sounds that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth or the teeth, such as "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," "r," and "l."
• Challenges with oral hygiene, as the limited tongue movement can make it difficult to clear food debris from the teeth and gums.
• Mechanical issues, such as difficulty licking lips or playing wind instruments.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ankyloglossia is typically made through a physical examination. A healthcare provider will assess the range of motion of the tongue and the appearance of the lingual frenulum. In some cases, a functional assessment may be conducted to evaluate the impact on feeding or speech.

Treatment

Treatment for ankyloglossia may not be necessary if the condition does not cause significant problems. However, if intervention is required, options include:

• Frenotomy: A simple surgical procedure where the frenulum is cut to free the tongue. This is often performed in infants and can be done with or without anesthesia.
• Frenuloplasty: A more complex surgical procedure that involves the release of the frenulum and may include suturing to reposition the tissue. This is typically performed in older children or adults.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with ankyloglossia is generally good, especially if treated early. Many children who undergo frenotomy or frenuloplasty experience significant improvements in feeding and speech.

Epidemiology

Ankyloglossia is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 4-10% of newborns. It is more prevalent in males than females.

Also see

• Frenulum
• Speech disorder
• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Oral hygiene

References

• Messner AH, Lalakea ML. "The effect of ankyloglossia on speech in children." Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002.
• Hogan M, Westcott C, Griffiths M. "A randomised controlled trial of division of tongue-tie in infants with feeding problems." J Paediatr Child Health. 2005.