Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a congenital anomaly characterized by a short, tight lingual frenulum that restricts the tongue's mobility. This condition can impact feeding, speech, and oral hygiene in infants, children, and adults.

An example of ankyloglossia, showing the short lingual frenulum.

Definition

Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the mucous membrane that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is abnormally short and tight. This condition can limit the range of motion of the tongue, affecting functions such as feeding, swallowing, speech, and, in some cases, oral hygiene.

Causes

Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors may play a role, as the condition sometimes runs in families.

Symptoms and Complications

Symptoms and complications of tongue-tie can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: - Difficulty breastfeeding in infants, leading to poor weight gain and maternal nipple pain - Challenges with certain speech sounds that require tongue mobility - Difficulties with oral hygiene tasks, such as licking the lips or sweeping food debris from teeth - Social or emotional challenges due to restricted tongue movement

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ankyloglossia is typically made through a physical examination of the mouth and tongue. Health care providers may assess the tongue's appearance, its range of motion, and the frenulum's length and attachment point. In some cases, additional assessments by a speech-language pathologist or lactation consultant may be recommended.

Treatment

Treatment for tongue-tie may be considered if the condition significantly impacts feeding, speech, or oral hygiene. Options include: - Frenotomy: A simple surgical procedure where the tight frenulum is snipped, allowing for improved tongue mobility. This procedure is often performed without anesthesia in infants and with local anesthesia in older children and adults. - Frenuloplasty: A more extensive surgical procedure recommended when additional repair is needed or in cases of a thick or posteriorly located frenulum. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. - Speech therapy: For individuals experiencing speech difficulties due to tongue-tie, speech therapy may help improve articulation and oral motor skills.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with ankyloglossia is excellent. Infants often experience immediate improvement in breastfeeding, and speech difficulties can typically be corrected with surgery and/or speech therapy.

External Links

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie)
• La Leche League International - Tongue-Tie

References

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