Tongue – Tie (Ankyloglossia)

Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in babies and children who have a short or taut lingual frenulum at birth. (Frenulum is a membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) Ankyloglossia is a congenital oral anomaly which may decrease mobility of the tongue tip and can affect feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.

In newborns, ankyloglossia most commonly leads to difficulties in breastfeeding. Intervention for ankyloglossia sometimes includes a procedure in the form of a frenectomy. However a wait-and-see approach may be a viable alternative as the frenulum naturally recedes during the process of a child's growth between six months and six years of age. If you are concerned about your baby and his/her tongue mobility please come in to see Dr. Parhizkar for an evaluation.