A tongue tie (known as ankyloglossia) is restriction of tongue movement caused by a short or tight membrane (lingual frenulum) under the tongue. Tongue tie release, also called frenectomy, is a procedure in which the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is surgically cut or released. This allows the tongue to move more freely and can improve speech, feeding, and swallowing.
Some babies may benefit from having a tongue tie released, enabling them to breastfeed or bottle feed more effectively.
What are the main symptoms of tongue tie?
The symptoms of tongue tie can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, including poor latch, slow feeding, and inadequate milk transfer.
Difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain sounds, especially “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” “th,” and “z.”
Limited tongue movement, including an inability to stick out the tongue past the lips, touch the roof of the mouth, or move the tongue from side to side.
Dental issues, such as gaps between the front teeth or tooth decay due to difficulty cleaning the teeth properly.
Oral discomfort or pain, including discomfort during breastfeeding, soreness in the tongue or mouth, and difficulty eating certain foods.
It’s important to understand that every patient’s dental treatment can vary depending on their unique situation, if you have any queries you can book your consultation with our qualified dental team.
