Have you ever encountered a body part you didn’t know existed until it started causing issues? One such part is the lingual frenulum, the small web of tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth’s floor. While often overlooked, for some, an issue known as ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, can arise, prompting questions and concerns. Are you wondering what tongue tie is and what treatments are available? You’re in the right place to learn more.

What issues can tongue tie cause from birth?

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, typically presents at birth when the frenulum is shorter than it should be. When this occurs, there may be difficulties in moving the tongue, leading to speech, breastfeeding, and oral hygiene problems.

What are some common indicators of tongue tie, and how does it affect different age groups?

There are a few ways to know if you have tongue tie:

• It may be difficult to lift your tongue to your upper teeth.
• Sticking your tongue out past the lower front teeth may be difficult.
• You may have trouble moving your tongue from side to side.
• In infants, tongue tie may make it hard to breastfeed.
• Children and adults who have tongue tie may not be able to speak clearly or say specific sounds such as l, d, th, or t.
• Licking your lips or even an ice cream cone is difficult or impossible.

Who can diagnose a tongue-tie and how?

Fortunately, getting a tongue-tie diagnosis is relatively simple. A dentist can diagnose a tongue tie, as can an oral surgeon, lactation consultant, speech-language therapist, or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These professionals will assess the appearance of the tongue and its movements. They will also ask about related symptoms like speech problems and pain or irritation.

What symptoms do adults with tongue tie experience, and can it go unnoticed from birth?

It’s not just babies and children who can get tongue ties. Adults can experience this, too. In most cases, the condition has been present since birth, and the person simply didn’t realize it. Maybe they had a mild case that worsened as they got older. In some cases, they may have adapted to the restricted tongue movement over time. In adults, tongue tie often shows symptoms that include pain or tension in the jaw or tongue. Oral hygiene may also be a challenge.

What is the difference between a frenectomy and a frenuloplasty in treating tongue tie?

A dental or medical provider can treat a tongue tie by performing a frenectomy, a surgical procedure in which the provider makes a small cut in the frenulum using a laser, scalpel, or scissors. This procedure helps by lengthening the frenulum. A frenectomy is quick, but it may hurt a bit.

Older children and adults may have a frenulum that has become too thick for a frenotomy. When this happens, the provider must perform a frenuloplasty, which involves freeing the tongue by dividing and lengthening the frenulum.

Schedule a consultation to learn about tongue ties and frenectomy procedures at Gateway Oral Health Center.

If you need information about tongue ties and a frenectomy procedure, Dr. Bryce Eagar and the skilled team at Gateway Oral Health Center in St. George, Utah, are here to help. Call us today at (435) 656-0255 to learn more and schedule a consultation.

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