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Home Blog What Is a Tongue Tie?

What Is a Tongue Tie?


Posted on 6/3/2024 by Dr. Jae Seon Kim
Kids dental examImagine a minor and insignificant condition influencing speaking, eating, and oral hygiene. This is a case of the so-called tongue-tie or ankyloglossia, a condition that is in no way trivial. It is a congenital anomaly where a band of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue and affects many aspects of life.

Understanding the Condition


Tongue tie is a congenital anomaly in which the lingual frenulum - connecting the under part of the tongue to the mouth floor - is thick, tight, or short in an abnormal manner. This may bring about potential problems of speech defects, eating problems, or difficulty during breastfeeding for newborns.

The Impact on Daily Life


In severe cases, the tongue tie can impede speech and pronouncing some sounds. Invariably, it will tend to get in the way of good oral hygiene and make some social activities, such as dining or kissing, difficult. In babies, this prominent tongue tie can hinder proper latching breastfeeding, which can mean less transfer of breastmilk and also an impact on the milk supply of the mother.

Diagnosis and Treatment


Now, thanks to modern medicine, it is possible to identify and even cure this condition. All you need to do is be informed and communicate the issue to a competent doctor: a pediatrician, an ENT specialist, or a dentist who has received specialized education in this field. Often, the solution involves a simple procedure to cut it - a frenotomy. This is a brief, minimally invasive procedure, particularly in babies, where this intervention is mainly done without anesthesia as the lingual frenulum is not innervated yet.

Seeking Help and Spreading Awareness


Seek dental professional help when the problem of a tongue tie seems to be causing trouble for you or your loved one. A small step, sometimes, can make a big difference. This will also help create awareness of this condition and help others suffering in silence. Contact our dentist today to discuss a tongue tie assessment and treatment.
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