Tongue Tie: A Brief Explanation
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum, the small piece of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight. This restricts tongue movement and can interfere with various oral functions.
Here's a breakdown of the condition:
* What it looks like: The frenulum may appear as a thick, tight band, sometimes extending all the way to the tip of the tongue.
* Impact: It can affect:
* Breastfeeding: Difficulty latching, sucking, and gaining weight.
* Speech development: Problems with articulation, especially sounds like "t", "d", "l", and "th".
* Eating: Difficulty chewing and swallowing, leading to food pocketing and picky eating.
* Oral hygiene: Limited tongue movement can make cleaning the tongue difficult, increasing the risk of bad breath and infections.
* Diagnosis: A healthcare professional can diagnose tongue tie by visually examining the frenulum and assessing tongue movement.
* Treatment: In cases where tongue tie affects oral functions, a simple procedure called frenectomy can be performed to release the frenulum.
It's important to note that not all tongue ties require treatment. A healthcare professional can determine if your child's tongue tie needs attention and recommend the best course of action.