Ankyloglossia (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is the improper positioning of tongue tissue in the mouth, which restricts the tongue's free movement.

What are the symptoms of Ankyloglossia?
Symptoms of ankyloglossia include an inability to stick the tongue forward, difficulty feeding, excessive attachment of tongue to bottom of the mouth, V-shaped notch in tip of tongue.

What causes Ankyloglossia?
Tongue tie occurs when the tissue on the underside of the front of the tongue is positioned too far forward on the tongue, making it difficult to move the tongue. This tissue is called the lingual frenulum.

If the tissue reaches the tip of the tongue, a V-shaped notch may be seen.

Tongue tie may cause feeding problems, tooth problems, and speech problems.

Who is at highest risk?
Ankyloglossia may be genetic.

Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose this condition during a physical exam. The exam will show that the tongue tissue is attached too far forward.

When to seek urgent medical care?
If you are concerned that your child may have tongue tie, have your health care provider examine it during a routine well-baby examination.

Treatment options
Surgery is seldom necessary but if it is needed, it involves cutting the abnormally placed tissue. If the child has a mild case of tongue tie, the surgery may be done in the doctor's office. More severe cases are done in a hospital operating room. A surgical reconstruction procedure called a z-plasty closure may be required to prevent scar tissue formation.

Where to find medical care for Ankyloglossia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Ankyloglossia

Prevention of Ankyloglossia
As a hereditary disorder, there is no way to prevent ankyloglossia.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Surgery, if performed, is usually successful.

Possible complications
The complications are rare, but recurrence of tongue tie, tongue swelling, bleeding, infection, and damage to the ducts of the salivary glands may occur.