MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tongue tie

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Tongue tie

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Oropharynx

Alternative names Return to top

Ankyloglossia

Definition Return to top

Tongue tie occurs when free movement of the tongue is restricted.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Tongue tie is a condition in which the midline sheath of tissue attached to the base of the tongue (lingual frenum) is attached too far forward on the tongue, causing restriction of tongue motion.

If the lingual frenum extends to the tip of the tongue, a V-shaped notch may be seen in the tip of the tongue. Tongue tie may cause feeding problems, problems with teeth, and also has the potential to affect speech.

Symptoms Return to top

Inability to protrude tongue
V-shaped notch in tip of tongue
Excessive attachment of tongue to floor of the mouth by a membrane (lingual frenum)

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination confirms that the lingual frenum is attached too far forward.

Treatment Return to top

Surgical intervention is seldom necessary. If surgery is deemed necessary, it should be postponed until the child is approximately 9 months old.

Surgery involves cutting of the lingual frenum either in the office (mild cases), or in the operating room (more advanced cases). A surgical reconstruction (z-plasty closure) maybe required to prevent scar tissue formation.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Surgery, if performed, is usually successful.

Complications Return to top

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

Calling your health care provider Return to top

If you are concerned about a possible tongue tie on your child, have your health care provider examine it during a routine well-baby examination.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos M.D. F.A.C.S., Department Of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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