The medical condition known as tongue tie is a condition in which the lingual frenulum, a band of tissue located under the tongue and attached to the floor of the mouth, appears to be shorter or thicker than standard. This connective tissue can restrict the movement of the tongue, leading to problems with speech and simple tasks such as eating and swallowing. Although the condition is relatively common, affecting nearly 5% of newborns, many parents are unclear on the nature of the condition and whether their child might be affected. Today we will delve into the topic of tongue tie, explaining what it is and how it can affect children.
What is Tongue Tie?
The diagnosis of tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is made when the lingual frenulum restricts the movement of a child’s tongue. Typically, this thin membrane is located under the tongue and is responsible for allowing the tongue to extend beyond the lips. When the lingual frenulum is shorter or thicker than normal, it can limit the movement of the tongue, causing a number of issues. In some cases, the tongue tie can be quite severe and result in the tip of the tongue appearing heart-shaped when extended. While the severity of the condition can vary, it is generally considered to be an anatomical anomaly.
How Does Tongue Tie Affect Children?
When children are born with tongue tie, they may experience problems with breast feeding, eating and swallowing. The condition can also cause difficulty with articulating certain sounds and lead to various speech disorders. In older children, the condition can result in difficulty with certain activities such as licking an ice cream cone, blowing out a birthday candle, or playing musical instruments. While not all children with tongue tie experience the same symptoms, most will experience some level of difficulty with certain activities due to the limitation of tongue movement.
What Causes Tongue Tie?
The exact cause of tongue tie is not entirely understood, although a genetic link has been suggested. Although some experts believe the condition can be a result of other medical issues, research has yet to determine a definitive cause. What is clear however, is that tongue tie is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth and a child is born with it. While the exact cause of tongue tie remains unknown, it is generally not thought to be caused by anything a pregnant woman does or does not do during her pregnancy.
How is Tongue Tie Diagnosed and Treated?
The diagnosis of tongue tie is relatively simple. A doctor or dentist will examine a child’s oral cavity for the presence of the lingual frenulum, looking for signs that it may be restricting tongue movement. In older children, a diagnosis of tongue tie may also be made if they are presenting with certain problems with speech or simple activities such as eating and licking. In order to treat the condition, a doctor or dentist will recommend a procedure called a frenotomy or frenectomy. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and generally takes only a few minutes. It involves making a small incision in the lingual frenulum, allowing the tongue to have greater freedom of movement. In most cases, this procedure is successful in helping to ease the symptoms of tongue tie.
Are All Children Affected by Tongue Tie?
<br Not all children are affected by tongue tie. Despite being relatively common, the exact number of children who are affected by the condition is not known, as it can be difficult to diagnose in certain cases. Generally speaking, the majority of children who are affected by tongue tie are infants, as the condition is usually diagnosed shortly after birth. Although the condition can affect children of all ages, as symptoms become more pronounced it can be easier to diagnose older children who may be presenting with issues related to tongue movement.
In conclusion, although the condition known as tongue tie is relatively common it can be difficult for parents to understand what it is and whether their child may be affected. In this article we have explained the nature of tongue tie and how it can affect children. Although not all children are affected by tongue tie, it is important for parents to be aware of the symptoms and to seek the advice of a medical professional if they suspect that a child may be affected.