Tongue Tie – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a birth condition where a tight band of tissue connects the tongue’s bottom to the mouth floor. This tissue, called the lingual frenulum, restricts normal tongue movement.
The severity varies from mild to severe. When the restriction is significant, it can create problems with breastfeeding for infants.
Older children and adults may experience difficulties with:
- Eating certain foods
- Speaking clearly
- Sticking out the tongue
Not all cases of tongue-tie cause noticeable problems. Some people experience minimal symptoms and require no treatment.
For those with more severe restrictions, a simple surgical procedure can release the tongue and improve function.
Signs of Tongue-Tie
People with tongue-tie may struggle to lift their tongue to touch their upper teeth. Moving the tongue from side to side is often difficult.
When they try to stick out their tongue, it might not reach past the lower front teeth. The tongue may also look heart-shaped or notched when extended.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Visit a doctor if your baby shows signs of tongue-tie that affect breastfeeding.
Seek medical advice if a speech expert believes your child’s speech problems stem from tongue-tie. Medical attention is also needed if your older child mentions tongue issues that make eating, speaking, or reaching back teeth hard.
Adults bothered by their own tongue-tie symptoms should also consult a healthcare provider.
Causes
The lingual frenulum normally detaches before birth, giving the tongue full movement. In tongue-tie, this piece of tissue stays connected to the tongue’s underside, limiting mobility.
Medical experts haven’t fully determined why this happens. However, some research suggests genetic factors may play a role in certain cases. Most instances occur without a clear explanation.
Risk Factors
Tongue-tie affects some children more than others. Boys have a higher chance of developing this condition than girls. Family history also plays a role, as tongue-tie often appears in multiple members of the same family.
Complications
Tongue-tie can affect several aspects of a child’s development and daily activities. These complications vary in severity and may impact quality of life in different ways.
Breastfeeding Challenges
- Difficulty keeping the tongue in proper position
- Chewing instead of sucking on the nipple
- Pain for the mother during feeding
- Reduced milk intake leads to poor nutrition
- Potential failure to thrive in severe cases
Speech Problems
Tongue-tie may interfere with a child’s ability to make specific sounds. Children might struggle with pronouncing:
- “t” and “d” sounds
- “z” and “s” sounds
- “th” sounds
- “n” and “l” sounds
These difficulties can affect communication skills and may require speech therapy if severe.
Dental Health Issues
The restricted tongue movement can make it hard to clear food particles from the teeth. This limitation may lead to:
- Increased tooth decay
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Poor overall oral hygiene
For many children and adults with tongue-tie, regular dental care becomes even more important to prevent these problems.
Everyday Activities
Tongue-tie can make simple pleasures and activities challenging. People with this condition might have trouble with:
- Licking ice cream cones
- Licking their lips
- Kissing
- Playing wind instruments like flutes or trumpets
These limitations can affect social interactions and enjoyment of certain foods and activities. The impact varies based on the severity of the tongue-tie and the individual’s specific oral anatomy.
