Being tongue-tied is not just a saying but an actual condition that can affect children. Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the strip of skin beneath the tongue is shorter than usual, restricting the range of motion and potentially affecting speech, feeding, and oral hygiene in kids. It is extremely important to detect the condition early to initiate corrective procedures that can help alleviate associated challenges. Here’s what Dr Tejal Shetty, Paediatrician, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, wants you to know.
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What Is Tongue-Tie Or Ankyloglossia?
“Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia occurs when the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is abnormally short or tight, limiting the tongue's movement,” explains Dr Shetty.
In general, the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth loosens up before birth, giving the tongue a full range of movement.
However, in some babies, the frenulum remains attached.
While the exact cause remains unclear, research suggests that genes might play a role in some cases.
How Common Is Tongue-Tie Among Children?
A systematic review published in the journal Pediatric Research found that tongue-tie is relatively common in children under one year old, affecting around 8% of them. However, it's important to note that several factors can influence the reported prevalence, including:
Differing diagnostic methods: Studies using standardised tools reported a higher prevalence (10%) compared to those relying solely on visual examination (7%).
Limited accuracy of current tools: The study highlights the need for better methods to diagnose tongue-tie accurately, suggesting that the actual prevalence might be different than reported.
According to StatPearls Publishing, tongue-tie affects between 0.1% and 10.7% of people, but this range is wide because different doctors use different criteria to diagnose it.
This has led to some overdiagnosis, especially in recent years.
Additionally, some tongue-ties improve naturally over time, causing the prevalence to be higher in studies of newborns (up to 10.7%) compared to older populations (around 2%).
Boys seem to be slightly more affected than girls.
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Signs Of Tongue-Tie
Signs of tongue tie usually include:
- Difficulty sticking out the tongue
- A heart-shaped appearance when the tongue is extended
- Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth
- In infants, challenges with breastfeeding, such as difficulty latching or inadequate milk transfer, may also indicate tongue-tie.
Can Tongue-Tie Be Corrected?
Tongue-tie can be corrected through a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty, says Dr Shetty.
She adds, “This involves cutting or releasing the frenulum to improve tongue mobility. The procedure is often performed in infants as young as a few days old, especially if breastfeeding difficulties are present, but can also be done in older children or adults if necessary. Anaesthesia may be used, depending on the age and cooperation of the patient. Post-procedure exercises and follow-up care are typically recommended to optimise outcomes.”
It is best to consult your physician or a paediatrician to determine the best course of treatment for your child.