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A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition that affects the mobility of the tongue. It occurs when the lingual frenulum, a band of tissue under the tongue, is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts the mobility of the tongue. A tongue-tie can make it difficult for a child to perform various tasks with their tongue, such as sticking it out or moving it from side to side, and can also affect speech and nursing.
Tongue-tie can be spotted after the child is just a few weeks old. The exact cause of tongue-tie is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some infants may have a hereditary tendency towards a tight lingual frenulum, while others may develop it as a result of certain environmental factors during pregnancy, such as malnutrition or the use of certain medications.
During a laser frenectomy, a laser is used to precisely cut the frenulum and separate it from the tongue. The laser seals the cut tissue at the same time, reducing bleeding and the need for stitches. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so the child is awake but the area being treated is numbed.
A frenectomy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes only a few minutes, with minimal discomfort for the child.
One of the benefits of a laser frenectomy is that it is a quick and minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, reducing bleeding and the need for stitches. It also allows for more precise and controlled cutting, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding tissues.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion.
With tongue-tie, an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, so it may interfere with breastfeeding. Someone who has a tongue-tie might have difficulty sticking out his or her tongue. Tongue-tie can also affect the way a child eats, speaks, and swallows. Sometimes tongue-tie may not cause problems. Some cases may require a simple surgical procedure for correction.
Signs and symptoms of tongue-tie include:
See a doctor if:
Typically, the lingual frenulum separates before birth, allowing the tongue free range of motion. With tongue-tie, the lingual frenulum remains attached to the bottom of the tongue. Why this happens is largely unknown, although some cases of tongue-tie have been associated with certain genetic factors.
Although tongue-tie can affect anyone, it’s more common in boys than girls. Tongue-tie sometimes runs in families
Tongue-tie can affect a baby’s oral development, as well as the way he or she eats, speaks and swallows.
For example, tongue-tie can lead to:
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