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Ankyloglossia

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Ankyloglossia, Tongue-Tied, Short Lingual Frenulum, Lingual Frenectomy

  • See Also
  1. Newborn Exam
  2. Tongue Disorder
  3. Lactation Problems for the Infant
  • Epidemiology
  1. Prevalence varies from 0.1 to 10% of infants
    1. Prevalence varies significantly due to subjective nature of the definition
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Congenital disorder of limited Tongue mobility due to a tight lingual frenulum
  2. Short frenulum tethers the Tongue to the mouth floor and may inhibit feeding
  • Signs
  1. Short Lingual Frenulum
  2. Decreased Tongue protrusion
  • Management
  1. Conservative measures
    1. See Lactation Problems for the Infant
    2. Parental education and Lactation Support
    3. Speech therapy if needed
  2. Surgical Management (Lingual Frenectomy)
    1. Has historically been controversial, but growing evidence for benefit
    2. Lactation benefits
      1. May reduce Nipple Soreness in Lactation
      2. May decrease Lactation Problems for the Infant
    3. Speech benfits
      1. May improve speech articulation in young children
    4. References
      1. Carnino (2024) Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 133(6):566-74 +PMID: 38444142 [PubMed]
      2. Cordray (2024) Pediatr Res 95(1):34-42 +PMID: 37608056 [PubMed]
  • References
  1. Straub (2024) Am Fam Physician 110(5): 467-75 [PubMed]