Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition (the child is born with it) in which a child’s tongue remains attached to the bottom (floor) of his or her mouth. This happens when the thin strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue and the floor of the mouth is shorter than normal. The short frenulum can restrict tongue mobility. Ankyloglossia has been associated with difficulties with breastfeeding and problems with speech.
Tongue-tie mostly affects infants and younger children, but older children and adults may also live with the condition.
Symptoms
It’s often found because of problems breastfeeding. You may notice your baby:
- Can’t latch well
- Tends to chew more than suck
- Doesn’t gain weight the way you’d expect
- Feeds for a long time takes a short break, then feeds for another long stretch
- Is fussy when trying to feed
- Makes a clicking sound while feeding
- Seems hungry all the time
Along with symptoms, you may hurt during and after breastfeeding. You may also have sore or cracked nipples. But tongue-tie isn’t the only reason there may be breastfeeding problems. So if you’re having them, talk to your doctor.
You might also notice your baby’s tongue:
- Can’t move far from side to side
- Can’t reach the upper gums or roof of the mouth
- Can’t stick out past the gums
- Has a V shape or heart shape at its tip when it’s sticking out
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- Your baby has signs of tongue-tie that cause problems, such as having trouble breast-feeding
- A speech-language pathologist thinks your child’s speech is affected by tongue-tie
- Your older child complains of tongue problems that interfere with eating, speaking or reaching the back teeth
- You’re bothered by your own symptoms of tongue-tie