What Is A Tongue Tie?

What Is A Tongue Tie?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. If it is not corrected as an infant, a person can grow to childhood and even adulthood without having it addressed.

A tongue-tie is 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 for example, someone who has tongue-tie might have difficulty sticking out his or her tongue. Tongue-tie can also affect the way a child or adult eats, speaks and swallows.

Sometimes tongue-tie may not cause problems. Some cases may require a simple surgical procedure for correction.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of tongue-tie include:

  • Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side
  • Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
  • A tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

  • 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

Causes

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 unknown, although some cases of tongue-tie have been associated with certain genetic factors.

Risk factors

Although tongue-tie can affect anyone, it's more common in boys than girls. Tongue-tie sometimes runs in families.

Complications

Tongue-tie can affect a child's oral development, as well as the way he or she eats, speaks and swallows.

For example, tongue-tie can lead to:

  • Speech difficulties. Tongue-tie can interfere with the ability to make certain sounds — such as "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," "r" and "l."
  • Poor oral hygiene. For an older child or adult, tongue-tie can make it difficult to sweep food debris from the teeth. This can contribute to tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Tongue-tie can also lead to the formation of a gap or space between the two bottom front teeth.
  • Challenges with other oral activities. Tongue-tie can interfere with activities such as licking an ice cream cone, licking the lips, kissing or playing a wind instrument.

 

Tongue Tie Adult Child Specialist Dr. Mandeep Johal

Dr. Johal works closely with patients and their health care providers. She is a mother of two and a general dentist, who resides in Guelph. Dr. Johal believes that optimal wellness is interconnected with our oral care and nutrition. She also advocates that our dental health supports the overall wellness of our body and mind. 

Contact Dr. Johal and her team to see how they can help you.

Schedule An Appointment

Note: We are a designated essential business in public health services. Our physical dental office location is open under guidance by the government and The Royal College of Dental Surgeons. We meet and exceed safety guidelines. Virtual Office Appointments are also available to serve our community.

Family Dental Centre
1482 Gordon Street, Guelph
519-767-2729
www.familydentalguelph.com