Alternative Names
Ankyloglossia; Frenulum
Definition of Tongue tie
Tongue tie is a condition in which the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth by a band of tissue called the lingual frenulum.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of tongue tie is not known.
Symptoms
In a newborn or infant, the symptoms of tongue tie are similar to the symptoms in any child who is having problems with breast feeding, including:
Signs and tests
Most experts do not recommend that health care providers examine newborns for tongue tie unless there are breast-feeding problems.
Treatment
Most breast-feeding problems can be easily managed with a variety of strategies.
Review
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/12/2010
