What Are The Causes Of Ankyloglossia Or Tongue Tie?

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a condition that is present at birth and restricts the range of motion of the tongue. Children with tongue-tie have an unusually thick or tight band of tissue that tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, interfering with breastfeeding. Children affected by a tongue-tie will have difficulties sticking out their tongue. The problem of ankyloglossia can affect the eating, speaking, and swallowing habits of the child.

Generally, the lingual frenulum separates before birth allowing the child’s tongue free range of motion. However, with ankyloglossia, the lingual frenulum remains attached to the bottom of the tongue. The reasons for this condition are unknown to the medical fraternity, but some cases of ankyloglossia are associated with some genetic factors as the condition often runs among families.

Children affected by a tongue-tie will have difficulties lifting their tongue to the upper teeth or even moving the tongue to both sides of the mouth. Sticking the tongue out beyond the lower front teeth is a problem children will experience. Advice from the dentist in Greenville, TX, must be sought by parents whose children are displaying signs and symptoms of a tongue-tie to have the problem treated by a dental professional.

The oral development of the baby will be affected because of a tongue-tie, which will also change the way the child eats, speaks, and swallows. Problems with a tongue-tie can lead to breastfeeding issues because the child must keep the tongue over the lower gum when sucking. When children are unable to keep the tongue in the proper position, the baby may chew on the nipple rather than suck it. Children will be affected by problems of poor oral hygiene and experience challenges with other oral activities like licking the lips, and ice cream cone, or playing wind instruments.

A physical exam enables the dentist in Greenville to diagnose the condition. They may even use a screening tool for scoring various aspects of the appearance of the tongue and its ability to be moved. Some doctors may recommend correcting the problem right away before the newborn is discharged from the hospital, while others may prefer a wait-and-see approach to see if the lingual frenulum loosens with time.

A tongue-tie can be corrected by a simple procedure known as a frenectomy using traditional surgical tools or lasers. The method recommended will help the child to regain the range of motion of the tongue and to overcome any other problems he or she is facing.