Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. A short, thick or tight band of tissue attaches the child’s tongue to the floor of their mouth. This can cause trouble speaking, eating and swallowing; it can also impede the child’s ability to breastfeed.
While the cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with certain genetic factors. Some doctors prefer to take a wait-and-see approach, as the band of tissue may loosen over time, but most prefer to surgically correct the condition. The physician will either perform a frenotomy, a simple surgical procedure that involves cutting the tissue, or a frenuloplasty, which is more complicated.
Call ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia at (703) 644-7800 for more information or to schedule an appointment.