Locked tongue, more accurately known as tongue-tie or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tongue's movement is restricted. This limitation occurs due to an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. The lingual frenulum is a tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth.
Understanding Tongue-Tie
When the lingual frenulum is too short or tight, it can tether the tongue to the floor of the mouth, limiting its range of motion. This can lead to several potential challenges.
How Tongue-Tie Affects You:
- Difficulties with Breastfeeding: Infants with tongue-tie may have trouble latching properly or sustaining a good milk flow.
- Speech Issues: In older children and adults, tongue-tie can affect speech articulation and the ability to pronounce certain sounds.
- Eating Challenges: Some people with tongue-tie might experience difficulty with chewing or swallowing food.
- Oral Hygiene Issues: Limited tongue movement can affect the ability to clean the mouth effectively which could lead to poor dental hygiene.
Identifying Tongue-Tie
Here are some common signs of tongue-tie:
- The tongue may appear heart-shaped when protruded.
- The tongue may not be able to extend past the lower gums or lip.
- Difficulty lifting the tongue.
Treatment for Tongue-Tie
A simple surgical procedure, called a frenotomy, can release the frenulum and restore the tongue's normal range of motion. According to the provided reference, this involves a surgical cut to release the frenulum and resolve tongue-tie.
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Frenotomy | A simple surgical procedure where a cut is made to release the lingual frenulum. |
Conclusion
In summary, locked tongue, or tongue-tie, is a condition caused by a restrictive lingual frenulum and can be easily addressed with a frenotomy.
