Overview
Also known as tongue tie, ankyloglossia is a congenital oral anomaly characterised by an abnormally short lingual frenulum. This restricts the neonate from extending their tongue from their mouth, making it difficult for them to latch onto the breast when feeding.
Ankyloglossia can range from a thin mucous membrane holding the tongue down to a more severe form where the tongue is completely fused to the floor of the mouth.
Management
Overview
Most cases are asymptomatic, and some may spontaneously resolve over time. If there are problems with feeding, conservative management steps including advice and counselling may be sufficient.
Some clinicians believe that if feeding is impaired, a frenotomy (cutting the tongue tie) should be performed as early as possible.
If done in early infancy, this can be done without anaesthesia on the ward or in the clinic. There should be little bleeding and feeding can be resumed immediately.
Complications are rare but can include excess bleeding, infection, ulceration, pain, and recurrence of the tongue tie.
