Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)
The frenula are strong cords of tissue in the front – center of the mouth that guide the development of mouth structures during gestation. Important during fetal development, the frenula continue after birth to guide the positions of the baby teeth as they come in.
Tongue-tie is a condition in which the free movement of the tongue is restricted due to abnormal attachment of the base of the tongue (lingual frenulum) towards the tip of the tongue. The lingual frenulum may be too short and taut after birth, or may not have receded and may remain attached too far along the base of the tongue. Ankyloglossia is often hereditary, and there is no means of prevention. Tongue-tie can affect a baby’s oral development, as well as the way he or she eats,speaks and swallows.