How Common is Tongue-Tie?

Discussion The anterior 2/3s of the tongue is formed from the 2 lateral lingual swellings fusing with the tuberculum impar and then separating from the mouth’s floor to form the lingual sulcus. Separation failure can result in anchoring of the tongue to varying degrees. Frenula are soft tissue structures which attach and support other oral structures. The lingual frenula attaches the tongue to base of mouth. Labial frenula are located centrally and attach the lips to the alveolar ridges. Often less prominent are the buccal frenula which are on the labial side and are smaller and more lateral to the labial frenula, usually being located around the canine and premolar areas. Ankyloglossia or “tongue tie” is a “…condition of limited tongue mobility caused by a restrictive lingual frenulum.” The term “anterior” ankyloglossia refers “…to a lingual frenulum that extends to the tip of the tongue or near the tip of the tongue and restrict tongue mobility.” Posterior ankyloglossia for some professionals refers to the frenulum inserting into a posterior position on the tongue, with some people meaning it to insert submucosally. Other professionals do not feel it exists. In a recent consensus statement, the group could not reach actual consensus on this term. Buccal ankyloglossia “…has been used to describe a perceived tightness in the maxillary and/or mandibular buccal frenula.” Tight labial frenula ar...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news