What is tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie — also known as ankyloglossia — is a condition in which a person’s tongueremains attached to the floor of their mouth. This occurs when the lingual frenulum (a thin strip of tissue connecting your tongue and the floor of your mouth) is shorter than usual. A short frenulum can restrict your tongue’s movement.
Ankyloglossia is most common in newborns and young children, but adults can have it too. It’s associated with breastfeeding (chestfeeding) difficulties and speech problems. Tongue-tie is a congenital condition, which means people are born with it.
What’s the difference between anterior tongue-tie and posterior tongue-tie?
An anterior tongue-tie is in the front of your child’s mouth near the tip of their tongue, just behind their lower teeth and gums. It often looks like a thin web. A posterior tongue-tie (sometimes called a “hidden” tongue-tie) is further back where the floor of their mouth meets their tongue, making it more difficult to see.
Anterior tongue-ties are more common than posterior tongue-ties.
Who does tongue-tie affect?
Anyone can develop tongue-tie. In some cases, ankyloglossia is hereditary (meaning it runs in families). Tongue-tie mostly affects newborns and young children. But it’s possible for older children and adults to have the condition.
