Tongue tie

Alternative names:

ankyloglossia

Definition:

A condition in which free movement of the tongue is restricted.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tongue tie is a condition in which the midline sheath of tissue attached to the base of the tongue (lingual frenum) is attached too far forward on the tongue, causing restriction of tongue motion. If the lingual frenum extends to the tip of the tongue a V-shaped notch may be seen in the tip of the tongue. Tongue tie has been blamed as a cause of lisping but studies suggest that tongue tie does not cause speech defects.