Ankyloglossia and Its Management

Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is a congenital oral anomaly that may decrease the mobility of the tongue. Ankyloglossia can affect various aspects, including speech, the process of chewing food, breastfeeding, oral hygiene, and social interactions. Severe forms of Ankyloglossia often lead to a gap in the middle of the lower jaw, gum damage such as gum pulling around the lower front teeth or gaps between the teeth due to pressure generated by tissue behind the lower front teeth. Tongue-Tie can cause many serious breastfeeding problems and even lead to breastfeeding cessation. Ankyloglossia represents a typical interdisciplinary problem concerning different specialties in dentistry. Since the current recommended time for a child's first dental visit is as early as possible, certainly well before one year of age, it is essential that paediatric dentists are familiar with the current necessary techniques for the management of tongue-tie.