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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typically, the lingual frenulum separates before birth — allowing the tongue free range of motion. With tongue-tie, the lingual frenulum remains attached to the bottom of the tongue. Why this happens is largely unknown, although some cases of tongue-tie have been associated with certain genetic factors.

When tongue-tie is present, it's apparent at birth.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Isaacson GC. Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants and children. www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 6, 2012.
  2. Buryk M, et al. Efficacy of neonatal release of ankyloglossia: A randomized trial. Pediatrics. 2011;128:280.
  3. Suter VG, et al. Ankyloglossia: Facts and myths in diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Periodontology. 2009;80:1204.
  4. Edmunds J, et al. Tongue-tie and breastfeeding: A review of the literature. Breastfeeding Review. 2011;19:19.
  5. Block SL. Ankyloglossia: When frenectomy is the right choice. Pediatric Annals. 2012;41:14.
  6. Beatty CW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 11, 2012.
DS01200 May 16, 2012

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