In Acedo Dental Clinic, we know that the lingual frenulum is an anatomical structure present in everyone's mouth. However, in some cases, this frenulum may be too short or thick, which can cause problems with speech articulation, chewing, and swallowing..
In this blog, we will cover in depth everything you need to know about the lingual frenulum: from its function up to the options treatment available when abnormalities occur.
The lingual frenulum is a band of tissue that joins the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, essential for tongue mobility in activities such as speaking, eating and swallowing; when it is short or rigid (ankyloglossia), it can limit movement and cause problems with breastfeeding, speech, swallowing or even posture, requiring evaluation and sometimes a procedure called a frenectomy, especially in babies, to free the tongue.
- What is a lingual frenulum or ankyloglossia?
- When should the lingual frenulum be cut?
- How is the lingual frenulum corrected?
- How do you know if a child has a tongue tie?
- What does a tongue tie look like?
- What problems can a thick lingual frenulum cause?
- What is the relationship between the lingual frenulum and speech?
- Frenulum appendix
- When should I see a dentist for ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)?
- Lingual frenulum appendage
- Tongue-tie in babies
- Frequent questions:
- Is lingual frenectomy painful?
- How long does it take for the tongue to recover after lingual frenectomy?
- What care should I take after lingual frenectomy?
- When is it advisable to perform a tongue cut?
- At what age is lingual frenulum surgery performed?
- When is it appropriate to perform tongue trimming?
- Is a frenulum attachment bad?
What is a lingual frenulum or ankyloglossia?
The lingual frenulum is a fold of mucosa that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Its main function is to limit the mobility of the tongue, which is essential for sucking, swallowing and articulating some sounds.
When should the lingual frenulum be cut?
The decision to cut the lingual frenulum, also known as lingual frenectomy, should be taken individually by a specialist in dentistry or speech therapy, after a thorough evaluation of the patient's characteristics and the possible repercussions on their oral health and development.
In general, intervention is considered when the lingual frenum has the following characteristics:
- Ankyloglossia: A lingual frenulum that is too short significantly restricts the mobility of the tongue, making breastfeeding, the pronunciation of some sounds and oral hygiene difficult.
- Chewing problems: Difficulty chewing and swallowing solid foods due to limited tongue mobility.
- Swallowing problems: Excessive drooling, frequent choking, or difficulty swallowing liquids or solids.
- Speech problems: Difficulty pronouncing some sounds, such as "r", "l" or "d".
- Periodontal health problems: Greater risk of bacterial plaque accumulation and periodontal diseases due to the difficulty in performing correct oral hygiene.
How is the lingual frenulum corrected?
Lingual frenectomy is a simple and safe outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a cut in the frenulum to lengthen it and free the mobility of the tongue. The wound usually heals quickly without complications.
How do you know if a child has a tongue tie?
There are some signs that may indicate the presence of a short or thick lingual frenulum:
Difficulty breastfeeding
Babies with a short lingual frenulum may have difficulty latching onto the breast and sucking breast milk correctly.
Excessive drooling
Young children with a short lingual frenulum may drool more than usual due to difficulty controlling saliva.
Difficulty pronouncing some sounds
As children learn to talk, they may have difficulty pronouncing some sounds, such as “r,” “l,” or “d.”
Heart-shaped tongue
In some cases, the tongue with a short lingual frenulum may take on a heart shape when taken out of the mouth.
What does a tongue tie look like?
The tongue with a short or thick lingual frenulum may have the following characteristics:
- Short lingual frenulum: A frenulum that is inserted too close to the tip of the tongue and limits its mobility.
- Thick lingual frenulum: A thicker than normal frenulum that can hinder the mobility of the tongue.
- Heart-shaped tongue: When the lingual frenulum is very short, the tongue may take on a heart shape when taken out of the mouth.
What problems can a thick lingual frenulum cause?
A thick lingual frenulum can limit tongue movement, which can lead to difficulties with speaking, chewing, or swallowing. In children, it can interfere with breastfeeding or speech development. Furthermore, in some cases, it can lead to dental problems such as crowding of the lower teeth or difficulties with orthodontic treatment. If this problem is detected, it is important to consult with a specialist to determine whether a frenectomy is necessary to improve tongue mobility and prevent complications.
What is the relationship between the lingual frenulum and speech?
When the lingual frenulum is too short, too thick, or poorly positioned, it can limit the natural movement of the tongue. This can directly affect the pronunciation of certain sounds, especially in children in the language development stage. It is common for children with this problem to have difficulty articulating letters such as «r», «l», «t» or «d», which can lead to frustration or delays in speech acquisition. Therefore, when a restrictive frenulum is detected and there are signs of phonetic problems, it is important to have a joint evaluation between the pediatric dentist and a speech therapist. In many cases, a frenectomy followed by specific exercises can significantly improve a child's ability to communicate clearly.
Frenulum appendix
He frenulum appendix It is a small extension of tissue that appears in some babies in the area of the lingual frenulum. It is generally a benign anatomical variant and does not usually cause problems. In most cases, it disappears on its own with growth, without the need for treatment. Only in situations where it interferes with breastfeeding, speaking, or causes discomfort may it be advisable to have it evaluated by a pediatric dentist or specialist to decide if intervention is required.
When should I see a dentist for ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)?
If you notice that a lingual frenulum limits tongue mobility, affects speech, complicates breastfeeding, or causes difficulty eating and swallowing, it is advisable to see a specialist. Early diagnosis facilitates simple and effective treatment, preventing future complications.
In Dental Clinic At Acedo, we have professionals experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of lingual frenulum in both children and adults. Our team can advise you on whether a frenectomy is necessary or whether periodic follow-up is sufficient.
Lingual frenulum appendage
The lingual frenulum appendage is a small extension or fold of tissue that can be seen on the underside of the tongue, just where the frenulum meets the floor of the mouth. In most cases, it is a normal anatomical variation and does not cause discomfort. However, if this appendage interferes with tongue movement or causes discomfort, it may be evaluated by a dentist or oral surgery specialist to determine if treatment is necessary.
Tongue-tie in babies
A tongue-tie in babies is a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gum. When this tissue is too short or stiff, it can restrict normal tongue or lip movement, which in some cases makes breastfeeding difficult, causes an incorrect latch, or results in discomfort for both the baby and the mother. Not all tongue-ties require treatment, as many do not cause functional problems. An evaluation should be performed by a healthcare professional, who will determine whether monitoring, specific exercises, or a simple procedure such as a frenectomy is necessary.
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Frequent questions:
Is lingual frenectomy painful?
No, lingual frenectomy is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure.
How long does it take for the tongue to recover after lingual frenectomy?
Recovery is usually quick and without complications. Most patients can return to normal activities the day after surgery.
What care should I take after lingual frenectomy?
It is important to follow the instructions of the dentist or speech therapist to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. In general, it is recommended:
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid hard or spicy foods during the first days.
- Perform lingual mobility exercises to improve tongue flexibility.
When is it advisable to perform a tongue cut?
The placement of a space maintainer in children is recommended when a primary (baby) tooth has been lost prematurely and the permanent tooth is still a long way from erupting. This device prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap, which could cause alignment or crowding problems in the future. Its use should be assessed by a pediatric dentist, who will decide the most appropriate type of space maintainer and the exact timing of its placement, taking into account the child's age and dental development.
At what age is lingual frenulum surgery performed?
Lingual frenulum surgery can be performed as early as the first few months of life if there are difficulties with sucking or speaking. In older children or adults, it is performed when it affects pronunciation or tongue movement.
When is it appropriate to perform tongue trimming?
Tongue clipping, or lingual frenectomy, is appropriate when the frenulum significantly restricts tongue movement and causes functional problems. It is usually indicated if it affects breastfeeding in infants, causes speech difficulties in older children, or makes eating or moving the tongue uncomfortable. The evaluation should always be performed by a professional, who will determine if the procedure is truly necessary based on the patient's age, symptoms, and tongue function.
Is a frenulum attachment bad?
In most cases, a tongue-tie is neither harmful nor dangerous. It is a small fold of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gum. Many people have it without it causing any problems or requiring treatment.
It only needs to be evaluated when it causes discomfort, difficulty speaking, problems chewing, tightness in the lip, or gaps between the teeth, especially in children. In these cases, the dentist or specialist will assess whether treatment is necessary or if monitoring is sufficient.
A short or poorly positioned lingual frenulum can affect both speech and eating, especially in children. But in some cases, it can also be linked to the appearance of oral discomfort or injuries. If you've ever noticed sores or cuts in your mouth, you might be interested in reading our article on wounds in the mouth, where we explain its causes and treatments.
If you have questions about this topic, we invite you to contact us without obligation.
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