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When might surgery for tongue-tie be needed?

Written in association with:

ENT specialist

Published: 22/05/2023
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article below, we speak to highly experienced and qualified consultant ENT surgeon, Mr Kiran Varad to find out what tongue-tie is, and whether the condition always necessarily needs to be treated.

What is tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the frenulum (the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is abnormally short, thick, or tight, causing restricted movement of the tongue. This can interfere with normal oral functions such as eating, speaking, and breastfeeding.

Does it need to be corrected?

Whether tongue-tie requires correction or not depends entirely on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the person’s daily activities and quality of life.

How can tongue-tie affect a person’s life?

In some cases, it may not cause any significant problems, while in others, it can lead to difficulties with speech, eating, and oral hygiene.

In infants, a tongue-tie can interfere with breastfeeding, causing discomfort and reduced milk transfer to the baby. In these cases, correction of the tongue-tie may be necessary.

At what age can tongue-tie be corrected?

Tongue-tie can be corrected at any age, from infancy to adulthood. In older children and adults, tongue-tie correction may be recommended if it is causing speech difficulties, dental problems, or difficulties with eating and oral hygiene.

Is surgery for tongue-tie risky?

Tongue-tie correction surgery, also known as frenectomy, is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure. Babies can have the procedure awake with no anaesthesia (it is important to start breastfeeding straight away after the procedure).

To book an appointment with Mr Kiran Varad, visit his Top Doctors profile today.