frenulum of tongue

Question

Recently, I’ve been feeling some tightness and discomfort in my tongue, especially when I try to move it or speak for extended periods of time. After seeing my dentist, I was told that I might have a condition related to the frenulum of the tongue, which is the small band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. I wasn’t aware that this small structure could cause such issues, but I’ve learned that a short or tight frenulum, called tongue-tie, can limit the movement of the tongue and cause problems with speaking, eating, and sometimes even breastfeeding.

I’m curious about how the frenulum of the tongue can affect daily life. How do doctors determine if the frenulum is too tight, and what treatments are available to correct it? I’ve heard that some people undergo a procedure called a frenectomy, where the frenulum is cut or loosened, but I’m not sure when this procedure is necessary or if there are any risks involved.

Does tongue-tie always cause issues, or are there cases where it’s present but doesn’t affect function? I’ve also read that tongue-tie can be detected in babies, and it’s important to address it early to avoid problems with feeding. Can adults also experience tongue-tie, and how does it affect speech or eating in the long term?

Has anyone had experience with a tight frenulum of the tongue? How did it affect your life, and did you have any treatments to resolve it?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

The frenulum of the tongue is a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If it is too short or tight (a condition called tongue-tie or ankyloglossia), it can restrict tongue movement, causing difficulties with speech, eating, and even jaw tension.

Doctors assess tongue-tie by checking tongue mobility and function. If it significantly affects daily activities, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can help. This involves cutting or loosening the frenulum, often with minimal pain and quick healing. It’s commonly done in babies to prevent feeding issues, but adults can also benefit if they experience discomfort or speech difficulties.

Not all cases require treatment—if the tight frenulum isn’t causing major problems, no intervention may be needed. If you’re struggling with tongue movement, speech, or eating, it’s worth discussing further with a doctor or dentist to explore treatment options.

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