Ankyloglossia is a congenital oral health anomaly that occurs owing to the presence of shorter frenulum. Babies with the restricted or tight frenulum find it convoluted to speak, breast feed and move their tongue. This innate ailment is more prevalent amidst children and not in adults. Being a genetic disorder, it is prominently seen amid those having a family history of the disease. The symptoms of the affliction can be mild or severe depending on the mobility of the tongue. Mothers practicing cocaine or drug abuse are at increased risk of having babies with tongue tie malady. Various medical practitioners differ in the treatment approach and methodologies in cases of milder problem. Frenulum is a string like membrane that connects the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It is seen that those who have round or square tongue shape when extended might be afflicted with the ankyloglossia. How to diagnose the affliction? Difficulties in tongue mobility- Babies with restricted frenulum has problem extending their tongue beyond the gum line. In the majority of cases, it is quite challenging to detect ankyloglossia. When the lower gums are gently rubbed, the baby’s tongue follows the finger. If the baby tries to suck the finger, the tongue wraps around it like a hot dog in a bun. Shorter frenulum- In children with a tongue tie malady, the frenulum is short and tongue lies very close to the floor. This symptom can be identified by inserting a finger into the mouth. Past history- The genetic history of the baby is usually considered to confirm the examination. Those with the disease running in the family are at higher probability of acquiring the disorder. Effects of the disease over the child’s health: • Speech difficulties- Ankyloglossia does not cause speech delay rather it brings about impaired ability to speak. Such children have articulation or pronunciation problems for certain phonetic sounds. In acute cases, a comprehensive surgical treatment or speech therapy is performed. • Feeding problems- Feeding difficulties are related to the inadequate sucking mechanism, poor weight gain and latching troubles. Babies with ankyloglossia often grow up malnutitious and unhealthy. • Local discomfort and mechanical issues- Owing to the pressure due to tight frenulum, the children have difficulties in sweeping up the food debris in the teeth, licking the lips and local distress. The majority of the kids with tongue tie problems report such issues. Akyloglossia treatment and cure: Frenulotomy surgery is a common treatment amidst children who gets afflicted with speech disabilities due to restricted frenulum. In this surgical procedure, a well trained doctor snips the base membrane. In younger babies, the shear is made after absolutely numbing the area so that it causes no pain and disruption. However in little grown ups, treatment is a bit convoluted and performed after giving general anesthesia. Some of the experts do not recommend surgery for the tongue tied babies as it might lead to infection or bleeding.
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