Potential Symptoms of Tongue-tie After Infancy

What is it about?

This scoping review evaluated the spectrum of pediatric quality-of-life sequelae associated with tongue-tie, characterizing the prognosis for children who do not undergo frenotomy for breastfeeding difficulty during infancy. We identified various symptoms that may be partially attributable to ankyloglossia after infancy, including speech/articulation difficulties, mechanical eating difficulties, dysphagia, sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, dental malocclusion, and social embarrassment such as oral hygiene issues. Recent findings may warrant a more in-depth look at the impact of ankyloglossia on craniofacial development and its relationship to obstructive sleep apnea. The review discusses implications for practice and key directions for ongoing research.

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Why is it important?

Existing research on ankyloglossia has focused heavily on breastfeeding outcomes. In light of the growing attention and interest surrounding ankyloglossia and frenotomy, a compilation of available evidence is timely and necessary, especially regarding the less-studied impact of ankyloglossia among older children.