The current knowledge about ankyloglossia

Abstract

Introduction: The topic of tongue tie causes a lot of discussion among specialists in areas of interest. The term ankyloglossia has been defined as a state of the lingual frenulum hindering its motor function. Aim: The aim of the study is to present the current views on the short lingual frenulum. Material and methods: The literature from 2019–2021 on this topic was searched for in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords. Results: Ankyloglossia is a congenital abnormality that can cause difficulties in breastfeeding newborns and infants and that is the most important problem of this structure. Discussion: The affected sucking reflex generates further dysfunctions in the area of the oropharyngeal space, which may lead to malocclusion and speech impediments. The procedure of frenotomy is primarily aimed at achieving the correct tongue motility. High individual variability in the structure of the frenulum and the occurrence of compensation mechanisms among newborns who suck the breast incorrectly, make it difficult to develop a universal classification for assessing the indications for surgery. The current state of knowledge justifies the need for further, extensive interdisciplinary research and reaching a consensus regarding the procedure.