---
title: "What Is Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)? Dental Glossary"
description: "Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue limits how freely the tongue can move."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tongue-tie-ankyloglossia
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Pediatric

# Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue limits how freely the tongue can move.

The band under the tongue is called the lingual frenulum. Every child has one, and it is usually harmless. Cleveland Clinic says tongue-tie is when a baby's tongue cannot move as well as it should because a fold of tissue connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In some babies it is barely noticeable. In others it can make latching and feeding harder. Some children have trouble with speech or with licking and clearing food later. A dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant can check it. Some cases need no treatment. A small procedure called a frenotomy, or [frenectomy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frenectomy), is one option when other methods are not enough. See [frenum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frenum-frenulum) and our page on [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids).

[Town Center Dental can helpDentistry for Kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids)

## Related terms

-   [Frenum (frenulum)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frenum-frenulum)
-   [Frenectomy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frenectomy)
-   [Teething](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teething)
-   [Dental home](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-home)
-   [Pediatric dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pediatric-dentist)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17931-tongue-tie-ankyloglossia)

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