Ankyloglossia, commonly referred to as “tongue-tie,” is a congenital condition characterised by a short, tight, or restrictive lingual frenulum that may limit tongue mobility.
The condition can affect breastfeeding, speech development, oral hygiene, and oral function in some children. However, not all cases require intervention, and management decisions should be based on careful clinical assessment and functional considerations.
Core principles include:
Management should prioritise functional outcomes and involve collaboration with relevant healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Diagnosis of ankyloglossia should be based on both anatomical findings and functional assessment of tongue mobility.
In infants, ankyloglossia may contribute to breastfeeding difficulties and should be evaluated in collaboration with relevant healthcare providers.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Treatment decisions should be guided by functional limitations rather than the presence of a restrictive lingual frenulum alone.
When intervention is indicated, procedures such as frenotomy or frenectomy should be performed by appropriately trained clinicians.
Management of ankyloglossia may involve multidisciplinary collaboration with paediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
Relevant discussions within the IAPD Podcast Series may explore oral development and functional conditions affecting children.
Relevant discussions within the IAPD Podcast Series may explore oral development and functional conditions affecting children.
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Behaviour Guidance in Paediatric Dental Patients.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
