The Effect of Ankyloglossia on Speech in Children

Abstract

Tongue mobility and speech improve significantly after frenuloplasty in children with ankyloglossia who have articulation problems.

Ludwig's angina following frenuloplasty in an adolescent

“…For children over the age of 1 or 2 years, a frenuloplasty, a more extensive procedure requiring closure of the wound with absorbable sutures, is considered more appropriate to allow for additional tongue-tie release and to minimize scarring. The efficacy of these procedures in increasing latching time, reducing maternal breastfeeding pain [10], enhancing articulation [11], and improving dental health and development [12] has been well-described and underscores the important role of tongue-tie release in pediatric development.…”

Tongue tie: The evidence for frenotomy

“…15 patients were available for postoperative review of whom 9 demonstrated improvement on speech and language assessment, 2 had ongoing problems and 4, who had normal preoperative assessments, were unchanged. Overall average parental perception of speech intelligibility improved from 3.4 to 4.2 out of 5 [34].…”

Sensory Development

“…44,45 Initial symptoms of ankyloglossia include maternal nipple pain with breastfeeding, loss of suction or a clicking sound while feeding, and poor latch. 46,47 On examination, there is a frenulum inserted near the tip of the tongue, inability to extend the tongue to the lips or to the roof of the mouth, and notched or heart-shaped tongue on extension. Although interference with breastfeeding is the most common sequela, significant ankyloglossia is also associated with articulation difficulty, 45 but not delay in onset of speech.…”

“…Although interference with breastfeeding is the most common sequela, significant ankyloglossia is also associated with articulation difficulty, 45 but not delay in onset of speech. 46 Difficulty with oral hygiene increases the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease. Inability to lick and perform other activities that require tongue extension may have social consequences.…”