2026 Pediatric Update (On-Demand)-Dr. Lee Management of Ankyloglossia

Dr. Lee Management of Ankyloglossia

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The report reviews ankyloglossia, a tight lingual frenulum that can restrict tongue movement and sometimes interfere with breastfeeding. Most infants with ankyloglossia do not have feeding problems; diagnosis and treatment lack standardized criteria. Pediatricians should assess prenatal and feeding history, examine tongue mobility, palatal anatomy, suck, and milk transfer, and evaluate weight gain. If symptomatic ankyloglossia is confirmed after other causes are excluded, frenotomy by a trained professional may help. Scissors are the standard technique; laser offers no proven advantage. Stretching exercises and alternative therapies are not evidence-based.

Keywords

ankyloglossia

lingual frenulum

breastfeeding difficulties

frenotomy

tongue mobility