Is tongue-tie ever a problem with speech production? What are the indications for clipping?
CW: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is rarely the cause of speech problems. Studies show that 85% of children who have tongue-tie do not have speech problems. Children are very adaptable in producing sounds. Speech and language pathologists can determine if articulation problems are from another source. Often, there is another problem but the family is looking for a “quick fix.” Speech therapy can usually correct the articulation problem regardless of the ankyloglossia. Therefore, it is not indicated that very young children have their tongues clipped, especially if it must be performed under general anesthesia. The risks and expense are significant and the benefits often nil. The only true indication for the clipping of a tongue-tie, called a frenulectomy, is if the tongue is so tightly bound that it interfers with feeding or pulls the gingiva causing periodontal problems. SHA: Are there new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities on the horizon? CW: New imaging techniques are being evalu
