What is Tethered Lingual Frenulum?

Tethered lingual frenulum, ankyloglossia or "tongue-tied" are three terms that refer to the same problem. Some babies are born with their tongues tethered or stuck to the floor of their mouths. This may make feeding difficult in the newborn period. This problem is most often recognized by nursing moms and lactation (breastfeeding) specialists who help them.

Pediatric surgeons at Penn State Children’s Hospital correct a tethered lingual frenulum. The procedure to release tethered lingual frenulum is performed in the newborn nursery or in the office.

Later in infancy or childhood, a tethered lingual frenulum may cause concerns with speech impairment. This problem is corrected in the operating room with a brief anesthetic

Why Choose Penn State Children’s Hospital for Care

Ranked Among the Nation’s Best

Penn State Children's Hospital is proud to be one of the nation's top children's hospitals.

  • U.S. News and World Report has ranked us as one of the best children’s hospitals every year. Learn more about our rankings. We are one of only 84 children's hospitals recognized in any specialty.
  • We are one of eight hospitals in the country, and the only one in Pennsylvania, to be named as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center by The American College of Surgeons (ACS) for excellence in pediatric surgical care.

Support Groups

Support groups provide children and their families an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Learn more about the support groups offered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

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