Trimming of the frenulum

Wędzidełko języka jest elastycznym fałdem skóry, które łączy dolną powierzchnię języka w linii środkowej z dnem jamy ustnej (jest ono widoczne po uniesieniu końca języka ku podniebieniu). Wędzidełko podjęzykowe o prawidłowej długości pozwala na swobodne dotarcie języka w każde miejsce jamy ustnej i na poprawne wymawianie konkretnych głosek. Czasami zdarza się jednak, że wędzidełko podjęzykowe jest za krótkie, co fachowo nazywa się „ankyloglossia”. To wada anatomiczna, która często występuje wraz z częstością urodzeń. Zdarza się, że występuje rodzinnie.

Sublingual Frenulum – how can you tell if it is too short?

• the movement of the tongue within the oral cavity is limited,

• when we try to lift the tongue up and the frenulum gets very tight and thick,

• the tongue extends poorly (it does not move easily towards the nose or chin, but turns to the right or left),

• the tip of the tongue has a characteristic shape and resembles a heart (the tip is indented in the middle, not rounded),

• sounds that require lifting the tongue up (l, sz, ż, cz, j and r) are not pronounced correctly.

In such a situation, we should consider making a decision about cutting the sublingual frenulum. However, it should be consulted with specialists. Among others, with a speech therapist, surgeon, laryngologist or phoniatrics specialist, who will assess the correct structure and mobility of the tongue.

Sublingual frenulum (tongue) – what is the procedure like?

The lingual frenulum can be undercut by both a dentist and an laryngologist. The procedure involves cutting the membrane underneath the tongue, of which the frenulum is made. The cut frenulum usually heals without any problems. After the operation, it is necessary to perform exercises that will prevent adhesions and, most importantly, will teach you to lift your tongue up. The operation alone will never make the tongue stay upright on its own.

Contraindications for incision of the tongue frenulum

There are contraindications that make it impossible to perform the procedure of frenulum incision:

• allergic reactions to anaesthetics,

• the overall poor condition of the patient,

• respiratory tract infection,

• taking blood thinning medication,

• lack of consent of the patient or his legal guardian.