In short
- A short lingual frenulum is called ankyloglossia, or “tongue-tie”.
- In babies it can affect breastfeeding; in children, speech; in adults, tongue movement.
- A frenectomy is a short procedure under local anesthesia with fast recovery.
- Not every tongue-tie needs surgery: an assessment decides.
- In Cancún it is performed by Dra. Jessica López, oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
01What is a short lingual frenulum?
The lingual frenulum is the small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When it is too short or attached too far forward, it limits tongue movement. This is called ankyloglossia or, commonly, “tongue-tie”.
It is common, and many people live with it without any issue. It only matters when that restriction affects a function —feeding, speaking or hygiene—. That is when an assessment with a specialist is worthwhile.
02Signs in babies (breastfeeding)
In newborns, a tongue-tie can make it hard to latch properly. Typical signs include trouble sucking, clicking sounds while feeding, very long or tiring feeds, poor weight gain, and, for the mother, nipple pain or cracking.
If breastfeeding is painful or the baby isn't gaining weight as expected, it's worth checking the frenulum. When indicated, releasing it often improves the latch quickly.
A frenulum doesn't always need surgery. The key is to assess whether it truly limits a function —and when it does, fixing it is simple.
03Signs in children (speech)
As a child grows, a short frenulum can affect certain sounds (such as “r”, “l” or “t”) because the tongue can't reach where it needs to. It can also make it hard to lick, touch the palate or move the tongue side to side.
Not every speech issue is caused by the frenulum, which is why the assessment matters: sometimes it's addressed together with speech therapy for the best result.
04Signs in adults
Many adults come in because their tongue feels “tied”, certain sounds are hard, or they notice discomfort when eating or cleaning. It can also be linked to tension when moving the tongue.
The good news is that a frenectomy in adults is just as simple and resolves the restriction for good.
05What does a frenectomy involve?
A frenectomy is the release of the frenulum. It is a short procedure under local anesthesia and, in most cases, takes only a few minutes. As oral surgery, it is performed by a specialist who knows the anatomy of the mouth and tongue in depth.
Recovery is usually quick: a few days of simple care and mobility exercises when indicated. I explain every step before and after so you feel at ease.
·Frequently asked questions
At what age is a tongue-tie treated?
There is no single age. In babies it's assessed when it affects breastfeeding; in children, when it affects speech or feeding; in adults, when it causes discomfort. Each case is individualized at the assessment.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
It's done under local anesthesia, so there's no pain during the procedure. Afterwards there may be mild discomfort managed with simple instructions.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to their routine within a few days. In some cases, tongue mobility exercises are recommended for a better result.
Does a short frenulum always cause speech problems?
No. Many people have a short frenulum with no issues. It's treated only when it truly limits a function, and sometimes combined with speech therapy.
Who should treat a tongue-tie in Cancún?
As it's surgery of the mouth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is ideal, as they master the local anatomy and reduce risks. In Cancún it's performed by Dra. Jessica López.
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