{"id":152,"date":"2024-06-03T17:57:56","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T17:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridatongue.com\/blog\/?p=152"},"modified":"2024-07-11T17:59:53","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T17:59:53","slug":"how-are-tongue-ties-classified","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.floridatongue.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/03\/how-are-tongue-ties-classified\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are Tongue-Ties Classified?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tongue-ties<\/a> are fairly common conditions that affect roughly 5 \u2013 10% of all newborns. But what does this condition actually entail, and how is it classified? Continue reading below to learn a little more about this condition and how it\u2019s often classified, so that you can ensure you\u2019re making an informed decision about seeking treatment for your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Tongue-Ties?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A tongue-tie, also referred to as ankyloglossia, is a problem with the tongue that\u2019s present from birth. It involves the frenulum, which is a small fold of tissue that reaches from the floor of the mouth to the underside of the tongue; it\u2019s easy to spot if you look under your tongue in a mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, this tissue is too short or too tight at birth, or the frenulum may attach to the tip of the tongue instead of attaching further back like it\u2019s supposed to. If the frenulum is too restricted in movement, the tongue can\u2019t move around normally. This might cause a child to have trouble sticking out their tongue, moving it from side to side, or bending it to touch their teeth. Needless to say, this restriction in movement greatly affects oral functions such as speech development and the ability to breastfeed.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are Tongue-Ties Classified?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that tongue-ties are different for every child, and the condition is often divided into categories based on the tongue\u2019s mobility. One way that tongue-ties are classified involves measuring the distance of the tie from the tip of the tongue. This is referred to as Kotlow\u2019s assessment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n