Short lingual frenulum in pediatrics: When to act and how to select the appropriate surgical technique

Abstract

Tongue-tie is a congenital condition characterized by an abnormal insertion that limits tongue mobility. Its prevalence in pediatrics ranges from 1.7% to 10%, depending on the diagnostic criteria applied. Although it can be asymptomatic, in many cases it causes significant functional repercussions from the neonatal period to late childhood. This article aims to describe the clinical manifestations by age, the primary surgical indications, the optimal timing for intervention, and the currently available surgical techniques.