Introduction

Awareness of ankyloglossia commonly known as tongue-tie is increasing. We are learning that not releasing the tongue can have life-long consequences on one’s health and well-being. These can range from the simple pleasures of a full range of foods to affecting ones’ sleep and cognitive abilities.

International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants are discussing with families the lack of range of motion they see in the tongue and resultant tension in the baby’s oral anatomy. Families visiting their medical practitioners questioning if it is possible that their baby has a tongue-tie are often told that ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is just a fad.

Research should form the basis used in decision making. The following is a sampling of the historical references on ankyloglossia.

“The history of the word tongue-tie” is very old. It goes back to the Old Testament which was believed to be written between 1200- 165 BC. The oldest extant Japanese Medical book - Ishinhou- describes frenotomy when ankyloglossia was observed in an infant. In Europe we can date back to Aristotle (384- 32BC) [1] .