Ankyloglossia with cleft lip: A rare case report.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Genetics

Background:

• Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a congenital condition characterized by a short, thick lingual frenulum.
• It can lead to difficulties in tongue movement, affecting breastfeeding, speech, and self-confidence.
• While rare, ankyloglossia can be associated with other craniofacial anomalies like cleft lip.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old Indian boy presented with ankyloglossia.
• He had a history of surgical correction for cleft lip shortly after birth.
• This case highlights a rare co-occurrence of ankyloglossia and cleft lip.

Findings:

• The patient's ankyloglossia was successfully treated using a diode laser.
• The treatment addressed the limited tongue protrusion caused by the lingual frenulum.
• This intervention was performed on a 12-year-old, which is a relatively older age for such a procedure.

Implications:

• Early correction of ankyloglossia is crucial for optimal speech development and oral function.
• Diode laser treatment offers a minimally invasive option for ankyloglossia correction.
• Addressing ankyloglossia can positively impact a child's overall personality and oral hygiene.