No, tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, isn't considered "normal" in the sense of being the most common or desirable condition. However, it exists on a spectrum of severity, and mild cases may not require intervention.
While a significant percentage of newborns and infants have some degree of tissue restricting tongue movement, whether it's considered problematic depends on the impact it has on feeding, speech, and oral hygiene. One source suggests that tongue-tie may affect 4-11% of newborns and infants, though an exact number is not known. This source also indicates that up to 25% of babies have some degree of tissue under their tongues.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Varying Severity: Tongue-tie ranges from a thin membrane to a thick band of tissue. A minor restriction might not cause any noticeable issues.
- Not Always Problematic: Many babies with tongue-tie experience no feeding difficulties or other complications. In these instances, intervention may not be necessary.
- When Treatment is Needed: If tongue-tie interferes with breastfeeding, speech development, or causes oral hygiene problems, treatment (typically a frenotomy or frenuloplasty) is generally recommended.
In summary, while the presence of some tissue restricting tongue movement is relatively common, especially in infants, it's considered a variation rather than the norm. The need for intervention is determined by the severity of the restriction and its impact on function.
