Ankyloglossia - Tongue Tie - Hypertrophic Lingual Frenulum Definition, Classification, Examination Methods Definition Ankyloglossia (Short Tongue Tie / Hypertrophic Lingual frenulum / Short Frenulum / Tongue Tie) means that the tongue tie, which is a structure normally located under the tongue and in the midline, is shorter or thicker than normal, causing the tongue to remain attached to the floor of the mouth. Tongue tie can usually be understood during the doctor's examination immediately after birth or when the mother notices symptoms such as difficulty in sucking, sweating and inability to fully grasp the breast in her baby. 25-80 percent of breastfeeding difficulties have been reported in infants with ankyloglossia. Due to the limitation of tongue's mobility, infants are unable to extend their tongue over the gumline to create a proper seal and instead use their jaws to hold the breast in the mouth. This results in ineffective latch, maternal breast pain, poor milk supply,...