Some babies may have a tight lingual frenulum (tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) which restricts movement of their tongue. This is also known as “tongue tie.” Clipping the lingual frenulum was so common at one time that most physicians knew how to do it, and had a tool handy in their office. Some still do.

If cutting the frenulum involves interrupting blood flow, treatment may involve more than a trip to your pediatrician or family practice doctor. An “ear, nose and throat specialist” (ENT) or a dental surgeon are good places to turn if your baby’s medical professional has no referrals for you. The sooner the tongue is freed to function properly, the better for all concerned.

http://www.aap.org/breastfeeding/8-27%20Newsletter.pdf  Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding, Summer 2004

http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/frenum.htm  An educational tool by Dr. Palmer's Frenum Presentation, which he has granted permission for anyone to use for educational purposes.