Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the ideal surgical period of children with tongue-tie.MethodsThe data of 517 children with tongue-tie treated by simply clipped surgery or horizontal-to-vertical plasty were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the effect of operation and the level of phonologic prognosis.ResultsThe sex ratio was approximately 10∶4 (male∶female) in all groups. Two cases occurred postoperative hemorrhage. The follow-up compliance was better in children <1 year old, but higher levels of noncompliance occurred in children >1 years old. One year after surgical treatment, there were no phonologic disorders caused by tongue motion in children <1 year old, but the levels of phonologic prognosis in children >1 years old were better, moderate, and insignificant respectively.ConclusionThe ideal surgical period of children with tongue-tie is age of 6～12 months.

Key words: tongue-tie, childhood, surgery, psychology, breastfeeding