Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is primarily caused by a short lingual frenulum. The lingual frenulum is the thin band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In individuals with ankyloglossia, this frenulum is either unusually short or thick, which restricts the movement of the tongue. This condition can impact feeding, speech development, and oral hygiene.

A short labial frenulum refers to a similar condition affecting the upper lip but does not relate to the mobility of the tongue. An edentulous ridge pertains to the absence of teeth in the jawbone, which does not directly cause or relate to the condition of ankyloglossia. Congenital absence of teeth involves the lack of tooth development, which is a different dental concern and not a direct cause of tongue mobility issues. Hence, the correct answer highlights the specific anatomical factor directly associated with ankyloglossia.