Final answer:
About 4% to 11% of newborns may be tongue-tied, a condition that may or may not resolve on its own. In some cases, the lingual frenulum may loosen over time, but others require surgical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of babies born with ankyloglossia, commonly known as being tongue-tied, varies among different populations and studies. Estimates often range from about 4% to 11% of newborns. Ankyloglossia occurs due to a short, tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth.
Whether ankyloglossia can resolve on its own is subject to debate. In some mild cases, the lingual frenulum may loosen over time, providing more mobility and potentially resolving the issue without intervention. However, many cases do not resolve on their own and may require a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy, which involves cutting the frenulum to free the tongue and improve mobility.