Diagnosis, classification and management of ankyloglossia including its influence on breastfeeding.

Ankyloglossia is defined as a congenital malformation that alters lingual mobility and function. It is listed as one of the possible reasons behind problems with breastfeeding. Due to current WHO recommendations that encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively up to 6 months of age, quick recognition of any obstacles in the suction mechanism and determining the possible reasons for problems should be a priority. A review of the literature was conducted concerning the diagnosis of ankyloglossia, possible methods of treatment and their efficacy in improving breastfeeding quality. The authors of the research cited claim that any surgical intervention should be performed only in cases of symptomatic ankyloglossia interfering with sucking mechanisms. The most frequent surgical procedure performed in newborns with symptomatic ankyloglossia is frenulotomy. It is a simple procedure with a low risk of complications. The literature gives a great number of studies confirming both the short and long-term efficacy of tongue-tie release in improving breastfeeding quality, with emphasis on decreasing mothers' discomfort, nipple pain and trauma.

Ankyloglossia as an oral functional problem and its surgical management.

Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a developmental anomaly of the tongue characterized by an abnormally short, thick lingual frenulum resulting in limited tongue movement. Ankyloglossia can affect feeding, speech and oral hygiene, as well as have mechanical and social effects. Diagnosis of tongue-tie is based on a clinical examination. Tongue mobility and appearance associated with the insertion, as well as the attachment and the shortness of the lingual frenulum should be evaluated. Ankyloglossia management should be considered at any age considering the risk-benefit evaluation and because of the highest vascularization and mobility of tongue; lingual frenectomy should be performed with less traumatic events to avoid post-operative complications. The aim of this article is to report 2 cases of ankyloglossia in young patients who were referred to the Department of Oral Surgery of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Mohamed V University of Rabat, Morocco. According to Kotlow's classification, both patients were diagnosed with Class II and treated with surgical frenectomy, followed by speech therapy for an immediate rehabilitation. A marked improvement in the movement of the tongue was observed at a follow-up visits in the treated cases.

Breastfeeding problems should be the only relevant criteria for deciding whether to carry out a frenotomy in infancy.

Performing a frenotomy on tongue-tied infants is controversial, particularly with regard to breastfeeding issues. This paper reviews the literature to bring together clinical experiences and scientific evidence in this field. I found that some tongue-tied babies may exhibit breastfeeding problems, while others may feed perfectly. The literature suggests that medical breastfeeding-related problems should be the only relevant criteria to guide the decision-making for a frenotomy in infancy. The advantages and disadvantages of either a wait and see position or surgical approach are addressed. CONCLUSION: The cornerstones for best practice are the meticulous examination, correct diagnosis and classification of tongue-tied infants.

Revision Lingual Frenotomy Improves Patient-Reported Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Lingual frenotomy improves patient-reported outcome measures, including infant reflux and maternal nipple pain, and prolongs the nursing relationship; however, many mother-infant dyads continue to experience breastfeeding difficulty despite having had a frenotomy. Research aim: The aim of this study was to determine how incomplete release of the tethered lingual frenulum may result in persistent breastfeeding difficulties. METHODS: A one-group, observational, prospective cohort study was conducted. The sample consisted of breastfeeding mother-infant (0-9 months of age) dyads ( N = 54) after the mothers self-elected completion lingual frenotomy and/or maxillary labial frenectomy following prior lingual frenotomy performed elsewhere. Participants completed surveys preoperatively, 1-week postoperatively, and 1-month postoperatively consisting of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short-Form (BSES-SF), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for nipple pain severity, and the Revised Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ-R). RESULTS: Significant postoperative improvements were reported between mean preoperative scores compared with 1-week and 1-month scores of the BSES-SF, F(2) = 41.2, p < .001; the I-GERQ-R, F(2) = 22.7, p < .001; and VAS pain scale, F(2) = 46.1, p < .001. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that besides nipple pain, measures of infant reflux symptoms and maternal breastfeeding self-confidence can improve following full release of the lingual frenulum. Additionally, a patient population was identified that could benefit from increased scrutiny of infant tongue function when initial frenotomy fails to improve breastfeeding symptoms.

Ankyloglossia: Surgical management and functional rehabilitation of tongue.

Ankyloglossia or "tongue-tie" is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short, thick, fibrosed lingual frenulum which may cause restriction in function of tongue including limitation in tongue movement. The lingual frenulum may be fibrous or muscular, and the tie may be complete or partial. Most often, ankyloglossia is seen as an isolated condition in an otherwise normal individual. This article reports the surgical management of a 20-year-old patient having ankyloglossia associated with restricted movement of tongue and difficulty in speech. The treatment involved is surgical removal of the lingual frenum followed by tongue training exercise and speech therapy to functionally rehabilitate the tongue. Six months postoperatively, the patient showed uneventful healing and was satisfied with the procedure.