Quantitative imaging of tongue kinematics during infant feeding and adult swallowing reveals highly conserved patterns.

Tongue motility is an essential physiological component of human feeding from infancy through adulthood. At present, it is a challenge to distinguish among the many pathologies of swallowing due to the absence of quantitative tools. We objectively quantified tongue kinematics from ultrasound imaging during infant and adult feeding. The functional advantage of this method is presented in several subjects with swallowing difficulties. We demonstrated for the first time the differences in tongue kinematics during breast- and bottle-feeding, showing the arrhythmic sucking pattern during bottle-feeding as compared with breastfeeding in the same infant with torticollis. The method clearly displayed the improvement of tongue motility after frenotomy in infants with either tongue-tie or restrictive labial frenulum. The analysis also revealed the absence of posterior tongue peristalsis required for safe swallowing in an infant with dysphagia. We also analyzed for the first time the tongue kinematics in an adult during water bolus swallowing demonstrating tongue peristaltic-like movements in both anterior and posterior segments. First, the anterior segment undulates to close off the oral cavity and the posterior segment held the bolus, and then, the posterior tongue propelled the bolus to the pharynx. The present methodology of quantitative imaging revealed highly conserved patterns of tongue kinematics that can differentiate between swallowing pathologies and evaluate treatment interventions. The method is novel and objective and has the potential to advance knowledge about the normal swallowing and management of feeding disorders.

Three case reports of infants with ankyloglossia affecting breastfeeding.

Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly which may reduce or restrict the tongue tip mobility. The restricted mobility is caused by an unusual short, thick lingual frenum. This condition may cause various problems in infants including breastfeeding in the new-borns. This case report describes 3 cases of ankyloglossia affecting breastfeeding and highlights the experiences of the mothers and their difficulties in breastfeeding babies with it. Comprehensive feeding examination was accomplished, the primary cause of feeding issues was identified, and frenotomy intervention was provided. Post frenotomy, infants were able to breastfeed easily and this was beneficial in continuation of breastfeeding and pain reduction in mothers.

Comparison of simple frenotomy with 4-flap Z-frenuloplasty in treatment for ankyloglossia with articulation difficulty: A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of simple frenotomy and the 4-flap Z-frenuloplasty according to the articulation test values and tongue-tie classification in patients with ankyloglossia with articulation difficulty. STUDY DESIGN: prospective randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. SUBJECTS: and methods: Children with ankyloglossia with articulation difficulty were randomly divided into 2 groups for surgical treatment. Patients were evaluated for the tongue-tie classification and articulation test before surgery. Three months after the operation, the frenulum classification and articulation test were re-evaluated to compare the differences in surgical outcome between the two surgical methods. RESULTS: Out of 37 patients, 19 underwent the 4-flap Z-frenuloplasty and 18, the simple frenotomy. No differences were observed in the baseline characteristics of the patients assigned to both groups. Changes in the tongue-tie classification and improvement in the articulation test results were observed with both the surgical methods. Both surgical groups had significant improvement in the speech articulation test (consonants) but there was no difference in the speech outcomes between the surgical groups. CONCLUSION: Although there was no significant difference in the surgical outcome between the two surgical methods, ankyloglossia patients showed improvement in a Korean speech articulation test 3 months after undergoing surgery to release the lingual frenulum.

Speech production in young children with tongue-tie.

INTRODUCTION: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs in 4-10% of the population. Treatment of tongue-tie has increased by 420% in Australia between 2006 and 2016 and 866% in the United States between 1997 and 2012. Despite limited evidence, it has been suggested that tongue-tie can result in speech sound disorder (SSD). This study aimed to investigate tongue mobility and speech production outcomes in children with and without tongue-tie diagnoses. METHOD: Fifty-nine children aged 2; 1 to 4; 11 years were recruited and formed three groups: treated tongue-tie (TTT), untreated tongue-tie (UTT) and no tongue-tie (NTT). Measures of lingual frenulum structure and function, tongue mobility, speech production, and parent and clinician intelligibility ratings were collected. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the TTT, UTT and NTT groups for tongue mobility, speech production or intelligibility. Significantly more UTT children had a history of speech pathology attendance than participants in the NTT group. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence of no difference between tongue mobility and speech outcomes in young children with or without intervention for tongue-tie during infancy. This study assists with clinical decision making and makes recommendations for families not to proceed with surgical intervention for tongue-tie during infancy, for the sole outcome of improving speech production later in life.

Posterior Tongue Tie, Base of Tongue Movement, and Pharyngeal Dysphagia: What is the Connection?

Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, and its impact on the oral phase of feeding has been studied and debated for decades. However, the impact of posterior tongue ties on the pharyngeal phase of swallowing is not well documented in the literature. A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) allows for visualization of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of the swallow. When decreased base of tongue movement, impaired pharyngeal pressure generation, and presence of pharyngeal residue are noted during a VFSS, a neurologic etiology can be suspected. However, in the setting of a normal MRI with normal motor development, other etiologies need to be explored. If it is not neurologic, could it be anatomic? We present a 21-month-old patient with significant pharyngeal phase dysphagia which was most saliently characterized by impaired base of tongue movement, poor pressure generation, and diffuse residue resulting in aspiration. He was eventually diagnosed with a posterior tongue tie and underwent a frenulectomy. Results via subsequent VFSS revealed significant improvement in base of tongue movement, pharyngeal pressure generation, and pharyngeal constriction, resulting in efficient movement of the bolus through the pharynx into the esophagus, no nasopharyngeal regurgitation, no aspiration, and near resolution of his pharyngeal dysphagia. Patients with impaired base of tongue movement and impaired pressure generation resulting in pharyngeal residue in the setting of a normal neurologic workup could possibly present with a posterior tongue tie which should be examined and included in the differential diagnosis.

The value of frenotomy for ankyloglossia from a parental perspective.

AIMS: We sought the parental experience of the effects of frenotomy in the presence of ankyloglossia by exploring the reasons for seeking frenotomy, impressions of its value and its impact on breastfeeding. METHOD: A prospective survey of infants receiving frenotomy in a general practice in Palmerston North was undertaken. Infants aged under six months with confirmed ankyloglossia via a GP and lactation consultant were included. One hundred and seventy-six children met the study criteria. Parents completed a pre-procedure questionnaire and received a follow-up phone call. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that 97% of parents would seek out frenotomy again in similar circumstances. Initially, 93 mother-infant pairs (53%) were not fully breastfeeding; post frenotomy, 33 of these pairs were able to start fully breastfeeding. One hundred and thirty-two pairs showed no change in feeding method. Nine pairs deteriorated from partial breastfeeding to artificial feeding, and two pairs deteriorated from fully breastfeeding to artificial feeding. Both feeding time and nipple pain improved post-frenotomy. Eighty percent of parents reported a moderate or significant improvement in their presenting issue, and 77% reported moderate to significant improvement in feeding quality. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Frenotomy was reported to be beneficial, with a high level of parental satisfaction and improvement in rates of full breastfeeding and feeding duration, as well as a reduction in nipple pain. Parents were willing to go to significant lengths to access the procedure.

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.

Frenotomy for tongue-tie in newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Tongue-tie (ankylglossia) occurs when there is an anterior attachment near the tip of the tongue resulting in restricted tongue movement. It is reported to be a cause of poor breastfeeding in infants and nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine whether frenotomy is safe and effective in improving ability to feed orally among infants. INTERVENTION/METHODS: Frenotomy may correct the restriction of tongue movement and allow improved breast feeding and reduced maternal nipple pain. Randomised, quasi-randomised cluster-randomised controlled trials that compared frenotomy verses no frenotomy or frenotomy verses sham procedure were included in the review. Participants were infants with tongue-tie experiencing feeding problems, or whose breast feeding mothers were experiencing nipple pain. RESULTS: Five studies (N = 302) met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis of two studies showed no change following frenotomy (mean difference (MD) -0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.6 to 0.5 units on a 10-point feeding scale). A third study showed objective improvement on a 12-point feeding scale (MD 3.5, 95% CI 3.1 to 4.0 units of a 12-point feeding scale). Pooled analysis of three studies (n = 212) showed a reduction in maternal pain scores following frenotomy (MD -0.7, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.1 units on a 10-point pain scale). These studies had serious methodological shortcomings. CONCLUSION: Investigators did not find a consistent positive effect on infant breastfeeding following frenotomy. A short-term reduction in breast pain was found among breastfeeding mothers. Small trial numbers and methodological issues meant no definitive benefit for frenotomy in infants with tongue-tie could be proved.

All Tied Up! Influences of Oral Frenulae on Breastfeeding and their Recommended Management Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increased awareness of the role of the labial and lingual frenulae on a neonate's ability to latch and breastfeed efficiently. This critical review explores the (i) oral physiology of a baby nursing (ii) factors that can decrease a baby's ability to nurse efficiently, the problems these cause and their management and the (iii) relation between poor nursing efficacy and the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) Study design: An expansive search of the literature was performed using four electronic databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Most studies assessing the role of labial and lingual frenulae on breastfeeding were of a low quality. The relation between ECC and poor nursing efficacy was found to be largely speculative. Hence, the results of these studies should be interpreted with caution. Despite the limited quality and external validity of the current evidence, in cases where breastfeeding difficulties are identified, surgical management of labial or lingual frenulae may provide some subjective improvements in breastfeeding outcome.

ANKYLOGLOSSIA AND ITS INFLUENCE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOMATOGNATHIC SYSTEM. / A INFLUÊNCIA DA ANQUILOGLOSSIA NO CRESCIMENTO E DESENVOLVIMENTO DO SISTEMA ESTOMATOGNÁTICO.

OBJECTIVE: To critically examine the existing Brazilian and International scientific literature regarding the influence of short lingual frenulum over growth and development of the stomatognathic system, as well as how it impacts the achievement of the shape-function balance. DATA SOURCES: An electronic literature search was conducted in databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, LILACS, SciELO, and ScienceDirect, using the key words "lingual frenum" and "development", as well as their equivalents in Brazilian Portuguese. The literature search yielded 51 papers published between January 1997 and the present date; 14 articles of clinical trials were selected for meeting the inclusion criteria and were read in full. DATA SYNTHESIS: The integrated literature review supported the proposition that some malocclusions are closely related to the presence of ankyloglossia and, although very few clinical trials on this topic have been published so far, there is a consensus among authors concerning the negative effects of functional imbalances over the stomatognathic system's proper growth and development. Half of the studies found state that surgical interventions for releasing the lingual frenum are both safe and effective, concerning improvement in breastfeeding scores. Moreover, 4 out of the 14 studies included in this integrated review, report a negative influence of ankyloglossia over the orofacial muscular system. CONCLUSIONS: There is a consensus among the authors concerning the negative effects of lingual frenulum's anatomic and functional alterations over craniofacial growth and development. The opinion about the early surgical intervention, however, is not unanimous.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar criticamente os artigos existentes na literatura brasileira e estrangeira acerca da influência do frênulo lingual encurtado sobre o crescimento e desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático, bem como sobre a conquista do equilíbrio forma-função. FONTES DE DADOS: A busca eletrônica nas bases MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, LILACS, SciELO e ScienceDirect com os descritores "freio lingual" e "desenvolvimento" e seus equivalentes em inglês resultou inicialmente em 51 resultados de trabalhos publicados entre janeiro de 1997 e a presente data. Após aplicados os critérios de exclusão, 14 artigos de estudos clínicos foram selecionados para a leitura completa. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A revisão integrativa da literatura ajudou a confirmar a proposição de que algumas maloclusões estão intimamente relacionadas à anquiloglossia. Ainda que a quantidade de estudos clínicos publicados até a atualidade seja pequena, há um consenso entre os autores acerca do efeito negativo de desequilíbrios funcionais sobre o crescimento e o desenvolvimento corretos do sistema estomatognático, tanto que a metade dos estudos pesquisados relata que intervenções cirúrgicas para a liberação do frênulo lingual são seguras e eficazes no que diz respeito à melhora na amamentação. Ainda, dos 14 estudos incluídos nesta revisão, 4 reportam influências negativas da anquiloglossia sobre a musculatura orofacial. CONCLUSÕES: Há um consenso entre os autores acerca dos efeitos negativos das alterações anatômico-funcionais do frênulo lingual sobre o crescimento e o desenvolvimento craniofacial, ainda que a opinião sobre a intervenção cirúrgica precoce não seja unânime.

Ankyloglossia as a risk factor for maxillary hypoplasia and soft palate elongation: A functional - morphological study.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize associations between restricted tongue mobility and maxillofacial development. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Cross-sectional cohort study of 302 consecutive subjects from an orthodontic practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tongue mobility (measured with tongue range of motion ratio [TRMR] and Kotlow free tongue measurement) was correlated with measurements of the maxillofacial skeleton obtained from dental casts and cephalometric radiographs. RESULTS: Tongue range of motion ratio and Kotlow measures of restricted tongue mobility were associated with (i) ratio of maxillary intercanine width to canine arch length, (ii) ratio of maxillary intermolar width to canine arch length and (iii) soft palate length. Restricted tongue mobility was not associated with hyoid bone position or Angle's skeletal classification. CONCLUSIONS: Restricted tongue mobility was associated with narrowing of the maxillary arch and elongation of the soft palate in this study. These findings suggest that variations in tongue mobility may affect maxillofacial development.

Toward a functional definition of ankyloglossia: validating current grading scales for lingual frenulum length and tongue mobility in 1052 subjects.

PURPOSE: Alterations of the lingual frenulum may contribute to oromyofacial dysfunction, speech and swallowing impediments, underdevelopment of the maxillofacial skeleton, and even predispose to sleep breathing disorder. This study aims to assess the utility of existing instruments for evaluation of restricted tongue mobility, describe normal and abnormal ranges of tongue mobility, and provide evidence in support of a reliable and efficient measure of tongue mobility. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 1052 consecutive patients was evaluated during a 3-month period. Age, gender, ethnicity, height, weight, BMI, maximal interincisal mouth opening (MIO), mouth opening with tongue tip to maxillary incisive papillae at roof of mouth (MOTTIP), Kotlow's free-tongue measurement, and presence of severe tongue-tie were recorded. Secondary outcome measures include tongue range of motion deficit (TRMD, difference between MIO and MOTTIP) and tongue range of motion ratio (TRMR, ratio of MOTTIP to MIO). RESULTS: Results indicate that MIO is dependent on age and height; MOTTIP and TRMD are dependent on MIO; Kotlow's free-tongue measurement is an independent measure of free-tongue length and tongue mobility. TRMR is the only independent measurement of tongue mobility that is directly associated with restrictions in tongue function. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the use of tongue range of motion ratio as an initial screening tool to assess for restrictions in tongue mobility. "Functional" ankyloglossia can thus be defined and treatment effects followed objectively by using the proposed grading scale: grade 1: tongue range of motion ratio is >80%, grade 2 50-80%, grade 3 < 50%, grade 4 < 25%.

Breastfeeding Infants with Ankyloglossia: Insight into Mothers' Experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding difficulty from ankyloglossia can affect both the mother and baby in a breastfeeding dyad. With renewed emphasis in today's culture on breast milk, mothers may feel increasing pressure to breastfeed, and the inability for some to do so may cause significant distress. Recently, online parenting forums have seen exponential growth; these forums allow mothers to connect with peers undergoing similar life transitions. The purpose of this study was to review online discussions regarding ankyloglossia to understand mothers' experiences with breastfeeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an ethnographic content analysis of 76 online threads and 501 posts regarding ankyloglossia based on six domains: (1) initial expectations, (2) breastfeeding complications, (3) questions, (4) diagnosis, (5) treatment, and (6) outcomes. RESULTS: About one-fourth of women who participated in online forum discussions had initial expectations to breastfeed, however, many found it impossible due to poor latch or pain. Concerns were frequently exacerbated by healthcare providers who reportedly missed or overlooked ankyloglossia. Although these complications made breastfeeding a challenging experience, mothers often described both subjective and physical improvements after frenotomy. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding difficulty was a commonly voiced concern in online ankyloglossia forums. Forum analysis is an effective way to gain insight into patients' experiences, which allows providers to anticipate concerns and provides more effective counseling.

The prevalence of ankyloglossia in 302 newborns with breastfeeding problems and sucking difficulties in Barcelona: a descriptive study.

AIM: Oral and maxillofacial development is influenced by the lingual frenulum and also affects breathing, occlusion, sucking, swallowing, speech, among others. Ankyloglossia in the newborn may result in breastfeeding difficulties: maternal nipple pain and/or erosion or mastitis, poor weight gain and excessively long breastfeeds. The main objective of this work is to study the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns with breastfeeding difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a transversal descriptive study of 302 patients, between 0 and 6 months, who attended the hospital as a result of breastfeeding difficulties. All patients with sucking problems and ankyloglossia were included in this study and followed the multidisciplinary treatment protocol made up of the services of Breastfeeding, Speech Therapy and Orofacial Rehabilitation and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. RESULTS: 1,102 newborns were seen at the paediatric service of Hospital de Nens, Barcelona (Spain) during 2 years; 302 had breastfeeding difficulties and of these, 171 were diagnosed with ankyloglossia (60 girls and 111 boys). Coryllos Grade 3 ankyloglossia was the most prevalent (59.6%) type; 85 infants (49.7%) were exclusively breastfed and 26 (50.35%) were mixed fed (formula and breastfeeding). Only 43 patients had a family history of tongue-tie (25.1%). CONCLUSION: Ankyloglossia linked to breastfeeding difficulties must be treated by a multidisciplinary team. We have found a high prevalence of the condition since the population studied are newborns with sucking problems. If a frenotomy is necessary, we recommend stimulating suction with myofunctional therapy before and after surgery to avoid scar retraction.

An Alternative Method to Treat Ankyloglossia.

Ankyloglossia entails short lingual frenum, impairing satisfactory tongue movement and leading to problems related to deglutition, feeding and diction. This clinical report uses laser technology, rather than traditional surgical procedure with scalpel, to perform a lingual frenulotomy on a 9-year old child diagnosed with ankyloglossia, aiming to investigate more conservative and less traumatic dental procedures. Due to the many advantages of the laser device, such as bloodless surgical field, absence of sutures, minimal swelling and post-surgical pain, the high intensity diode laser is a viable alternative technique in soft tissue surgeries.