Influence of Neonatal Ankyloglossia on exclusive breastfeeding in the six first months of life: a cohort study. / Influência da Anquiloglossia neonatal na amamentação exclusiva nos seis primeiros meses de vida: estudo de coorte.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of ankyloglossia on the prevalence and duration of exclusive breastfeeding of full-term infants up to the sixth month of life. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, carried out with 225 mother-infant dyads who were followed up in the first six months of life in a center specialized in breastfeeding in a tertiary hospital. Full-term infants with asymptomatic ankyloglossia (no need for surgery) were compared with infants without change at monthly follow-up. Ankyloglossia was diagnosed using the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool, with a positive diagnosis being considered for those with a score less than or equal to 5 considering functional and anatomical aspects. Statistical analyzes were performed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression (weaning determinants), relative risk, and survival curves (to analyze breastfeeding duration between groups with and without ankyloglossia). RESULTS: Ankyloglossia was associated with weaning (considered even partial) before the sixth month of life. After adjusted analysis, a higher risk of weaning was detected in infants with this alteration, with a risk present from the second month of life. In the survival analysis, the duration of breastfeeding in infants with ankyloglossia was shorter when compared to children without alterations. CONCLUSION: Compared to infants with normal lingual frenulum, babies with ankyloglossia had shorter exclusive breastfeeding time, but well above the average observed in the general population. The risk of weaning for this group was also higher.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a influência da anquiloglossia na prevalência e no tempo de exclusividade do aleitamento materno de lactentes a termo até o sexto mês de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo, realizado com 225 díades mãe-bebê que foram acompanhadas nos seis primeiros meses de vida em centro especializado em amamentação em um hospital terciário. Lactentes a termo com anquiloglossia do tipo assintomática (sem necessidade de cirurgia) foram comparados com lactentes sem alteração em um acompanhamento mensal. O diagnóstico de anquiloglossia foi realizado através do Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool, sendo considerados com diagnóstico positivo aqueles com escore menores ou iguais a 5 considerando os aspectos funcionais e anatômicos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas através de estatística descritiva, regressão logística (determinantes do desmame), risco relativo e curvas de sobrevivência (para analisar o tempo de aleitamento entre os grupos com e sem anquiloglossia). RESULTADOS: A anquiloglossia esteve associada com o desmame (considerado ainda que parcial) antes do sexto mês de vida. Após análise ajustada, foi detectado maior risco de desmame nos lactentes com a alteração presente, com risco presente a partir do segundo mês de vida. Na análise de sobrevida, o tempo de aleitamento nos lactentes com anquiloglossia foi menor quando comparadas às crianças sem alteração. CONCLUSÃO: Em comparação com lactentes com freio lingual normal, os bebês com anquiloglossia apresentaram tempo menor de aleitamento exclusivo, porém bem acima da média observada na população geral. O risco de desmame para este grupo também foi maior.

Effects of lingual frenotomy on breastfeeding and electrical activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of lingual frenotomy on the breastfeeding of infants, based on the electrical activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles and assessment of the breastfeeding. METHODS: Observational study developed between October 2017 and June 2018 with a sample of 20 newborns and infants who attended a dental clinic and were diagnosed with ankyloglossia. Another 20 were excluded for meeting some of the following exclusion criteria: babies more than 6 months old, who were not on exclusive or mixed breastfeeding, who had other clinical impairments that interfered with breastfeeding, who had other foods introduced into their diet, who had neurological changes and/or craniofacial deformities, and/or who did not finish all the stages of the study. Breastfeeding was assessed with the UNICEF Breastfeeding Assessment and Observation Protocol, while the muscle electrical activity was assessed with the Electrical Activity Assessment Protocol for the Masseter and Suprahyoid Muscles in Newborns During Breastfeeding. The same speech-language-hearing therapist conducted the two assessments both before the conventional frenotomy and 7 days after it. RESULTS: The signs suggestive of breastfeeding difficulties changed 7 days after the surgery, with a p-value ≤ 0.002 for general observation of the mother, position of the infant, latch, and sucking. The maximum voluntary contraction of the masseter was the only integral parameter with a difference, as the electrical activity had decreased. CONCLUSION: Behaviors favorable to breastfeeding increased 7 days after the frenotomy in all the breastfeeding assessment categories, whereas the electrical activity of the masseter decreased.

Evaluation of tongue mobility following release operation of ankyloglossia with genioglossus myotomy.

Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly characterized by a short lingual frenulum and severe form needs release surgery. Our goal in this study was to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of Z-plasty with genioglossus myotomy compared with traditional Z-plasty alone and to develop a proper measurement tool to validate the postoperative results of release operations for ankyloglossia. Patients were divided in 2 groups, release with Z-plasty only group (group 1) and Z-plasty combined with genioglossus myotomy group (group 2) In group 2, the release of central longitudinal fiber of genioglossus muscle was added in the conventional Z-plasty operative procedure. To analyze the results of the surgery, we developed an objective assessment tool which is the direct length from the innermost point of the floor of mouth to the tip of the tongue, preoperatively and postoperatively, which is called "functional tongue length." A total of 101 patients with ankyloglossia ranging in age from 36 months to 8 years underwent release operation. Although there was no significant difference in terms of postoperative measurements between groups in Kotlow class II, group 2 patients in Class III and IV showed greater postoperative functional tongue length. Also, there was no significant complication requiring secondary surgery. Our study demonstrated that adding genioglossus myotomy to a simple Z-plasty is a safe and effective method for improving the tongue mobility required to make lingual sounds, especially in moderate to severe form of ankyloglossia, along with suggestion of a new measurement tool, which can objectively assess tongue mobility with possibility for universal utilization in ankyloglossia release operation.

Controversy Over Tongue-Tie: Divisions in the Community of Healthcare Professionals.

While recent decades have seen a rapid rise in cases of infant tongue-tie and in surgery to correct it, a controversy is now raging over the condition. Opinion is especially divided over so-called posterior tongue-tie, a variant which is detected based on the "feel" of the sub-lingual space. Drawing on ethnographic research with clinicians in England, we clarify the professional and personal commitments involved in the controversy. Our analysis is informed by Douglas' theory of cultural representations (grid-group theory), in which ideas of what is natural and unnatural constitute central metaphors.

Tongue-Tie children with a severe Hazelbaker score or difficult breastfeeding greatly benefit from frenotomy or frenuloplasty with/without anaesthesia - First do or do no harm?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a relatively common congenital anomaly characterised by an abnormally short lingual fraenulum, causing limitation of tongue mobility. There have been immense controversies regarding diagnosis, clinical significance and management of such condition hitherto. Although most tongue-tie babies are asymptomatic without feeding difficulties, operative corrections may be necessary in some cases to improve their breastfeeding. Using a meta-narrative reviewing study design, the aim of this concise review was to demonstrate the current evidences for surgical indications, optimal type and timing, and functional improvement from tongue-tie surgery. We reviewed and discussed the included evidences based on five topics: (1) basic sciences, (2) clinical equipoise, (3) anaesthesia during childhood, (4) evidence-based practice and surgical meta-analyses, and (5) appropriate patient assessment in routine paediatric practice.

Maxillary Frenulum in Newborns: Association with Breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVE: To relate maxillary and lingual frenulum configuration to breastfeeding success. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Newborn nursery in tertiary care academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Newborns were observed between 24 and 72 hours after birth. Mothers were asked a series of questions relating to their breastfeeding experience. The maxillary and lingual frenula were examined and scored. Corresponding LATCH scores were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 161 mothers with newborns participated. The mean gestational age of newborns was 38.81 weeks (95% CI, 38.65-38.98); 82 (50.9%) male and 79 (49.1%) female newborns were included. In sum, 70.8% had the maxillary frenulum attached to the edge of the alveolar ridge; 28.6%, attached to the fixed gingiva; and 0.6%, attached to mobile gingiva. In addition, 3.7% had anterior ankyloglossia, and 96.3% had no obvious anterior ankyloglossia. There was no significant correlation between maxillary frenulum scores or lingual frenulum scores and LATCH scores (P > .05). Of the mothers included in the study, 56.5% were first-time mothers. Overall, 43.5% of the mothers had other biological children, with 70.0% of those mothers having previously breastfed. Experienced mothers who had breastfed for >3 months had significantly higher LATCH scores. Those who had previously breastfed had a mean LATCH score of 9.16 (95% CI, 8.80-9.52), as compared with those who had not, with a mean of 8.14 (95% CI, 7.43-8.85). CONCLUSION: We did not find that maxillary frenulum configuration correlated with LATCH scores. Mothers experienced with breastfeeding had better LATCH scores. Attention toward breastfeeding education, particularly in new mothers, should precede maxillary frenotomy in neonates with breastfeeding difficulties.

Clinical and x-ray oral evaluation in patients with congenital Zika Virus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate possible malformations in the soft, bone and/or dental tissues in patients with congenital Zika Virus (ZIKV) by clinical and x-ray evaluation. METHODOLOGY: Thirty children born with ZIKV and 30 children born without ZIKV (control group) were included in the study. Patients were evaluated over 24 consecutive months according to the variables: sex, age, cleft palates, soft tissue lesions, alveolar ridge hyperplasia, short labial and lingual frenums, inadequate posture of the lingual and perioral muscles at rest, micrognathia, narrow palatine vaults, changes in the teeth shape and/or number, sequence eruption, spasms, seizures and eruption delay were evaluated. Chi-square test, Student's t-test and nominal logistic regression were used (p<0.05). RESULTS: Among the 30 babies examined, the mean age of the first dental eruption was 10.8±3.8 with almost two-thirds of the children (n=18, 60%) experiencing eruptions of their first tooth after 9 months of age, nine children (30%) had inadequate lingual posture at rest, more than half of the children (n=18, 60%) had short labial or lingual frenums. ZIKV babies showed a high prevalence of clef palate (p<0.001), inadequate lingual posture at rest (p=0.004), micrognathia (p=0.002), changes in the shape and/or number of teeth (p=0.006), alteration in sequence of dental eruption (p<0.001) and muscles spasms (p=0.002). The delay eruption was associated with inadequate lingual posture at rest (p=0.047), micrognathia (p=0.002) and changes in the shape and/or number of teeth (p=0.021). The delayed eruption (p=0.006) and narrow palatine vaults (p=0.008) were independently associated with ZIKV. Moreover, female patients showed the most narrow palatine vaults (p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The children with ZIKV showed a greater tendency to have delayed eruption of the first deciduous tooth, inadequate lingual posture and short labial and lingual frenums.

Clinical and x-ray oral evaluation in patients with congenital Zika Virus

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible malformations in the soft, bone and/or dental tissues in patients with congenital Zika Virus (ZIKV) by clinical and x-ray evaluation. Methodology: Thirty children born with ZIKV and 30 children born without ZIKV (control group) were included in the study. Patients were evaluated over 24 consecutive months according to the variables: sex, age, cleft palates, soft tissue lesions, alveolar ridge hyperplasia, short labial and lingual frenums, inadequate posture of the lingual and perioral muscles at rest, micrognathia, narrow palatine vaults, changes in the teeth shape and/or number, sequence eruption, spasms, seizures and eruption delay were evaluated. Chi-square test, Student's t-test and nominal logistic regression were used (p<0.05). Results: Among the 30 babies examined, the mean age of the first dental eruption was 10.8±3.8 with almost two-thirds of the children (n=18, 60%) experiencing eruptions of their first tooth after 9 months of age, nine children (30%) had inadequate lingual posture at rest, more than half of the children (n=18, 60%) had short labial or lingual frenums. ZIKV babies showed a high prevalence of clef palate (p<0.001), inadequate lingual posture at rest (p=0.004), micrognathia (p=0.002), changes in the shape and/or number of teeth (p=0.006), alteration in sequence of dental eruption (p<0.001) and muscles spasms (p=0.002). The delay eruption was associated with inadequate lingual posture at rest (p=0.047), micrognathia (p=0.002) and changes in the shape and/or number of teeth (p=0.021). The delayed eruption (p=0.006) and narrow palatine vaults (p=0.008) were independently associated with ZIKV. Moreover, female patients showed the most narrow palatine vaults (p=0.010). Conclusions: The children with ZIKV showed a greater tendency to have delayed eruption of the first deciduous tooth, inadequate lingual posture and short labial and lingual frenums.

Association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding / Associação entre anquiloglossia e amamentação

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 130 newborn infants in exclusive breastfeeding with Apgar score ≥ 8 within the first five days of life. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee on Human Research. The data collection was performed by the researcher and by three trained speech therapists of the team. The protocols applied were the Neonatal Tongue Screening Test from the Lingual Frenulum Protocol for Infants, the UNICEF Breastfeeding Observation Aid, and the collection of maternal complaints related to the difficulty in breastfeeding was also considered. The data were submitted to statistical analysis - chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a significance level of 5%. Results When correlating the data, the statistical analysis revealed an association between ankyloglossia and the items of suckling category of the Breastfeeding Observation Aid. The association between complaint of difficulty in breastfeeding and ankyloglossia was also seen. Conclusion On the first days of life, ankyloglossia is associated with the mother's breastfeeding complaint and with the newborn's sucking difficulty.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar associação entre anquiloglossia e amamentação. Método Estudo transversal, realizado em 130 recém-nascidos, em um Hospital Universitário. Foram incluídos recém-nascidos entre um a cinco dias de vida, com Apgar score ≥ 8, em aleitamento materno exclusivo. Participaram da pesquisa apenas recém-nascidos de termo e saudáveis. Esta pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. A coleta de dados foi realizada pela pesquisadora e por três fonoaudiólogas da equipe, devidamente treinadas e calibradas. Os protocolos aplicados foram: avaliação anatomofuncional do Protocolo de avaliação do frênulo da língua em bebês, o Protocolo de Observação da Mamada da UNICEF e coleta das queixas maternas referentes a dificuldade ou não para amamentar. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística, sendo aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher, adotando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Quando correlacionados os dados, a análise estatística demonstrou associação entre anquiloglossia e os itens da categoria de sucção do Protocolo de Observação da Mamada. Encontrou-se também associação entre queixa de dificuldade para amamentar e anquiloglossia. Conclusão Nos primeiros dias de vida, a anquiloglossia está associada com queixa da mãe para amamentar e com a dificuldade de sucção do recém-nascido.

Características morfológicas encontradas na cavidade oral de neonatos: revisão de literatura / Morphological characteristics found in the oral cavity of newborns: a literature review

Objetivo: revisar a literatura sobre as característicasmorfológicas da cavidade oral de recém-nascidos. Revisãode literatura: as profissões da área de saúde estãocada vez mais voltadas para um acompanhamentoprecoce do indivíduo, iniciando-se antes mesmo donascimento ou nos primeiros dias de vida da criança.Sendo assim, recém-nascidos apresentam na cavidadeoral características peculiares da sua fase de desenvolvimentoque podem trazer dúvidas para os pais e/ouresponsáveis. As principais variações da cavidade oralde recém-nascidos envolvem tecidos duros e tecidosmoles. Considerando o posicionamento dos maxilares,as alterações mais comuns são: mordida aberta anterior,sobremordida e mordida topo a topo. Em relação aos tecidosmoles, o contorno dos lábios dos recém-nascidosse apresenta triangular e, com a amamentação constante,forma-se um aumento de volume na linha média dolábio superior. Considerações finais: além de ser necessárioque os profissionais da área tenham conhecimentodas características morfológicas da cavidade oral dosrecém-nascidos, também é imprescindível que estessaibam diagnosticar possíveis anormalidades e, quandohouver necessidade, indicar tratamento adequado. (AU)

Objective: to review the literature on the morphological characteristics of the oral cavity of newborns. Literature review: health professions are increasingly focused on the early follow-up of individuals, starting even before birth or during the first days of life of the child. Therefore, the oral cavity of newborns presents characteristics particular to their development phase, which may cause doubts to parents and/or caregivers. The major variations of the oral cavity of newborns involve both hard and soft tissues. Considering the positioning of the jaws, the most common changes are anterior open bite, overbite, and edge-to-edge bite. Regarding the soft tissues, the contour of the lips of newborns is triangular and constant breastfeeding causes an increase of volume formed in the midline of the upper lip. Final considerations: therefore, health professionals are required not only to understand the morphological characteristics of the oral cavity of newborns, but it is also essential that they are able to diagnose potential abnormalities and to indicate appropriate treatment when necessary. (AU)

Lingual Frenectomy in Joubert Syndrome.

AIM: Our aim is to present a case of a rare disorder, such as Joubert syndrome (JS) which required oral surgical intervention under general anesthesia at a very young age to help in achieving normal developmental milestones. BACKGROUND: Ciliopathies are an emerging class of diseases of which JS is a significant member. There have been very few cases of JS with its distinguishing features which have been reported in recent literature. CASE REPORT: We herewith present a case of JS who reported to our unit with a complaint of speech abnormality. Intraoral examination revealed a tongue-tie which was planned for surgical release. As any drugs that interfere with respiratory depression have to be used with utmost care, adequate precautions were taken in this case and the patient was treated under general anesthesia. The tongue-tie was released and associated ham-artomatous outgrowths from the floor of the mouth were also excised. Appropriate postoperative care was taken and the patient was discharged. CONCLUSION: The patient treated by us did not reveal any significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Treatment of cases of JS required a team effort of multiple dental and medical specialists. Long-term follow-up of such patients is required so that they achieve normal chronological development. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Joubert syndrome being a rare disorder requires special anesthetic care during any surgical procedure, especially that involving the oral cavity. The need and timing of surgical intervention in such cases should be carefully assessed and appropriate precautions should be taken.

Prevalência de anquiloglossia em recém-nascidos e avaliação da confiabilidade e validade do Teste da Linguinha na triagem neonatal / Prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and reliability and validity of the Lingual Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies (Teste da Linguinha) in neonatal screening

Introdução: O exame de triagem neonatal, conhecido como "Teste da Linguinha" (TL), é realizado através da aplicação do "Protocolo de Avaliação do Frênulo da Língua em Bebês". Este exame é obrigatório em todos os hospitais e maternidades do Brasil desde dezembro de 2014 e tem por objetivo diagnosticar a anquiloglossia que tenha potencial de interferir negativamente no aleitamento materno. Objetivos: 1. Estimar a prevalência de anquiloglossia em recém-nascidos saudáveis de uma maternidade da rede pública de saúde do Rio de Janeiro; 2. Avaliar a confiabilidade e a validade de construto do TL na triagem neonatal. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em uma maternidade pública do Rio de Janeiro. A amostra de díades mãe/filho incluiu neonatos saudáveis, a termo, de até 48 horas de vida e peso maior ou igual a 2.500 g. Os dados foram coletados por três examinadoras treinadas (duas odontopediatras e uma fonoaudióloga), através de entrevistas com as puérperas, observação da mamada e aplicação do TL. As mães foram entrevistadas um mês após o nascimento da criança, por telefone, por estudantes de odontologia. A confiabilidade do protocolo foi medida através da sua consistência interna e estabilidade. A validade de construto foi analisada através da correlação entre: os escores produzidos com a aplicação do instrumento; indicadores autopercebidos de sucesso e insucesso da amamentação; e a dificuldade na amamentação, medida através do Protocolo de Observação da Mamada ­ UNICEF adaptado. A análise estatística foi feita com o programa Stata 14.0®. Resultados: Entre 25.08.2015 a 30.09.2015 foram examinadas 268 díades mãe/filho. A prevalência da anquiloglossia foi igual a 2,24% (IC 95% = 0,83%; 4,81%). O valor do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para a confiabilidade entre as três examinadoras foi 0,77 (IC95%:0,64; 0,89) e o valor do coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach para a consistência interna foi 0,28 (limite inferior do IC 95%: 0,14). A correlação entre a pontuação total da escala e a autopercepção: da dificuldade para amamentar, da satisfação com a amamentação, e da dor ao amamentar foram 0,05 (p=0,42), 0,01 (p=0,87) e 0,007 (p=0,92), respectivamente. A correlação entre a pontuação do "TL" e o Protocolo de Observação da Mamada UNICEF- adaptado foi 0,27 (p<0,001). Conclusão: A prevalência da anquiloglossia foi muito baixa O "TL" utilizado na triagem neonatal apresentou estabilidade aceitável e baixa consistência interna. Não foi possível confirmar a sua validade. Esses achados sugerem que o seu uso na identificação de recém-nascidos com anquiloglossia capaz de interferir negativamente na amamentação não deve ser recomendado.

Introduction. The "Lingual Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies", popularly known as "Teste da Linguinha" (TL), is a neonatal screening test mandatory in all hospitals and maternity hospitals in Brazil since December 2014. The TL aims to diagnose ankyloglossia that may have a negative impact on breastfeeding. Objectives. 1. To estimate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in healthy newborns from a public maternity in Rio de Janeiro; 2. To evaluate the reliability and validity of the "Lingual Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies" when it is used as a screening test. Methods. This study was conducted at a public maternity in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The TL was applied to a sample of healthy term newborns, weighing 2.500 g or more, within 48 hours of birth. Data were collected by three trained examiners (two pediatric dentists and one speech therapist), through interviews with the mothers, assessment of breastfeeding and the application of the TL to newborns. One month after the child´s birth, mothers were interviewed by phone by undergraduate dental students in order to collect information about their experiences with breastfeeding after hospital discharge. The assessment of the reliability of the TL included the measurement of its internal consistency and stability. The validity of the protocol was analyzed by the correlation between the scores of the instrument and those of self-perceived indicators of breastfeeding success and failure, and professionally determined breastfeeding difficulty as measured by the Adapted Breastfeeding Observation Aid UNICEF protocol. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 14.0® software. Results. Total sample comprised 268 dyads mothers/child, recruited between August 25 and September 30, 2015. The prevalence of anklyloglossia was 2.24% (IC 95% = 0.83; 4.81%). The inter-rater reliability among the three examiners as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.89) and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.28 (95% CI lower limit: 0.14). The correlations between the total TL score and self-perceived difficulty to breastfeed, satisfaction with breastfeeding, and pain while breastfeeding were respectively 0.05 (p = 0.42), 0.01 (p = 0.87) and 0.007 (p = 0.92). The correlation between the TL score and the adapted UNICEF protocol was 0.27 (p <0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of anklyloglossia was very low. The "Lingual Frenulum Assessment Protocol for Babies" used as a screening test presented acceptable stability and low internal consistency. It was not possible to confirm its validity. These findings suggest that the use of the "Lingual Frenulum Assessment Protocol for Babies" for identifying newborns with ankyloglossia that may negatively interfere with breastfeeding should not be recommended.

The effects of frenotomy on breastfeeding.

UNLABELLED: Although the interference of tongue-tie with breastfeeding is a controversial subject, The use of lingual frenotomy has been widely indicated by health professionals. OBJECTIVE: To observe changes in breastfeeding patterns after lingual frenotomy concerning the number of sucks, pause length between groups of sucking and mother's complaints. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral yes/no questions about breastfeeding symptoms and sucking/swallowing/breathing coordination were answered by the mothers of 109, 30 day old infants. On the same day the infants had their lingual frenulum assessed by administering a lingual frenulum protocol. After the assessment, all tongue-tied infants were referred for frenotomy; nevertheless, only 14 underwent the surgery. Of the 109 infants, 14 infants who did not have frenulum alterations were included as controls. Birth order and gender were the criteria for recruiting the control group. The tongue-tied infants underwent lingual frenotomy at 45 days of age. At the conclusion of the frenotomy, the infants were breastfed. At 75 days old, both groups--control and post-frenotomy--were reassessed. Before the reassessment the same oral yes/no questions were answered by the mothers of the 14 infants who underwent frenotomy. The mothers of the control group answered the questionnaire only at the time of the first assessment. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: After frenotomy, the number of sucks increased and the pause length between sucking decreased during breastfeeding. The controls maintained the same patterns observed in the first assessment. From the questionnaire answered by the mothers of the 14 tongue-tied infants, at 30 days and 75 days, we observed that the symptoms concerning breastfeeding and sucking/swallowing/breathing coordination were improved after lingual frenotomy. CONCLUSIONS: After lingual frenotomy, changes were observed in the breastfeeding patterns of the the tongue-tied infants while the control group maintained the same patterns. Moreover, all symptoms reported by the mothers of the tongue-tied infants had improved after frenotomy.

Office frenotomy for neonates: resolving dysphagia, parental satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To determine parental satisfaction and cost-effectiveness of having a frenotomy performed in the office setting versus in the operating room under general anesthesia. METHOD: After obtaining IRB approval at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we performed a retrospective chart review of patients having a frenotomy in the office between 2003-2008. 55 patients met the criteria and 25 were consented and their parents interviewed. CONCLUSION: All participants reported an improvement in feeding within one day and up to two weeks following the procedure. Parents also reported being somewhat satisfied to very satisfied with having the frenotomy performed in the office versus under general anesthesia. There were no complications reported. Performing the frenotomy in the office provided patients with satisfaction as well as cost savings. The surgical fee for a frenotomy in the office is $850 and is the same as if the procedure is performed in the operating room. Performing a frenotomy under general anesthesia includes extra cost which consists of an anesthesia fee of $500-$900 and hospital charges ranging from $500-$8,000. Performing the frenotomy in the office on our 25 patients has resulted in a cost savings of more than $240,000 and the avoidance of general anesthesia in the first few weeks of life. Office frenotomy should be considered in children with ankyloglossia who present with difficulty nursing in the first week of life.

Is use of laser really essential for release of tongue-tie?

Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a congenital condition characterized by a short, thickened, or abnormally tight lingual frenulum. This anomaly can cause a varying degree of reduced tongue mobility and has been associated with functional limitations including breastfeeding difficulties, atypical swallowing habits, speech articulation problems, mechanical problems such as inability to clean the oral cavity, and psychosocial stress. In this article, we report a 50-year-old female patient with tongue-tie having difficulty in speech and maintenance of oral hygiene due to high attachment of lingual frenum. The patient was managed by frenectomy by conventional method (scalpel and blade) under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure without any complications. She later required speech therapy lessons for improvement of speech.

Teste da linguinha e a anquiloglossia: as controvérsias do assunto / Litle tongue test and ankyloglossia: the controversies of the subject

Resumo / No Congresso Nacional tramita um projeto de lei que institui o “teste da linguinha” para tornar obrigatória a avaliação bucal criteriosa de recém-nascidos, especialmente quanto à mobilidade lingual, a partir da análise do frênulo lingual. Essa iniciativa da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia sofre restrição por parte da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, que a considera desnecessária e onerosa. O objetivo é o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce da anquiloglossia resultante da inserção curta e/ou anteriorizada do frênulo lingual. A plena mobilidade da língua favorece o desempenho das suas várias funções desde quando bebê até a fase adulta da vida. A avaliação bucal em todos os recém-nascidos pode levar, ainda, a diagnósticos mais precoces de fissuras, dentes natais, cistos e tumores. Os vários aspectos da anquiloglossia são discutidos no presente trabalho.

Rethinking "posterior" tongue-tie.

Currently, many clinicians who help with breastfeeding problems are diagnosing "posterior" tongue-tie in infants and performing or referring for frenotomy. In this "Speaking Out" article, I argue that the diagnosis of "posterior" tongue-tie has successfully raised awareness of the importance of impaired tongue function in breastfeeding difficulty. However, the diagnosis of "posterior" tongue-tie also applies a reductionist, medicalized theoretical frame to the complex problem of impaired tongue function, risking unintended outcomes. Impaired tongue function arises out of multiple interacting and co-evolving factors, including the interplay between social behaviors concerning breastfeeding and mother-infant biology. Consideration of theoretical frames is vital if we are to build an evidence base through efficient use of the scarce resources available for clinical breastfeeding research and minimize unintended outcomes.

Attention to rhotacism language problem by oral surgery and vibrostimulatory therapy: a case report / Tratamiento para el problema del lenguaje de rotacismo mediante cirugía oral y terapia vibroestimulatoria: reporte de un caso

Ankyloglossia may prevent the tongue from contacting the anterior palate, which promotes an infantile swallow and hamper the progression to an adult-like swallow. This can result in an open bite deformity and in some cases it can be associated to mandibular prognathism and language problems like rhotacism, described as the inability or difficulty in pronouncing the sound / r /. The surgical cut of the frenum tissue that connects the tongue to the jawbone (frenulectomy) and the language rehabilitation treatment with functional oral devices, represent an alternative treatment for this problem. An 11-year-old boy reported with language performance problems, dental malposition and diagnostic of ankyloglossia condition, received frenulectomy surgery and language rehabilitation treatment with functional oral devices during six months. Language diagnosis was carried out in three periods of time: prior to the surgery, four weeks after the surgery and six months later. Combined surgical and functional therapies proved to be a better alternative than only surgical therapy. Combined therapies increased the speech abilities as well as swallowing functions, therefore, the patient's self-esteem.

La anquiloglosia puede evitar que la lengua entre en contacto con la región anterior del paladar, lo que promueve una deglución infantil y dificultan la adecuada deglusión en el adulto. Esto también puede dar lugar a una mordida abierta y en algunos casos, estar asociada con prognatismo mandibular y problemas de lenguaje como el rotacismo, que se describen como la incapacidad o dificultad para pronunciar el sonido / r /. La exsición quirúrgica del tejido que conecta frenillo de la lengua a la mandíbula (frenectomía) y el tratamiento rehabilitador del lenguaje con dispositivos orales funcionales, representan una alternativa de tratamiento para este problema. Un niño de 11 años de edad, con problemas de lenguaje, malposición dental y diagnóstico de anquiloglosia, fue sometido a frenectomía y tratamiento de rehabilitación dellenguaje mediante dispositivos orales funcionales durante seis meses. El diagnóstico del lenguaje se llevó a cabo en tres periodos de tiempo: antes de la cirugía, cuatro semanas después de la cirugía y seis meses más tarde. La combinación de tratamiento quirúrgico y funcionales demostraron ser una alternativa mejor que la terapia quirúrgica por sí sola. Las terapias combinadas aumentaron la capacidad del habla, así como funciones de deglución, por lo tanto, la autoestima del paciente.