Mothers’ Perceptions and Experiences on Tongue-tie and Frenotomy: A Qualitative Study

@#Introduction: Tongue-tie is a congenital condition of a thickened, tightened or shortened frenulum. This condition may cause breastfeeding difficulties to both mother and infant, such as ineffective suckling and painful nipple. In older children, it can cause speech difficulties. Although many studies have investigated the problems associated with tongue-tie and its treatments, there are limited studies on the mother’s experiences of tongue-tie and post frenotomy. This study aimed to explore the mother’s experiences of tongue-tie associated problems, frenotomy and the outcome. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted in a one-on-one setting with fifteen mothers whose infant and children underwent frenotomy. Data were collected, transcripted, translated and analysed according to themes. Results: The analysis revealed a common story of stressful challenges and difficulties of breastfeeding. The mothers described that tongue-tie caused poor latching, nipple pain and bleeding, prolong feeding and lack of sleep. Their infant had poor weight gain, sleeping problems, insufficient milk transfer, fatigue and constant crying. For the older children, mothers complained of restricted tongue movement, difficulty in licking ice cream and speech problems. All of them agreed that the frenotomy procedure was easy, simple and less invasive and the outcome was positive. Furthermore, mothers continued breastfeeding without any difficulties and complications. Conclusion: Mothers in this study had difficulties with breastfeeding. However, all of the reported symptoms improved after frenotomy. They considered frenotomy was a simple and safe procedure that was highly recommended for symptomatic tongue-tie.

Occupational Health-Related Illness and Awareness Level among Dental Surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan

@#Introduction: Dental surgeon exposes to numerous occupational hazards include the bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration and workplace violence. It causes prolonged health effects on short or long term exposure include musculoskeletal disorder, back pain and other health issues. This study aimed to identify the awareness level of occupational hazards and experiences among dental surgeons and to determine whether preventive measures are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling method had been used in this study. The Occupational Hazards in Dentistry questionnaire was self-administered by 39 dental surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: The overall response rate was good (78%). Among the participants, 59% were female, and 41% were male. Half of the participants (59%) had worked for 11-20 years. The majority of the participants (82%) practised a correct posture while providing dental treatment. The most-reported pain areas were at the shoulder and neck and followed by the lower back. Approximately, 10% of the participants had been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis/ degenerative cervical discs. Most participants have taken preventive measures to reduce exposure to these occupational hazards. Conclusion: Work-related pain is common among dental surgeons. The most affected pain area is the shoulder and neck, followed by back and wrist pain. Occupational hazards can be alleviated effectively using a comprehensive approach. It is essential for dentistry to incorporate comprehensive strategies into practice to improve productivity and enhance occupational safety.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Caregiver at the Special Needs Boarding School in Kuantan, Pahang

@#Introduction: Caregivers and parents are important to the healthy development of children. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and oral health practice among caregivers of children with disabilities. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in three special boarding schools in Kuantan, Pahang, who cared for 7 to 17 years old disabled children using self-administered questionnaires. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square test were used to analyse the data. Results: Most caregivers were female (73.2%). The overall mean knowledge score was 87.75%. All of caregivers have agreed that sugary or sticky food and drinks can cause caries and toothbrushing for children is important for oral health. All of the caregivers possess secondary educational level where 75% of the caregivers with tertiary educational level assist the children while brushing teeth. However, 71.9% of caregivers with tertiary educational level and 45% of caregivers with secondary educational level had shown poor oral health practice since they were frequently giving sweet food to the children. Surprisingly, most of the caregivers with secondary educational level (95.2%) and caregivers with tertiary educational level (85%) thought children with disabilities can brush their teeth independently. Conclusion: Despite having adequate oral health knowledge among the caregivers in the special needs boarding schools, their attitude and oral health practice however were not up to the necessary standards. The implementation of oral health promotion related programmes in the special needs boarding schools must be taken into consideration in order to tackle the oral health problems of children with disabilities.

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.