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The Journal of Contemporary Dental... Apr 2021Breastfeeding plays a key role in the development of the baby, in addition to the benefits to the mother and this dyad. Among the possible difficulties in this process,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Breastfeeding plays a key role in the development of the baby, in addition to the benefits to the mother and this dyad. Among the possible difficulties in this process, we have ankyloglossia. Some professionals opt for the frenotomy, although the literature is controversial. This paper aims to present how the literature provides subsidies for health professionals' decision and action in the intersection of the themes: breastfeeding, ankyloglossia, and frenotomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research on the platforms SciELO and PubMed used the terms: "ankyloglossia," "frenotomy," and "lingual frenulum" and the same ones associated with "breastfeeding." A specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and validated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reduce any bias in the analysis. In the end, 16 papers were included and, by thematic equivalence, divided into two domains: association between lingual frenulum alteration and breastfeeding and between frenotomy and breastfeeding.
RESULTS
The literature does not assure that the frenotomy is the "standard conduct" to be adopted in cases of difficulty in breastfeeding and ankyloglossia.
CONCLUSION
Further studies are needed on the different types of ankyloglossia and their direct influence on the sucking function and lactation difficulties.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Inclusion Bodies; Infant; Lingual Frenum; United States
PubMed: 34267016
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Pediatric... Aug 2023To investigate the opinions and practices of health professionals involved in ankyloglossia diagnosis and management in Australia.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the opinions and practices of health professionals involved in ankyloglossia diagnosis and management in Australia.
METHOD
Two hundred and thirty-seven health professionals across Australia responded to an online survey including their diagnostic and management practice of ankyloglossia. Descriptive statistics, content analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative data and open-ended responses, respectively.
RESULTS
Most (91.6%) respondents reported they are responsible for the assessment and diagnosis of ankyloglossia in their clinical practice. A majority (56.7%) reported using more than one assessment tool in clinical practice. Less than half (46.4%) reported providing treatment to manage ankyloglossia. Surgical management was used by 44.5%, and 56.4% used non-surgical management as their primary treatment of ankyloglossia. Of the total sample, 26.6% had completed no further training or professional development in the field. 46% of respondents stated they always educate parents about ankyloglossia diagnoses, whereas 29.5% reported they always educate parents about management of ankyloglossia. Of respondents, a high level of confidence was reported by 62.6% of health professionals in the assessment of infants with ankyloglossia. Of those who perform surgical management, 53.7% reported feeling extremely confident in their skills. Fifty-two percent of respondents reported they were dissatisfied with the current service delivery for infants with ankyloglossia.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis, management and education practices varied greatly amongst health professionals in Australia. Clinical guidelines for all relevant health professionals are needed to ensure standardised diagnosis and management processes. In future, this will help guide evidence-based diagnosis and intervention for infants with ankyloglossia.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Ankyloglossia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Australia; Parents; Health Personnel; Lingual Frenum
PubMed: 37453216
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111649 -
Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Huaxi... Aug 2020Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition characterized by a short lingual frenulum, which may result in the restriction of tongue movement and function. Considerable... (Review)
Review
Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition characterized by a short lingual frenulum, which may result in the restriction of tongue movement and function. Considerable controversy regarding the diagnosis, clinical significance, and management of the condition remains, and great variations in practice have been recorded. Indeed, attitudes toward ankyloglossia differ among professional groups, and opinions may vary remarkably even among those within the same specialty. This article reviews the embryology, genetics, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of ankyloglossia to help physicians better understand and treat the condition.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 32865366
DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2020.04.016 -
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal...The aims of this study were to describe maternal and infant symptoms relative to tongue- and lip-tie severity and describe changes in symptoms and feeding efficiency...
PURPOSE
The aims of this study were to describe maternal and infant symptoms relative to tongue- and lip-tie severity and describe changes in symptoms and feeding efficiency from pre- to post-frenotomy.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A one-group pre- and post-intervention study design was used. Data from a dental practice were collected from medical records of infants less than 1 year old who underwent a frenotomy procedure for tongue- and/or lip-tie. Infant and maternal symptoms were compared with severity of tongue- and lip-tie using binary logistic regression. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared pain scores and feeding duration pre- and post-frenotomy. Linear regression compared total number of symptoms reported pre-frenotomy with tongue- and lip-tie severity.
RESULTS
N = 121 dyads were included. More severe classifications of tongue- and lip-tie were significantly associated with certain infant and maternal symptoms pre-frenotomy. Improvements were noted in all reported infant symptoms post-frenotomy. Feeding duration times significantly decreased post-frenotomy.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Infants and mothers experience problematic symptoms with feeding associated with tongue- and lip-tie. Nurses are the primary care providers during postpartum and should be alert to signs and symptoms that may suggest oral restrictions. Early evaluation and involvement of feeding experts may improve the breastfeeding experience of the dyad.
Topics: Infant; Female; Humans; Lingual Frenum; Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Lip; Treatment Outcome; Tongue; Mothers
PubMed: 36103597
DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000876 -
Breastfeeding Medicine : the Official... Jan 2024The prevalence of ankyloglossia and its impact on breastfeeding practices may be overestimated, leading to surgical overtreatment in newborns. The study was conducted...
The prevalence of ankyloglossia and its impact on breastfeeding practices may be overestimated, leading to surgical overtreatment in newborns. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in the first year of life and investigate the association with exclusive and total breastfeeding duration in different regions of Brazil. This multicenter prospective cohort study involved the recruitment of mother-infant pairs soon after childbirth in public hospitals in three state capitals in Brazil. Interviews were held with the mothers after birth, at 6 and 12 months to collect sociodemographic variables and data on exclusive and total breastfeeding duration. At 12 months of age, the children were submitted to a dental examination for classification of the lingual frenulum using the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool. Data analysis involved Poisson regression with robust variance, with the calculation of unadjusted and adjusted relative risk (RR). The final sample was composed of 293 children. The prevalence of defined and suspected ankyloglossia was 1% and 4.8%, respectively, totaling 5.8% (confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.1-8.5). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of exclusive and total breastfeeding at 1, 4, and 6 months between children with defined/suspected ankyloglossia and those without ankyloglossia. The multivariable analysis showed that the probability of the child achieving 6 months of breastfeeding did not differ between groups (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.79-1.23; = 0.907). The prevalence of defined ankyloglossia was very low and defined/suspected ankyloglossia was not associated with exclusive or total breastfeeding duration. Registered with clinicaltrials.gov (n° NCT03841123).
Topics: Infant; Female; Child; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Lingual Frenum; Prevalence
PubMed: 38241126
DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0182 -
CoDAS 2021Verify the position of lips and tongue at rest in newborns with and without ankyloglossia.
PURPOSE
Verify the position of lips and tongue at rest in newborns with and without ankyloglossia.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study, carried out with 130 newborns in University Hospital. Data collection was performed by the researcher and speech-language pathologists from the Hospital. Information on gestational age, sex, weight, height and days of life was collected. The position of the lips and tongue at rest was evaluated through visual inspection with the newborns asleep. After the newborns were awakened, Neonatal Screening of the validated Protocol for the evaluation of the lingual frenulum for infants was performed to detect the alteration of the lingual frenulum. The data obtained were described and submitted to statistical analysis using the Chi-Square test to verify the association between the position of the lips with the tongue and to compare the position of the lips and tongue with and without ankyloglossia. The Mann-Whitney test was used to verify the behavior of the variables the differed between newborns with and without ankyloglossia. The significance level of 5% was adopted.
RESULTS
When comparing the data, a significant difference was found between: weight and height with and without ankyloglossia; position of lips and tongue. An association between the position of the tongue and lips with and without ankyloglossia was also found.
CONCLUSION
Newborns without alteration of the lingual frenulum have a tendency to remain with their lips closed and their tongue elevated during rest and newborns with ankyloglossia have a tendency to keep their lips parted and their tongue low during rest.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lingual Frenum; Lip; Tongue
PubMed: 34190809
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020069 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Mar 2021Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition that restricts tongue mobility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between gender and pediatric ankyloglossia...
INTRODUCTION
Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition that restricts tongue mobility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between gender and pediatric ankyloglossia and evaluate the planning of ideal timing of surgery.
METHODS
The files of pediatric patients in the Turkish population treated surgically for tongue-tie between June 2014 to June 2018 were scanned retrospectively.
RESULTS
Three hundred and eighty-two pediatric patients were included in the study. Of these, 115 (30.1%) were female and 267 (69.9%) were male. The prevalence of ankyloglossia was significantly higher in males than in females ( < .001). The age of the patients at time of surgery ranged from 1 day to 114 months. The most common indication was sucking/feeding difficulties (82%) in patients younger than 2 years, and the most common symptom was speech problems (67%) in patients aged 2 years and older.
CONCLUSION
In our study, the prevalence of ankyloglossia in Turkish society was significantly higher in males. Frenectomy surgery is a safe procedure that can be performed on the first day of life in newborns.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors; Speech Disorders; Time-to-Treatment; Tongue; Turkey
PubMed: 31558060
DOI: 10.1177/0145561319867666 -
PloS One 2023Maternal folic acid supplementation is protective against the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. However, recent public-facing communications have...
BACKGROUND
Maternal folic acid supplementation is protective against the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. However, recent public-facing communications have raised concerns about a causal relationship between folic acid supplementation, particularly after the first trimester, and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants. Non-evidence-based communications are potentially harmful because they could adversely affect adherence to folic acid supplementation, increasing NTD occurrence. This study aimed to review evidence on the relationships between maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception and/or pregnancy and the risk of ankyloglossia in infants.
METHODS
We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. We searched for observational, and interventional studies, and systematic reviews investigating the effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception or pregnancy on the occurrence of ankyloglossia in offspring. The search was registered on PROSPERO on 01/12/2022, ID: CRD42022375862.
RESULTS
The database searches yielded 93 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 26 remained. One article was judged relevant for inclusion in analyses; a case-control study that directly mentions the relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. This study reported that regular intake of folic acid supplements was higher in women with infants with ankyloglossia. However, this study has limitations regarding design, selection bias, and confounding, calling the findings into question.
CONCLUSIONS
Insufficient evidence exists for a relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. Currently, the benefits of folic acid supplementation far outweigh the risks. This must be clearly communicated to patients by their clinicians during preconception and antenatal care.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Infant; Humans; Ankyloglossia; Case-Control Studies; Folic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Neural Tube Defects; Tongue
PubMed: 37922258
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294042 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... Apr 2021Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly that can affect breastfeeding. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and breastfeeding difficulties...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly that can affect breastfeeding. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and breastfeeding difficulties reported by mothers; assess possible factors that may interfere with breastfeeding.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 391 pairs of mothers/newborns at a university hospital. A pediatric dentist examined the oral cavity of the newborns for the occurrence of ankyloglossia. We analyzed medical records and the mothers answered a self-administered questionnaire to assess birth variables, breastfeeding difficulties, and sociodemographic factors. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of breastfeeding difficulties according to the independent variables.
RESULTS
The mean age of the newborns was 2.5±2.9 days and 52% were male. The prevalence of ankyloglossia was 15% and 91.4% of mothers reported not having breastfeeding difficulties. Ankyloglossia was not associated with breastfeeding difficulties (PR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-1.4). Mothers with a low income (PR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8), those who received instructions on breastfeeding (PR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9), and those who breastfed exclusively (PR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.8) had fewer breastfeeding difficulties.
CONCLUSION
Successful breastfeeding was more dependent on being born at full term, the family income, receiving guidance with regard to breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding. Although ankyloglossia was not associated with breastfeeding, future prospective studies should evaluate the long-term factors that may interfere with breastfeeding.
RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS
This study brings a new perspective on the importance of assessing ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties, reinforces the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the need for breastfeeding instructions, as well as the need to evaluate breastfeeding before making a decision regarding frenectomy.
PubMed: 34104830
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Pediatric... Jul 2021To investigate and identify the concerns and opinions expressed in both parental and provider posts on social media about ankyloglossia.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate and identify the concerns and opinions expressed in both parental and provider posts on social media about ankyloglossia.
METHODS
In this study, posts on Twitter between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2018 were collected using search terms and hashtags specific to pediatric ankyloglossia. The search terms included a primary phrase to indicate ankyloglossia along with a pediatric identifier. Tweets that met inclusion criteria were analyzed qualitatively via conventional content analysis. After all tweets were categorized, descriptive statistics were completed to determine frequency of each theme.
RESULTS
In total, 5951 tweets were retrieved. Parents authored 982 (16.5%) of tweets, and 782 (13.1%) were by providers. The remaining 4187 tweets did not fit criteria for either the parent or provider groups. Amongst parents, the most common themes mentioned were feeding problems (309 tweets [32.4%]), followed by lip tie (215 [22.5%]), anxiety or emotion (207 [21.7%]), and maternal breastfeeding complications (127 [13.3%]). The number of tweets about ankyloglossia and frenotomy in 2018 had increased by 2395% since 2009. Amongst providers, 215 tweets were judged by the coders to provide an opinion on ankyloglossia, of which 94.4% had a pro-frenotomy sentiment. When a specialty was identified, tweets were most often by dentists (250 [31.9%]), followed by lactation consultants and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) (157 [29.7%]) and non-otolaryngologist physicians (79 [10.1%]). Otolaryngologists accounted for 8.7% (68 tweets) of posts about ankyloglossia.
CONCLUSION
Our findings demonstrate the spectrum of opinions that exist among both parents and providers about ankyloglossia. This can aid in shared-decision making by enabling the counseling provider to guide recommendations based on medical evidence with the understanding that there is a large amount of non-scientific information and opinions disseminated that may be shaping decisions.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Child; Female; Humans; Lingual Frenum; Parents; Social Media
PubMed: 33964675
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110741