| Abstract/Notes |
Ankyloglossia is thought to impact important early infant milestones associated with development such as latching and breastfeeding as well as potentially affecting palate formation and airway patency. Not only is this issue important for infants and neonates, who are in a vulnerable and malleable state where function dictates structure, but its effect on breastfeeding can be devastating for both mother and infant. The clinical question then is, ‘what are the best treatment options for infants with ankyloglossia?’. Although there are positive links between frenotomy procedures and outcomes, follow-up of frenotomy is vague, incomplete and inconclusive. Likewise, evidence is inconclusive for management options such as manual therapy to treat surrounding structures and areas of dysfunction in order to relax tethered oral tissues. Lack of conclusive evidence to determine a clear way forward in ankyloglossia treatment requires a deeper look and search for the best evidence available to assist parents and clinicians to make the best decision for their infant’s treatment. The goal of this clinical research-based viewpoint is to shed light on the treatment of frenotomy to help determine the best treatment at the right time. This treatment plan may be unique to each infant.
Author keywords: Ankyloglossia, tongue-tie, lingual frenulum, manual therapy, diagnosis tool, management pathway.
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