EC Paediatrics

Introduction: In recent years, ankyloglossia has been reported to be high among newborns in Ukraine. A short hyoid frenulum in breastfed infants can cause discomfort and damage to the mother's nipples. In addition, it complicates the sucking process for the baby, which increases the likelihood of early cessation of breastfeeding.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study is to establish the structure of ankyloglossia in newborns of the Mykolaiv region, to analyze methods for correcting a short frenulum of the tongue.

Materials and Methods: We examined 265 newborns at the Perinatal Center of the Mykolaiv Regional Clinical Hospital in 2024. The children were examined by the following specialists: a neonatologist, a dental surgeon, and a breastfeeding expert.

Results and Discussion of the Study: Of the 265 newborns examined, 38 (14.34%) were diagnosed with a short frenulum of the tongue. The most common pathology was ankyloglossia type II. A thin, translucent frenulum, which was closely attached to the tip of the tongue and had a small length, was found in 16 children (42.10%). Type III frenulum, a solid short cord, closely attached to the tip of the tongue, was observed in 12 newborns (31.58%). Thin, transparent frenulum with a small length (type I) was found in 10 examined and amounted to 26.32%. Newborns with a short and thin frenulum of the tongue, which causes difficulty sucking and insufficient weight gain, usually undergo surgical transection of the frenulum, if it is represented by a fold of the mucous membrane - frenulotomy, in the first days or weeks of life. Frenulotomy, which is usually a very gentle procedure, is performed in the first months of a child's life, or better in the first days of life, when there is a thin frenulum, and has almost no complications. Immediately after the frenulum is cut, the child is placed on the mother's breast to calm her down and practice the skill of proper attachment. Intervention in such cases is carried out in the maternity hospital, or in the conditions of the polyclinic, the wound is not sutured. It is believed that the sooner this procedure is carried out in the child, before the wrong stereotype of breast sucking has been formed, the smaller the expected consequences will be.

Conclusion: A high percentage of newborns with a malformation of the lingual frenulum was found, which was accompanied by difficulties in establishing breastfeeding. A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia is the key to the most complete and rapid medical and social rehabilitation of children. The need for timely diagnostics, interdisciplinary consultation, and establishing the correct diagnosis makes it possible to provide timely assistance to children, establish breastfeeding accordingly, and restore the necessary weight gain, which will contribute to the normal development of the child and preserve the quality of life. Educational work for mothers, especially those giving birth for the first time, is important.

 Keywords: Ankyloglossia; Short Lingual Frenulum; Frenulotomy; Breastfeeding

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