Ankyloglossia in infants and its impact on breastfeeding.

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is a congenital alteration characterized by restricted tongue movement due to changes in the lingual frenulum, which may directly interfere with orofacial functions, especially breastfeeding. Breastfeeding plays a fundamental role in the growth, development, and immunity of the newborn, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first months of life. Given the relevance of the topic and the controversies present in the literature, the present study aimed to review the scientific literature on the characteristics of neonatal ankyloglossia and its repercussions on the stomatognathic system, with emphasis on its impact on breastfeeding. This is a narrative literature review carried out through searches in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. The analyzed studies demonstrated that ankyloglossia, when associated with functional limitation of the tongue, may compromise effective sucking, hinder proper latch during breastfeeding, and favor the occurrence of maternal pain, nipple fissures, low weight gain, and early weaning. In addition, the literature shows divergences regarding the indication for surgical intervention, highlighting the importance of careful evaluation based on anatomical and functional aspects. It is concluded that the early identification of ankyloglossia and the role of the dentist are fundamental for the proper management of the condition, contributing to the promotion of breastfeeding and the healthy development of the newborn’s orofacial functions.

Keywords: Ankyloglossia. Lingual frenulum. Breastfeeding. Stomatognathic system. Neonatal dentistry.