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Ankyloglossia: a morphofunctional investigation in children
R Ruffoli1, M A Giambelluca, M C Scavuzzo
1Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana e Biologia Applicata, Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universita di Pisa e IFC-CNR, Pisa, Italy. r.ruffoli@med.unipi.it
Oral Diseases
|May 13, 2005
Summary
Anatomical measurements of frenulum length and interincisal distance can effectively assess ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) severity in children. This study establishes diagnostic criteria and finds no association between tongue-tie and infantile swallowing patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Speech Pathology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, affects speech and feeding in children.
- Accurate diagnostic criteria are needed to correlate anatomical findings with functional impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish diagnostic criteria for ankyloglossia using anatomical measurements.
- Investigate the relationship between ankyloglossia severity and morphofunctional characteristics.
- Evaluate discrepancies between clinical suspicion and anatomical diagnosis of ankyloglossia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two anatomical measurement techniques and clinical evaluation of morphofunctional findings in 200 children.
- Measured frenulum length and interincisal distance during maximal mouth opening with tongue elevation.
- Assessed occlusion, bite type, tongue resting position, swallowing, oral floor mobility, frenulum insertion, and speech.
Main Results:
- Established normal ranges: frenulum length >2 cm and interincisal distance >2.3 cm.
- Significant correlations were found between anatomical measures and other variables.
- Developed a three-level grading system for ankyloglossia severity (mild, moderate, severe).
Conclusions:
- Frenulum length and interincisal distance provide reliable assessment of ankyloglossia severity in children.
- Ankyloglossia was not found to be associated with infantile swallowing patterns.