Ankyloglossia and Breastfeeding Duration: A Multicenter Birth Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Lactation Studies
• Oral Health

Background:

• Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a condition that may affect infant feeding.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ankyloglossia, particularly in newborns.
• The actual prevalence and impact on breastfeeding require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of ankyloglossia in Brazilian infants during their first year of life.
• To examine the relationship between ankyloglossia and the duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding.
• To provide evidence regarding the necessity of interventions for ankyloglossia.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective cohort study involving 293 mother-infant pairs in Brazil.
• Data collected via maternal interviews (sociodemographics, breastfeeding duration) and infant dental examinations at 12 months using the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool.
• Statistical analysis employed Poisson regression to calculate relative risks.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of defined ankyloglossia was 1%, and defined/suspected ankyloglossia was 5.8%.
• No statistically significant differences were observed in exclusive or total breastfeeding duration at 1, 4, or 6 months between infants with and without ankyloglossia.
• Multivariable analysis indicated no difference in the likelihood of achieving 6 months of breastfeeding (RR=0.98).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of defined ankyloglossia in this cohort was notably low.
• Defined or suspected ankyloglossia was not found to be associated with shorter exclusive or total breastfeeding durations.
• Findings suggest that the impact of ankyloglossia on breastfeeding may be overestimated, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions.