The study aimed to verify the occurrence of posterior lingual frenulum in infants, its interference with breastfeeding, and the need for surgery. The researchers assessed 100 healthy full-term breastfed infants for posterior lingual frenulum and its effects. They found that 29% of infants had a posterior lingual frenulum, but it did not interfere with breastfeeding. The results demonstrated that surgery for posterior lingual frenulum is not necessary.

1. DOES THE POSTERIOR LINGUAL FRENULUM
INTERFERE WITH BREASTFEEDING?
Introduction: in the last decades there has been a
breakthrough in the studies of the lingual frenulum regarding
embryology, histology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics
and treatment. Posterior frenulum is an anatomical variation
rarely described in the literature as well as its implications in
tongue movements. However, some authors have indicated
surgery in the cases of posterior frenulum.
AIM
To verify the occurrence of
posterior lingual frenulum in
infants, its interference with
breastfeeding and the need for
surgery.
• 100 healthy full-term infants, 30 days of age, who were being breastfed.
• Two SLP specialists in oral motricity assessed the infants using the Lingual Frenulum Protocol with
Scores for Infants (Martinelli et al, 2013).
• The results were discussed by the two SLPs.
• Data were submitted to descriptive and statistical analyses (t test) .
• The research was approved by the Ethical Committee under the number 113/2011 – Bauru Dental School /
University of São Paulo.
Methods
Conclusions: posterior lingual frenulum was observed in 29% of the infants.
The results demonstrated that the posterior lingual frenulum did not
interfere with breastfeeding, thus surgery is not indicated.
Roberta Lopes de Castro Martinelli1, Giédre Berretin-Felix2, Irene Queiroz Marchesan3
1Speech-Language Pathologist; Master in Science; Doctor in progress - Faculty of Odontology, University of Sao Paulo - Bauru, Brazil. Av. Ângelo Piva, 331 Centro, Brotas/SãoPaulo/ Brazil; CEP 17380-000; phone: 55-14-36532707; email
robertalcm@uol.com.br
2Speech Language Pathologist, Specialization in Oral Motricity. Master in Dentistry, Ph.D. in Clinical Medicine. Associated Professor - Speech Language and Hearing Department – Bauru School of Dentistry / University of São Paulo – Bauru,
Brazil.Rua Maria José 12-39 Bauru/SP/Brazil; CEP 17012-160; phone: 55-14-32358332/ 55-14-991126743; e-mail: gfelix@usp.br
3Speech-Language Pathologist; Specialization in Oral Motricity; Master in Comunication Disorders; PhD. in Education- UNICAMP, Brazil; Professor and Director of CEFAC; Rua Cayowaa, 664 Pompéia, Sao Paulo/SP/Brazil CEP 05018-000; phone
number 55-11-38680818; email irene@cefac.br
Posterior Lingual Frenulum
Results
Posterior frenulum Altered frenulum Normal frenulum
Inadequate tongue movement in non-nutritive sucking
Occurrence
55%
Normal
frenulum
29%
Posterior
Frenulum
16%
Altered
Frenulum
Conflict of interest - The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Disclosure Statement - No competing financial interests exist.