Randomized Controlled Trials Change Perspective on Ankyloglossia Management

Studies in the early twentieth century questioned the significance of the lingual frenulum, and therefore, the value of the frenotomy procedure. These studies suggested that the lingual frenulum did not typically cause speech problems. As a result, the practice of routinely performing frenotomies in newborns drastically declined. Additionally, infant formula was introduced around the same period in which these speech studies were published. This introduction resulted in a drastic decline in breastfeeding rates. By the mid-twentieth century, few babies were nursed. The impact of ankyloglossia on effective breastfeeding only resurfaced as breastfeeding rates increased toward the end of the 20 century. Within the past few years, three randomized control studies on the value of frenotomies in babies with ankyloglossia were published, all of which demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in infant feeding problems.