The Impact of Lingual Frenotomy on Bottle Feeding Mechanics

Conservative estimates show that 3-5% of all infants have tongue tie. These studies only focus on visible, anterior tongue tie. Deeper, more visibly subtle cases of ankyloglossia have not been included in these incidence numbers, so the percentage of children with ankyloglossia is much higher than previously thought. Previous research by the investigators demonstrates that posterior tongue tie can be as problematic as anterior ties. An available FDA-approved feeding solution allows for the measurement of infant sucking motions. This allows for detection of changes following surgical intervention. Previous ultrasound studies show the importance of the upward movement of the tongue, but further lingual movement parameters following frenotomy have not been reported. The primary goal of this study is to record changes in lingual movement following lingual frenotomy. The investigators plan to compare improvements over time between a control, non-intervention group and a frenotomy group. Secondary goals include recording validated outcomes of reflux and feeding efficiency.