Evaluation of the Effects of Tongue-Tie and Upper Lip-Tie

Background: Tongue-tie and upper-lip tie have been linked to breastfeeding difficulties; however, the traditional evaluation tools that provide this information rely primarily on subjective assessments. In this context, ultrasound imaging has enabled an objective assessment of the sucking dynamics of infants. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of tongue-tie and upper lip-tie on sucking function in newborns via ultrasonography and other tools. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 67 newborns (25 with tongue-tie, 21 with upper lip-tie, and 21 control) as well as their mothers. The maxillary labial frenulum was evaluated according to Kotlow, and the lingual frenulum was evaluated according to the Tongue Tie and Breastfed Infants (TABBY) tool. Sucking functions were examined via ultrasonography between postnatal days 5 and 15. Breastfeeding was evaluated via the LATCH tool, and maternal nipple pain was graded via a numerical rating scale. Mothers were interviewed by telephone about their breastfeeding continuity in the 1st month after birth. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and association tests.