Background:

Ankyloglossia is a common congenital anomaly in newborns that may significantly interfere with breastfeeding and negatively affect early neonatal adaptation. Despite increasing attention to this condition, timely diagnosis and the selection of optimal management strategies remain relevant issues in pediatric practice.

Objective:

To analyze the prevalence and structural types of ankyloglossia in newborns and to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to its management.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 265 newborns hospitalized in a perinatal center of the Mykolaiv region during 2024 were examined. Assessment of the lingual frenulum was performed by a neonatologist, a pediatric dental surgeon, and a breastfeeding consultant using clinical criteria and classification of ankyloglossia types.

Results:

Ankyloglossia was identified in 14.34% of newborns. Type II ankyloglossia was the most prevalent (42.10%), followed by type III (31.58%) and type I (26.32%). In newborns with clinically significant breastfeeding difficulties, frenulotomy was performed in the early neonatal period. The intervention resulted in improved sucking efficiency, reduced maternal nipple pain, and increased breastfeeding effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Ankyloglossia is a frequent cause of breastfeeding difficulties in newborns. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with early diagnosis and timely surgical correction contributes to improved neonatal outcomes and successful breastfeeding.

Keywords:

ankyloglossia, newborns, breastfeeding, frenulotomy, pediatrics.

Tverdovska Zhanna is a Pediatric Dentist, General Dentist, and Oral Pathology expert with over 11 years of clinical experience in comprehensive dental care. She specializes in preventive dentistry, pediatric oral health, and the diagnosis and management of oral pathology and major dental diseases. Trained at Odesa National Medical University, Ukraine, she holds advanced qualifications in general and pediatric dentistry and is a Florida State Registered Dental Hygienist. Currently practicing at Stemma Dental Center in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, with a strong focus on minimally invasive treatment, child-friendly dentistry, and long-term oral health education for patients and families.