Search

This document contains Practice Guidelines developed by the International Consortium of oral Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP) Consensus Committee and accepted by the Board of Directors to delineate the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals involved in caring for individuals with ankylofrenula. These Practice Guidelines apply to practitioners serving individuals across all age groups, from infants to adults. It aims to standardize healthcare practices concerning ankylofrenula definition, diagnosis, assessment, and management. The purpose of these Practice Guidelines is twofold: firstly, to communicate ICAP's stance on the standardization of healthcare practices for health professionals engaging with patients and families affected by ankylofrenula. Secondly, it serves as an educational resource and advocacy tool for ICAP in interactions with external stakeholders, such as multidisciplinary team members, healthcare management, government bodies, researchers, funding agencies, patients, caregivers, and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-operative frenectomy care is often focused on active wound management (AWM) and followed by neuromuscular re-education (NMR). The standard practices of AWM are varied amongst providers. AWM is often expected to be performed by caregivers who have little to no experience with AWM. In contrast, NMR is individualized to patient needs and has been emerging in external evidence as a beneficial modality for the functional implications of tethered oral tissues (TOTs). It is guided by licensed professionals but is not often accessible or recommended. New Perspective: AWM and NMR often are similar in execution but differ in goals. AWM is focused on wound debridement and avoiding scarring or reattachment of the frena, whereas NMR is focused on airway, sleep, feeding, swallowing, speech, and optimal orofacial growth. AWM has little consensus or external evidence compared to NMR which has both internal and external evidence. AWM for oral care is also limited by scope of practice (SOP) which few licensed professionals have. NMR has a broader range of professionals such as International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), speech-language pathologists (SLPs), physical and occupational therapists (PT/OT) and registered dental hygienists (RDHs). Conclusions: NMR has multiple benefits post-operatively, is individualized and performed by multiple professionals. It is suggested that release providers consider gentle, functionally directed post-operative NMR techniques that are individualized, and research the impact these approaches have on wound care goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) describes a condition affecting the feeling or quality of the voice due to increased muscle tension in and/or around the neck and larynx. Ankyloglossia is a condition of restricted tongue mobility that has been shown to be associated with increased muscle tension. This case series explores outcomes for voice users with MTD who have been treated for ankyloglossia. Methods: Twelve professional or recreational voice users diagnosed with ankyloglossia were surveyed on their symptoms of MTD before and after treatment with lingual frenuloplasty and pre- and post-operative orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), a multidisciplinary approach known as functional frenuloplasty. Two investigators independently compiled a list of themes reported by participants and agreed upon common themes. Results: Eleven out of twelve patients (91.6%) reported clinical improvement in the use of their voice after functional frenuloplasty; one patient reported no change. Five primary themes were noted: improved voice quality, improved ease of singing and/or speaking, increased stamina, increased pitch range, and improved breath support. Discussion: OMT with lingual frenuloplasty can be an effective adjunctive intervention for treatment of symptoms of vocal tension and fatigue for singers and professional speakers with ankyloglossia. These findings suggest a possible association between MTD and restricted tongue mobility presumably due to underlying myofascial tension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this paper are to 1) define variations in terminology and treatment methodology for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) in children 0-4 years of age and in special populations, and 2) compare and contrast service delivery models for children ages 0-4 and individuals with special needs versus older children and children who are neurotypical. Method: A literature review of scholarly articles, professional presentations, poster presentations, blogs, and social media were analyzed using three tiers of evidence-based practice to include: 1) clinical expertise/expert opinion; 2) external and internal evidence and 3) client/patient/caregiver perspectives. Results: Professional texts and publications used consistent language when discussing treatment of OMDs in young children and children with special needs. Terminology and treatment approaches for young children and/or children with special needs who present with OMDs were inconsistent in social media and professional presentations. Discussion: The treatment modalities used in orofacial myofunctional therapy to stimulate oral motor responses depend upon age and cognitive status. OMDs should certainly be treated in infants, young children and individuals with special needs according to the methods of the pediatric feeding specialist. Orofacial myofunctional therapy requires volitional control and self-monitoring; as such, it is contraindicated for infants and toddlers as well as those individuals who cannot actively engage in therapeutic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review lists several strengths and weaknesses of the book and concludes that it may be a useful addition to a therapist's "toolbox." Parents are cautioned to work with a speech therapist before implementing the exercises for further instruction and guidance. In addition, the activities are more appropriate for children closer to the age of 4 years rather than toddlers (ages 1-3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]