Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

Current evidence evaluated within the statement and the webinar indicated no reliable or statistically significant link between ankyloglossia and speech difficulties in children. Infants, children, or adults should not referred for surgical treatments based solely on the appearance of their tongue, if there are no presenting speech or feeding difficulties, or when non-surgical care can improve the patient’s situation. It is vital that we work as a team to ensure appropriate follow up is completed post intervention (both for non-

surgical and surgical treatments) to ensure the presenting issues and concerns have been addressed and resolved. The ADA anticipates this document will prove a useful resource to health professionals who care for people with ankyloglossia, particularly infants and young children, and act as a framework for best-practice.

Nichola Harris Manager Professional Practice

Figure 1. Suggested management pathway for infants diagnosed with ankyloglossia.

Ankyloglossia and Oral Frena Consensus Statement, Australian Dental Association, 2020

Resources Ankyloglossia and Oral Frena Consensus Statement SPA’s FAQ: Tongue tie and other oral ties See the recorded webinar under the “Paediatric and Adolescent” section on SPA's Learning Hub

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August 2020 | Speak Out