Percepção materna em relação à frenotomia lingual em lactentes

Abstract

Short- and long-term complications may occur as a result of lingual frenulum surgery; however, many parents refer to frenotomy as a simple “snip” of the tongue. The literature remains scarce regarding maternal perceptions of lingual frenotomy in neonates. This study aimed to evaluate maternal perceptions of ankyloglossia and lingual frenotomy in infants. A convenience sample was composed of mothers seeking care at the Multidisciplinary Breastfeeding and Lingual Frenulum Assessment Outpatient Clinic for Infants at the Dental Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). The research instrument was developed by the authors and consisted of 24 questions addressing: 1) sociodemographic data and family information; 2) maternal perceptions of lingual frenotomy in infants, assessed through questions structured on a Likert scale; and 3) maternal self-assessment of anxiety on the day of the lingual frenulum evaluation. A total of 122 mothers of infants completed the questionnaire after the consultation, and the data were tabulated and descriptively analyzed.The results showed that 76,2% of the participating mothers had previously received information about ankyloglossia and lingual frenotomy (66,4%), with healthcare professionals being the primary source of information. Overall, maternal perceptions were favorable toward lingual frenotomy, associating the procedure with breastfeeding benefits. However, 68% considered frenotomy to be a simple procedure (“a snip of the tongue”) and disagreed that it involved surgical or postoperative risks (36,4%). Maternal self-assessment indicated that mothers considered themselves anxious before their children's lingual frenulum evaluation. In conclusion, despite mothers’ knowledge and positive perceptions regarding lingual frenotomy, the procedure was generally regarded as simple and associated with few surgical risks. These findings highlight the need for greater public awareness and improved training of healthcare professionals regarding the frenotomy procedure and its potential surgical risks.