FRENOTOMY IN INFANTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate, through an integrative literature review, the effects of frenotomy in newborn infants with ankyloglossia, analyzing its efficacy, safety, and impact on orofacial development and feeding. The methodology consisted of bibliographic searches in the PubMed and BVS Salud databases, using the descriptors “ankyloglossia,” “oral frenotomy,” “newborn,” and “pediatric dentistry,” including studies published between 2019 and 2025. The selected studies were analyzed regarding the main clinical outcomes related to breastfeeding, such as improvement in latch, reduction of maternal pain, and increased sucking efficiency. The results showed that frenotomy, when properly indicated, significantly contributes to successful breastfeeding and improves the comfort of the mother-infant dyad, although variations in the methodological quality of the analyzed studies were observed. It is concluded that frenotomy is a promising intervention in the management of ankyloglossia in newborns; however, the standardization of diagnostic criteria and the development of more robust studies are necessary to strengthen scientific evidence and guide clinical practice.