Nikol Krizmančič
Oddelek za invalidno mladino in rehabilitacijo Stara Gora, Splošna bolnišnica dr. Franca Derganca Nova Gorica, Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenija

Jasmin Podveršič
Center za duševno zdravje otrok in mladostnikov, Zdravstveni dom Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenija

Abstract

Many authors cite the importance of interdisciplinary treatment of the short lingual frenulum and the role of the physician as who decides on the possible need for surgery. This article aims to collect current knowledge about the lingual frenulum. Papers written in Slovene, English and Italian published until April 2021 were included. Existing classifications and assessment protocols of the lingual frenulum in neonates, children and adolescents, and adults are described. Data are also included from two histological studies that bring a new proposal for naming the above-mentioned oral structure. There are many different, even conflicting, opinions in the professional literature regarding surgical interventions for the lingual frenulum. When surgery is performed, pre-operative and ongoing myofunctional therapy with a properly trained specialist is required. If the lingual frenulum is not treated properly, the patient may develop compensatory movements of the articulators during speech depending on the anatomical structure of the lingual frenulum, and an impact on the whole organism is also observed.

Key words: short lingual frenulum, ankyloglossia, surgical treatment, myofunctional therapy, consequences