Background: Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie can restrict movements of the tongue. Surgical intervention, such as frenotomy can be performed by paediatric dentists to alleviate symptoms and functional limitations in infants and children. Despite widespread practice for frenotomy, there are currently no clinical guidelines for health professionals including speech pathologists, or consistent research to support pre- and post-operative care protocols for children. The aim of the current study was to explore approaches to pre- and post-operative care for children with ankyloglossia having surgery.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed articles in four electronic databases. Studies reporting pre- or post-operative regimes for children (birth to 18 years) undergoing frenotomy were included and quality assessments performed.

Results: 23 studies were identified, with seven studies incorporating both pre- and post-operative care, and 16 studies focusing solely on post-operative care. Lingual exercises were commonly prescribed, and only three studies examined the relationship between post-operative care and recovery outcomes. Considerable variability existed in study design, prescribed care, and outcome measures. Only five papers discussed speech pathology care, and four of these were single case studies of children aged two to 11 years.

Conclusion: There was substantial variability in pre- and post-operative care protocols, including dosage, frequency, duration, and care regimes. Comprehensive care protocols will be discussed for infants, toddlers, and older children. Further research is needed to determine the most effective course of pre- and post-operative care for children undergoing ankyloglossia surgery.

1. Knowledge of the current pre- or post-operative care for infants and children having ankyloglossia surgery
2. Understanding of the variability in care protocols.
3. Awareness of types of care protocols, scope of practice and roles of the speech pathologist in pre- and post- operative care.