Presentation Information

Exploring the Impact of Ankyloglossia On Swallowing and Complementary Feeding

• Speaker: Lillian Scott , M.S., CCC-SLP, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

Feeding and swallowing are the most complex functions an infant must do to maintain hydration and nutrition. As infants grow and develop, complementary foods are introduced to support skill development and to maintain adequate nutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the introduction of complementary foods at 6 months of age in addition to human milk (WHO, n.d.). Cultural knowledge and research influence how families approach introduction of complementary foods. Meanwhile, evidence and developmental milestones for progression of mastication have not been established. Arvedson, Brodsky, et. al. (2019) provides a framework but this is not well supported by the research. Therefore, feeding therapists and healthcare providers are making diagnosis of delayed or disordered feeding of complementary foods without a solid foundation of normal development. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, also has limited evidence and understanding of normal swallowing and frequency of normal aspiration without complications in the infant population. This is given restrictions in research on studying normal healthy individuals. Layer in the limited but growing body of research on ankyloglossia, one can develop theories on how it may impact mastication, complementary feeding and/or dysphagia. This presentation will explore evidence available, theories, and case studies to elicit critical thinking, guide clinical practice and education, and spark interest in further research.