Thermographic analysis of infants faces during breastfeeding before and after lingual frenotomy

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze surface skin temperature with infrared thermography (IRT) in the regions of the temporal, masseter, and buccinator muscles during breastfeeding before and after LF. Methods: Non-randomized clinical trial in 40 infants diagnosed with ankyloglossia. The lingual frenulum was assessed with the Neonatal Tongue Screening Test, breastfeeding was assessed with a protocol and pain scale, and the regions of interest were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed with IRT. Two independent evaluators analyzed the data. Results: There were post-LF improvements in the functional-anatomical tongue assessment (p < 0.001), breastfeeding pain scale (p < 0.001), and breastfeeding assessment regarding the mother’s general aspect (p < 0.001), breast pain (p = 0.03), and suction (p < 0.001). IRT data after LF showed a qualitative increase in temperature in the regions of the temporal and masseter muscles. There was no difference in the region of the buccinator muscle. Conclusion: LF impacts the surface skin temperature in the regions of mandibular levator muscles during breastfeeding.