Shortened Lingual Frenulum in Newborns - Should We Perform Frenectomy? Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Headed?

Breastfeeding is the only appropriate way to feed healthy newborns. A shortened lingual frenulum in newborns is considered one of the main causes of difficulties in effective breastfeeding, sore nipples, and breastfeeding discontinuation. In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of diagnosed shortened lingual frenulum in newborns, with this clinical condition being considered the sole cause of breastfeeding difficulties. At the same time, the frequency of frenulum cutting procedures has recently increased dramati-cally and is becoming an increasingly common procedure in newborns. This raises con-cerns among both mothers and physicians. Our paper aims to answer whether a frenoto-my is always necessary and justified, and whether it has advantages over simple, non-invasive conservative methods.