From the second half of 2014, Law 13.002, which mandates the completion of the Tongue Test in all hospitals and maternity wards in children born on their premises, will be effective. The law requires public and private health institutions to be prepared to offer the exam within six months.
Mandatory testing is a controversial topic among experts. Some doctors find the law exaggerated and the test inefficient. Dr. Manoel Antonio da Silva Ribeiro, member of the Neonatology Committee of the Society of Pediatrics of RS, points out that the test is a test without proven scientific value and has not been recommended by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics or other international pediatric entities. .
"The assumption that he would detect? Tongue stuck?" It is totally controversial since it is not a validated test for such a diagnosis ?, he adds.
He also states that pediatricians commonly perform examination of the tongue brake and tongue mobility from birth, during breastfeeding assessment during postpartum hospitalization and subsequent childcare consultations.
Already the Brazilian Society of Speech Therapy advocates the importance of performing the test as early as possible to detect problems that can lead to speech disabilities and other language functions. A late diagnosis could hinder or even prevent future attempts at correction.
Although controversial, the law is approved and the examination will be mandatory soon. Understand below how it is made.
What is it for?
The Tongue Test aims to detect features on the tongue and lingual frenulum that can make breastfeeding difficult and lead to speech, chewing and sucking problems. The main problems encountered are the so-called? Stuck tongue? and difficulties in breastfeeding.
According to the diagnosis, surgery may be required on the frenulum (membrane that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) to prevent further complications.
When should it be performed?
The test can be performed at birth or at the maternity, and should be done until the baby's sixth month of life. The exam will be mandatory from the date the law takes effect and will be offered at all maternity hospitals and hospitals.
How is the exam?
The test promises to be quick and painless. The doctor will lift the baby's tongue and examine the tongue brake, as well as some features of the tongue. We also observe tongue movements during crying.
The shape of the suction, breathing and heart rate during breastfeeding will be checked. Problems with how your baby sucks milk can make you get tired faster, giving up breastfeeding without being satisfied.
How is correction surgery performed?
If any deformation is found, the child may have to undergo minor surgery to correct the frenulum, the frenectomy or "pike". The procedure is simple and it is a small cut in place.
According to the Brazilian Society of Speech Therapy, correction surgery must be done early to make it happen correctly. The late procedure might not solve speech problems and not be efficient for breastfeeding problems, for example.
Which specialist should take the exam?
The examination should be done by a speech therapist until the baby's sixth month of life. Pediatricians and other trained health professionals will also be able to do so, as the test is quite simple.
Taste & Smell: Crash Course A&P #16 (April 2024)
- Babies
- 1,230
