Efficacy of treatments used to relieve signs and symptoms associated with teething: a systematic review

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate all the existing literature on the efficacy of treatments used to relieve the signs and symptoms associated with teething. A systematic search up to February 2021, without restrictions on language or date of publication, was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, BBO, OpenGrey, Google Scholar, Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, clinicaltrials.gov, and the references of the included studies. Clinical studies that evaluated the effect of any intervention to alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with teething in babies and children were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. The characteristics and results of the individual studies were extracted and synthesized narratively. The GRADE approach was followed to rate the certainty of the evidence. Three randomized and two non-randomized clinical trials were included. The outcomes of these five articles were classified as high or serious risk of bias. Three studies using homeopathy reported improvement in appetite disorders, gum discomfort, and excess salivation. One study showed a new gel with hyaluronic acid was more effective than an anesthetic gel in improving signs and symptoms such as pain, gingival redness, and poor sleep quality. Another study applied non-pharmacological treatments, which were more effective, especially against excess salivation. Although the present systematic review suggests some therapies could have a favorable effect on signs and symptoms related to teething, definitive conclusions on their efficacy cannot be drawn because of the very low certainty of the evidence. The existing literature on the subject is scarce and heterogeneous and has methodological flaws; therefore, further high-quality investigations are necessary.

Unusual case of ankyloglossia recurrence after frenectomy in a child with cerebral palsy

Introduction: Frenectomy is the most indicated treatment for ankyloglossia in children and adolescents, with recurrence being extremely rare. Objective: Here, we report the unusual case of an 8-year-old boy with cerebral palsy presenting recurrence of ankyloglossia 2 years after undergoing lingual frenectomy. Case report: On physicalexamination, in a follow-up, 2 years after a lingual frenectomy, we observed a slightly elastic, short and adhered lingual frenulum and the presence of a heart-shaped tongue, with severe restriction of lateral and superior movements, and difficulties in speech and swallowing. A new frenectomy was performed under local anesthesia, restoring lingual mobility. The patient has been followed-up periodically and has undergone speech therapy; 2 years after the second surgery, firm insertion of the frenulum and the continuity of the bifid aspect of the tongue have been again verified, but the tongue movements and oral functions remain satisfactory. The patient will continue to be followed periodically and a new intervention will be performed if there are changes in oral functions. Conclusion: Beyond the need forperiodic clinical follow-up, the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of ankyloglossia are fundamental for identifying possible cases of recurrence, which, although rare, can occur.

Introdução: A frenectomia é o tratamento mais indicado para os casos de anquiloglossia em crianças e jovens, sendo a recorrência extremamente rara. Objetivo: O objetivo é relatar o caso incomum de um menino de 8 anos, com paralisia cerebral, apresentando recidiva de anquiloglossia dois anos após a realização de frenectomia lingual. Relato de caso: Ao exame físico, em consulta de revisão, 2 anos após uma frenectomia lingual observou-se freio lingual levemente elástico, curto e aderido, presença de formato de coração na língua, restrição severa dos movimentos laterais e superiores, além de dificuldades na fala e deglutição. Uma nova frenectomia foi realizada após dois anos da primeira frenectomia , sob anestesia local, restaurando a mobilidade lingual. O paciente foi acompanhado periodicamente junto com a fonoaudiologia e após 2 anos da segunda cirurgia, a inserção firme do freio e a continuidade do aspecto bífido da língua foram novamente verificadas, porém, os movimentos da língua e as funções orais mantiveram-se satisfatórios. O paciente continuará a ser acompanhado periodicamente e, se houver alterações nas funções orais, uma nova intervenção será realizada. Conclusão: É fundamental o diagnóstico e tratamento multidisciplinar da anquiloglossia, além da necessidade de acompanhamento clínico periódico para identificar possíveis casos de recidiva, que, embora raros, podem ocorrer.