Doctor John Blaich of Dental Arts in Poplar Bluff is set to be published in a scientific journal for his study concerning the treatment of oral ties in babies. His article, titled “Laser Infant Fenuloplasty for Latch Enhancement,” is scheduled to appear in the journal Inside Dentistry this summer.
Blaich explained oral ties, specifically of the tongue and lip, can severely impact effective breastfeeding and lead to painful nursing, infant weight loss, digestive issues and inadequate milk production.
According to Blaich, the upper lip and tongue’s free movement are critical for a proper latch. Citing a 2007 study, Blaich recounted that mothers who experience pain while breastfeeding have a 10-26% risk of stopping breastfeeding for every untreated day.
A bridge of tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth called the frenulum, can sometimes be too strong, have excess attachment, or inhibit motion. Using a laser known as a Waterlase, he can surgically reduce the frenulum.
He cited a 2020 study that showed the width of the area affected by the laser did not exceed 38 micrometers, approximately the width of a human hair.
“Lasers are a highly effective means of treating tethered oral issues,” Blaich wrote.
He found a critical lack of awareness about ties.
“The most important diagnostic tool is to listen closely to the nursing mother,” Blaich relayed.
He hopes his research will help the adoption of the procedure at hospitals where babies are born. The youngest patient Blaich has treated was 17 hours old and said, “I hope to beat that.”
He is coordinating with pediatric physicians and lactation consultants to identify and treat oral ties as quickly as possible.
Because the laser cauterizes the incision as it cuts, babies can feed immediately after the procedure. In tandem with the immediate results, Blaich studied his patients over three months to verify the long-term efficacy of the procedure.
He presented the results in the article submitted to Inside Dentistry. The dataset contains 236 children with 82 patients completing the post-operative survey.
Blaich found that only 2% of mothers reported continued issues with feeding. Moreover, 99% of parents stated they would recommend the procedure to others. He observed high rates of satisfaction and successful reversals of ties.
The procedure is not without its detractors, however. The New York Times published an article titled “Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babies’ Tongues” in December of last year claiming the procedure is overused, without proper scientific backing, and serves as a cash grab.
In Blaich’s paper, he shares only 52% of patients were referred to Blaich by health care providers. This indicates a reticence by providers to utilize the procedure.
Next, Blaich shares corroborating studies. His article represents measured data on the effectiveness of reversing ties.
Finally, Blaich has provided the surgery free of charge to 682 patients and counting. In lieu of a fee, he asks patients to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Blaich has raised over $20,000.
While he does not expect every provider to do this, he sees the surgery as a critical service to mothers in need. Ultimately, the price will be set by the individual provider.
The New York Times alleges the revision is being touted as a universal miracle cure.
In contrast, Blaich writes, “Each case needs to be evaluated regarding the amount of tissue to reduce and the ability to provide control of the patient and the surgical site.” As with any medical intervention, the need must be established.
While opinions can differ, Blaich expects the data to speak for itself.
“Post-surgical nursing sessions in these cases almost always result in a relieved and highly grateful mother,” he articulated.
With publication after a lengthy peer-review process, Blaich expressed his desire to raise awareness about oral ties and the potential for speedy, non-invasive treatment.