PURPOSE: to present a lingual frenum protocol with scores. METHODS: from a specific evaluation of the lingual frenum used until 2004, it was designed a new protocol with specific clinical history and evaluation. Ten experienced Speech Language Pathologists in Orofacial Myology area used the protocol for 3 years in different population, and from their consideration, the protocol was re-structured and received scores. The absence of alteration was considered zero and the ones that were found were punctuated in ascending order. From the final version, 4 Speech Language Pathologists, with specialization in Orofacial Myology at least for 8 years, were trained by the researcher to apply the protocol. The protocol was applied in 2008 and 2009 in 239 persons: 160 children between 7 years and 2 months old and 11 years and 7 months old; and in 79 adults from 16 years and 8 months on. RESULTS: in the protocol with scores, when the sum of anatomical tests is equal or bigger than 3, the frenum can be considered altered. When the sum of functional tests is equal or bigger than 25, the interference of the lingual frenum in the oral functions can be considered. CONCLUSION: the lingual frenum protocol with score seemed to be efficient to differentiating altered and normal lingual frenum.
Lingual Frenum; Evaluation; Tongue; Speech Articulation Tests; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Classification
