IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TONGUE TEST IN FAMILY HEALTH UNITS: INTEGRATION OF SERVICES FOR ATTENTION AND CARE FOR BABIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PAUDALHO IN THE STATE OF PERNAMBUCO IN 2018 (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The Tongue Test is a standardized exam that makes it possible to diagnose and indicate early treatment for limitations in tongue movement caused by a tongue tie that can compromise the functions performed by the tongue such as: sucking, swallowing, chewing and speaking. The protocol for evaluating the lingual frenulum in babies is often ignored by health professionals. The change occurs when a small portion of tissue, which must have disappeared during pregnancy, remains below the tongue, limiting movement. Research proves the importance of early diagnosis and intervention of the change. In Brazil, Law number: 13,002, of 06/20/2014, requires the carrying out of the tongue frenulum evaluation protocol in babies, in all hospitals and maternity wards. In Paudalho, the primary care protocol has been implemented since January 2018, considering the importance of carrying out the procedure, preferably, in the first month of life. Initially implemented in 03 USF and gradually expanded. The children were evaluated by Dental Surgeons (CD) in the Family Health Units, articulated and integrated into the Specialties Center (CE). Suspected cases were referred to a speech therapist for a second opinion, at the CE, according to the Martinelli protocol. After confirmation, the children were scheduled for the reference USF DC to perform the surgical procedure. With this implementation project in the city of Paudalho, it was possible to implement it in other municipalities in the state of Pernambuco, decentralizing demand to Basic Units and increasing service capacity throughout the state.