1.Three case reports of infants with ankyloglossia affecting breastfeeding
Nurjasmine Aida Jaman ; Yunita Dewi Ardini ; Nor Asilah Harun
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2020;75(4):439-441
Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly which may reduce or
restrict the tongue tip mobility. The restricted mobility is
caused by an unusual short, thick lingual frenum. This
condition may cause various problems in infants including
breastfeeding in the new-borns. This case report describes 3
cases of ankyloglossia affecting breastfeeding and highlights
the experiences of the mothers and their difficulties in
breastfeeding babies with it. Comprehensive feeding
examination was accomplished, the primary cause of feeding
issues was identified, and frenotomy intervention was provided.
Post frenotomy, infants were able to breastfeed easily and this
was beneficial in continuation of breastfeeding and pain
reduction in mothers.
2.Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Caregiver at the Special Needs Boarding School in Kuantan, Pahang
Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ; Nor Asilah Harun ; Norzaiti Mohd Kenali ; Sarah Syuhadah Mohd Sopie ; Farah Aqilah Kamaluddin
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.4):259-262
Introduction: Caregivers and parents are important to the healthy development of children. Therefore, this study was
undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and oral health practice among caregivers of children with disabilities.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in three special boarding schools in Kuantan,
Pahang, who cared for 7 to 17 years old disabled children using self-administered questionnaires. Kruskal-Wallis
and Chi-square test were used to analyse the data. Results: Most caregivers were female (73.2%). The overall mean
knowledge score was 87.75%. All of caregivers have agreed that sugary or sticky food and drinks can cause caries
and toothbrushing for children is important for oral health. All of the caregivers possess secondary educational level
where 75% of the caregivers with tertiary educational level assist the children while brushing teeth. However, 71.9%
of caregivers with tertiary educational level and 45% of caregivers with secondary educational level had shown poor
oral health practice since they were frequently giving sweet food to the children. Surprisingly, most of the caregivers with secondary educational level (95.2%) and caregivers with tertiary educational level (85%) thought children
with disabilities can brush their teeth independently. Conclusion: Despite having adequate oral health knowledge
among the caregivers in the special needs boarding schools, their attitude and oral health practice however were
not up to the necessary standards. The implementation of oral health promotion related programmes in the special
needs boarding schools must be taken into consideration in order to tackle the oral health problems of children with
disabilities.
3.Occupational Health-Related Illness and Awareness Level among Dental Surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan
Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ; Nurul Aina Salmi Ramlee ; Nur Alia Maliki ; Nor Asilah Harun ; Md Mustafa Md-Muziman-Syah
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):159-165
Introduction: Dental surgeon exposes to numerous occupational hazards include the bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration and workplace violence. It causes prolonged health effects on
short or long term exposure include musculoskeletal disorder, back pain and other health issues. This study aimed
to identify the awareness level of occupational hazards and experiences among dental surgeons and to determine
whether preventive measures are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling
method had been used in this study. The Occupational Hazards in Dentistry questionnaire was self-administered by
39 dental surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan. The data were analysed using descriptive,
chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: The overall response rate was good (78%). Among the participants, 59%
were female, and 41% were male. Half of the participants (59%) had worked for 11-20 years. The majority of the
participants (82%) practised a correct posture while providing dental treatment. The most-reported pain areas were
at the shoulder and neck and followed by the lower back. Approximately, 10% of the participants had been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis/ degenerative cervical discs. Most participants have taken preventive measures to
reduce exposure to these occupational hazards. Conclusion: Work-related pain is common among dental surgeons.
The most affected pain area is the shoulder and neck, followed by back and wrist pain. Occupational hazards can
be alleviated effectively using a comprehensive approach. It is essential for dentistry to incorporate comprehensive
strategies into practice to improve productivity and enhance occupational safety.
4.Mothers’ Perceptions and Experiences on Tongue-tie and Frenotomy: A Qualitative Study
Nor Asilah Harun ; Noor Arisa Mohamad Rashidi ; Nur Fadzilah Md Teni ; Yunita Dewi Ardini ; Nurjasmine Aida Jamani
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.2):6-13
Introduction: Tongue-tie is a congenital condition of a thickened, tightened or shortened frenulum. This condition
may cause breastfeeding difficulties to both mother and infant, such as ineffective suckling and painful nipple. In
older children, it can cause speech difficulties. Although many studies have investigated the problems associated
with tongue-tie and its treatments, there are limited studies on the mother’s experiences of tongue-tie and post frenotomy. This study aimed to explore the mother’s experiences of tongue-tie associated problems, frenotomy and the
outcome. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted in a one-on-one setting with fifteen mothers whose infant
and children underwent frenotomy. Data were collected, transcripted, translated and analysed according to themes.
Results: The analysis revealed a common story of stressful challenges and difficulties of breastfeeding. The mothers
described that tongue-tie caused poor latching, nipple pain and bleeding, prolong feeding and lack of sleep. Their
infant had poor weight gain, sleeping problems, insufficient milk transfer, fatigue and constant crying. For the older
children, mothers complained of restricted tongue movement, difficulty in licking ice cream and speech problems.
All of them agreed that the frenotomy procedure was easy, simple and less invasive and the outcome was positive.
Furthermore, mothers continued breastfeeding without any difficulties and complications. Conclusion: Mothers in
this study had difficulties with breastfeeding. However, all of the reported symptoms improved after frenotomy. They
considered frenotomy was a simple and safe procedure that was highly recommended for symptomatic tongue-tie.