Topics & Abstracts

Understanding the fascinating connection between posture and the fascial system is an important part of understanding the long-term impact of untreated tethered oral tissues. Learn more about how the fascial system develops as a child grows and its impact on infant feeding due to airway compromise. Explore how tongue posture influences the development of the jaws and airway, contributing to issues such as dental malocclusions, sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ disorders, clenching, and grinding. We will look at compensations across different age groups into adulthood, including challenges with feeding, air swallowing, habitual behaviors, bowel dysfunction, growth delays, developmental lags, transitions to solid foods, picky eaters, speech dysfunctions, breathing & airway development, sleep disordered breathing , sleep apnea , muscular tightness and behavioral patterns including ADHD. Case studies will be reviewed to help consolidate learning about the practical impacts of tethered oral tissues (TOTS), particularly when tongue ties are undiagnosed or improperly treated.

Objectives:

1. Describe the fascial network and how it contributes to tongue-tie related challenges beyond just a "poor latch".
2. Describe how infants and children can be affected by oral myofunctional disorders and their potential side effects.
3. Explain the sequence of complications during growth by identifying compensations across different age groups into adulthood if tongue tie is left untreated or undiagnosed.
4. Describe the long-term implications of oral anatomical restrictions on overall health and quality of life.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 23, 2025

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23-09-2025 17:00 23-09-2025 18:00 35 Long Term Consequences of an Untreated Tongue-Tie: The Role of the Fascial System Understanding the fascinating connection between posture and the fascial system is an important part of understanding the long-term impact of untreated tethered oral tissues. Learn more about how the fascial system develops as a child grows and its impact on infant feeding due to airway compromise. Explore how tongue posture influences the development of the jaws and airway, contributing to issues such as dental malocclusions, sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ disorders, clenching, and grinding. We will look at compensations across different age groups into adulthood, including challenges with feeding, air swallowing, habitual behaviors, bowel dysfunction, growth delays, developmental lags, transitions to solid foods, picky eaters, speech dysfunctions, breathing & airway development, sleep disordered breathing , sleep apnea , muscular tightness and behavioral patterns including ADHD. Case studies will be reviewed to help consolidate learning about the practical impacts of tethered oral tissues (TOTS), particularly when tongue ties are undiagnosed or improperly treated. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Tongue-tie remains a widely debated topic in infant feeding and oral function, often leading to varying clinical opinions and management approaches. However, a skilled feeding assessment is crucial in determining the true impact of a tongue restriction and guiding appropriate intervention. This interactive session will explore real-world case studies to illustrate the importance of comprehensive feeding support before, during, and after any consideration of frenulotomy. Delegates will engage in discussions about clinical decision-making, considering anatomy, function, feeding dynamics, and the multidisciplinary role of lactation and infant feeding specialists. Through these case studies, attendees will critically evaluate diagnostic criteria, weigh the risks and benefits of intervention, and reflect on best-practice approaches that prioritise feeding outcomes and parental support. The session aims to enhance clinical reasoning and encourage evidence-based, family-centred care when supporting infants with suspected tongue-tie.

Objectives:

1. Describe how to assess infant feeding comprehensively, recognising when tongue function impacts feeding ability.
2. Explain how to apply a structured approach to clinical decision-making in tongue-tie cases, with an emphasis on skilled feeding support.
3. Describe the role of frenulotomy within a broader feeding support framework and evidence-based practice.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 24, 2025

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24-09-2025 15:00 24-09-2025 16:00 35 Beyond the Frenulum: The Critical Role of Skilled Feeding Support in Tongue-Tie Management Tongue-tie remains a widely debated topic in infant feeding and oral function, often leading to varying clinical opinions and management approaches. However, a skilled feeding assessment is crucial in determining the true impact of a tongue restriction and guiding appropriate intervention. This interactive session will explore real-world case studies to illustrate the importance of comprehensive feeding support before, during, and after any consideration of frenulotomy. Delegates will engage in discussions about clinical decision-making, considering anatomy, function, feeding dynamics, and the multidisciplinary role of lactation and infant feeding specialists. Through these case studies, attendees will critically evaluate diagnostic criteria, weigh the risks and benefits of intervention, and reflect on best-practice approaches that prioritise feeding outcomes and parental support. The session aims to enhance clinical reasoning and encourage evidence-based, family-centred care when supporting infants with suspected tongue-tie. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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This presentation will provide information about identification and impacts of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) on breast and bottle feeding, movement and gross motor development, and caregiver stress. Goals and treatment techniques will be briefly presented along with information about a multi-disciplinary co-treatment model addressing needs of infants and their families. Research pertaining to the field of tethered oral tissues will be reviewed and information from an ongoing quality improvement project will be presented.

Objectives:

1. List 3 impacts of ankyloglossia on feeding, motor, or caregiver stress.
2. Describe 2 treatment interventions to address feeding and/or motor concerns related to ankyloglossia.
3. Explain at least 1 impact of treatment on outcomes of infants and their families.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 24, 2025

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24-09-2025 17:00 24-09-2025 18:30 35 Beyond the Tie: Impact of Ankyloglossia on Infant Feeding, Movement, and Family Wellbeing This presentation will provide information about identification and impacts of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) on breast and bottle feeding, movement and gross motor development, and caregiver stress. Goals and treatment techniques will be briefly presented along with information about a multi-disciplinary co-treatment model addressing needs of infants and their families. Research pertaining to the field of tethered oral tissues will be reviewed and information from an ongoing quality improvement project will be presented. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Tongue-tie management in breastfed infants can create controversy because there is no uniform acceptable diagnostic criteria and there's a lack of consensus for treatment. The prevalence of tongue-tie and the frequency of performing frenotomy has been increasing significantly worldwide in the last twenty years. Some medical practitioners and researchers are concerned that infants and children are being overdiagnoses and overtreated with tongue-tie.

The findings of anatomical dissection studies of human lingual frenulum has drawn our attention to rethink the definition of tongue-tie and potential risks of frenotomy. A comprehensive approach to managing breastfed tongue-tie infants could protect against premature termination of lactation and hence safeguard infant and maternal health. It includes thorough assessment of the mother-child dyad, provision of non-surgical treatment options and helping parents make informed decision about frenotomy. Healthcare professionals should achieve a balance, avoid over- and underdiagnosis so as to prevent over- and undertreatment.

Objectives:

1. Describe the broad spectrum of clinical presentation and outcome of frenotomy in breastfed tongue-tie infants.
2. Describe the anatomy of the lingual frenulum and its clinical implications.
3. Apply a comprehensive clinical approach to managing breastfed tongue-tie infants and avoiding over- and undertreatment

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 22, 2025

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22-09-2025 13:00 22-09-2025 14:00 35 Finding Balance in Tongue-Tie Treatment Tongue-tie management in breastfed infants can create controversy because there is no uniform acceptable diagnostic criteria and there's a lack of consensus for treatment. The prevalence of tongue-tie and the frequency of performing frenotomy has been increasing significantly worldwide in the last twenty years. Some medical practitioners and researchers are concerned that infants and children are being overdiagnoses and overtreated with tongue-tie. The findings of anatomical dissection studies of human lingual frenulum has drawn our attention to rethink the definition of tongue-tie and potential risks of frenotomy. A comprehensive approach to managing breastfed tongue-tie infants could protect against premature termination of lactation and hence safeguard infant and maternal health. It includes thorough assessment of the mother-child dyad, provision of non-surgical treatment options and helping parents make informed decision about frenotomy. Healthcare professionals should achieve a balance, avoid over- and underdiagnosis so as to prevent over- and undertreatment. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Frenectomy can help with the breastfeeding dysfunction that is associated with ankyloglossia. Successful return to breastfeeding and improvement of symptoms for the dyad is the goal of the procedure. The procedure can cause significant anxiety in parents who often resort to reaching out on social media and getting inadequate and incorrect information. Appropriate medical and lactation evaluation is important for patient selection to ensure both medical appropriateness of the procedure and family readiness. Once the decision is made with input from both the physician and lactation professionals, pre and post procedure information and support plays a vital role in the success of the procedure. Learn more about what should be taken into consideration when deciding if and when to proceed with frenectomy, pre-fenectomy preparation of the family and post-frenectomy management and support.

Objectives:

1. List 2 examples of the most current advancements in tongue-tie research and how to effectively determine whether a patient has an indication for frenotomy.
2. Explain the connection between tongue tie and a baby's ability to swallow and breastfeed, as well as the potential consequences of overlooking the tongue tie.
3. Describe a holistic approach to medical problems caused by overlooked tongue ties, particularly for newborns.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 15, 2025

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15-09-2025 04:00 15-09-2025 17:15 35 From Evaluation to Aftercare: A Pediatrician's Perspective on Tongue-Tie Care Frenectomy can help with the breastfeeding dysfunction that is associated with ankyloglossia. Successful return to breastfeeding and improvement of symptoms for the dyad is the goal of the procedure. The procedure can cause significant anxiety in parents who often resort to reaching out on social media and getting inadequate and incorrect information. Appropriate medical and lactation evaluation is important for patient selection to ensure both medical appropriateness of the procedure and family readiness. Once the decision is made with input from both the physician and lactation professionals, pre and post procedure information and support plays a vital role in the success of the procedure. Learn more about what should be taken into consideration when deciding if and when to proceed with frenectomy, pre-fenectomy preparation of the family and post-frenectomy management and support. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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"IBCLCs play a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding parents, particularly when tongue tie affects infant feeding. This presentation explores the IBCLC’s scope in identifying and managing tongue ties while navigating institutional policies, counseling overwhelmed new parents, managing the limitations imposed by short hospital stays, navigating potential resistance from physicians, and working around the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. We will examine how to standardize assessment and recommendations across hospital staff, how to communicate the information to parents regarding their feeding options, how to support parents in their choice while ensuring baby’s safety, and how to provide resources for lactation support after hospital discharge. Effective counseling strategies will be reviewed, focusing on empathetic communication, parental education, navigating differing medical opinions and available options. The goal is to equip IBCLCs with tools to provide evidence-based guidance while fostering informed decision-making for families. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to support breastfeeding dyads within the hospital framework, ensuring a balanced approach to tongue tie management.

Objectives:

1. Describe how to approach standardizing tongue tie assessment and recommendations across hospital staff.
2. Apply empathetic communication to inform parents, provide options, and support their choice.
3. Describe how to work within the restrictions posed by hospital policy, length of hospital stay, and availability of skilled providers

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 22, 2025

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22-09-2025 19:00 22-09-2025 20:00 35 Navigating Tongue Tie in the Hospital Setting: The IBCLC’s Role in Assessment, Communication and Support "IBCLCs play a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding parents, particularly when tongue tie affects infant feeding. This presentation explores the IBCLC’s scope in identifying and managing tongue ties while navigating institutional policies, counseling overwhelmed new parents, managing the limitations imposed by short hospital stays, navigating potential resistance from physicians, and working around the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. We will examine how to standardize assessment and recommendations across hospital staff, how to communicate the information to parents regarding their feeding options, how to support parents in their choice while ensuring baby’s safety, and how to provide resources for lactation support after hospital discharge. Effective counseling strategies will be reviewed, focusing on empathetic communication, parental education, navigating differing medical opinions and available options. The goal is to equip IBCLCs with tools to provide evidence-based guidance while fostering informed decision-making for families. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to support breastfeeding dyads within the hospital framework, ensuring a balanced approach to tongue tie management. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Achieving optimal oral rest posture and nasal breathing is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of recovery after tongue-tie release. This presentation explores the role of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in supporting post-frenectomy healing, enhancing tongue function, and promoting long-term oral and respiratory health, through optimizing oral rest posture and promoting nasal breathing. Following a tongue-tie release, myofunctional therapy plays a key role in wound healing, reducing the risk of reattachment, and guiding the tongue into functional patterns that maximize its newly gained mobility. We will discuss how neuroplasticity supports the integration of new movement patterns and how targeted exercises can reinforce proper tongue posture. Correct oral rest posture—where the tongue rests against the palate, lips are closed, and nasal breathing is maintained—has profound effects on sleep quality and thus overall health. We will examine the impact of tongue posture on airway function, nasal breathing, and the downstream effects on sleep quality. Participants will understand how therapy optimises surgical outcomes and ensures that the tongue’s newfound mobility translates into improved orofacial development, respiration, and sleep.

Objectives:

1. Describe optimal oral rest posture and explain the importance of nasal breathing
2. Explain the importance of tongue posture in optimal oral rest and nasal breathing
3. Describe the role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in post tongue-tie release.
4. Explain the consequences of suboptimal oral rest posture on breathing and sleep.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 23, 2025

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23-09-2025 23:00 24-09-2025 00:00 35 Promoting optimal oral rest posture and nasal breathing after tongue-tie release Achieving optimal oral rest posture and nasal breathing is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of recovery after tongue-tie release. This presentation explores the role of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in supporting post-frenectomy healing, enhancing tongue function, and promoting long-term oral and respiratory health, through optimizing oral rest posture and promoting nasal breathing. Following a tongue-tie release, myofunctional therapy plays a key role in wound healing, reducing the risk of reattachment, and guiding the tongue into functional patterns that maximize its newly gained mobility. We will discuss how neuroplasticity supports the integration of new movement patterns and how targeted exercises can reinforce proper tongue posture. Correct oral rest posture—where the tongue rests against the palate, lips are closed, and nasal breathing is maintained—has profound effects on sleep quality and thus overall health. We will examine the impact of tongue posture on airway function, nasal breathing, and the downstream effects on sleep quality. Participants will understand how therapy optimises surgical outcomes and ensures that the tongue’s newfound mobility translates into improved orofacial development, respiration, and sleep. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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During the last couple of years there has been an increasing focus on (breast)feeding difficulties due to tongue-ties in infants. Many mothers experience breastfeeding challenges and sometimes an unwanted, and unnecessary, breastfeeding cessation. Some infants even struggle with bottle-feeding. At the same time, an increased focus of tongue-ties being related to (breast)feeding difficulties may also lead to over-diagnosing and/or over-treatment. I will go through the main symptoms of tongue-ties and motoric restrictions in healthy babies that can be connected to or affect the (breast)feeding situation. I will look at the primary assessments that can help evaluate the most likely cause of the symptoms based on (breast)feeding history, examination of the baby and (breast)feeding observation. I will make suggestions for further treatment and counselling based on the findings. Have you ever seen things get worse after a tongue-tie release? Not all babies are ready for release at the time of the actual diagnosis. I will look at factors that contribute to predicting immediate outcomes of a release and suggest recommended pre-release treatment and plans for optimizing the chance of success.

Objectives:

1. Describe feeding challenges connected to oral-restriction.
2. Describe differential diagnosis to tongue-ties in mother-baby dyads with feeding challenges.
3. Create a pre-release treatment plan for optimizing results.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 22, 2025

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22-09-2025 15:00 22-09-2025 16:00 35 Ready for Release? Tongue-Tie Assessment & Planning During the last couple of years there has been an increasing focus on (breast)feeding difficulties due to tongue-ties in infants. Many mothers experience breastfeeding challenges and sometimes an unwanted, and unnecessary, breastfeeding cessation. Some infants even struggle with bottle-feeding. At the same time, an increased focus of tongue-ties being related to (breast)feeding difficulties may also lead to over-diagnosing and/or over-treatment. I will go through the main symptoms of tongue-ties and motoric restrictions in healthy babies that can be connected to or affect the (breast)feeding situation. I will look at the primary assessments that can help evaluate the most likely cause of the symptoms based on (breast)feeding history, examination of the baby and (breast)feeding observation. I will make suggestions for further treatment and counselling based on the findings. Have you ever seen things get worse after a tongue-tie release? Not all babies are ready for release at the time of the actual diagnosis. I will look at factors that contribute to predicting immediate outcomes of a release and suggest recommended pre-release treatment and plans for optimizing the chance of success. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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In this presentation, we will review the role of the IBCLC when it comes to creating realistic timelines and expectations while supporting the breastfeeding dyad when the baby has oral restrictions. For some clients, this may look like preparing for a release while working to protect the lactating parents' milk supply and ensuring that the baby is gaining weight appropriately. Then continuing to support them after a frenectomy to get the baby feeding functionally and finally "graduation" from care. While for others who are not open to a frenectomy, this may be supporting them to get the baby feeding as functionally as possible, while setting realistic expectations for what that means for their feeding journey. The goal is to create optimal and realistic outcomes specific to each family to help them meet their feeding goals while also ensuring that they feel supported and heard every step of the way.

Objectives:

1. Describe the role of the IBCLC in supporting dyads with oral restrictions.
2. Explain how to create realistic timelines pre/post release to get the baby feeding functionally.
3. List ways to support families who are not open to a frenectomy.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 22, 2025

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22-09-2025 17:00 22-09-2025 18:00 35 Supporting Families with Oral Restrictions: Creating Realistic Timelines and Expectations In this presentation, we will review the role of the IBCLC when it comes to creating realistic timelines and expectations while supporting the breastfeeding dyad when the baby has oral restrictions. For some clients, this may look like preparing for a release while working to protect the lactating parents' milk supply and ensuring that the baby is gaining weight appropriately. Then continuing to support them after a frenectomy to get the baby feeding functionally and finally "graduation" from care. While for others who are not open to a frenectomy, this may be supporting them to get the baby feeding as functionally as possible, while setting realistic expectations for what that means for their feeding journey. The goal is to create optimal and realistic outcomes specific to each family to help them meet their feeding goals while also ensuring that they feel supported and heard every step of the way. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Oral dysfunction and tongue-tie are often viewed through a localized lens, yet their impact extends throughout the entire body, shaping both neurological function and structural adaptation. This presentation takes a dynamic, research-driven approach to exploring how the brain and body respond to altered tongue function, from infancy through adulthood. Using recent research, we will examine the deep interconnectedness between the cranial, spinal, fascial, airway and neurological systems--revealing how tongue position can influence everything from postural stability to dural tension to learning, neurodevelopment and movement patterns. We will include the relationship between tongue function, TMJD, postural distortions, nervous system and vagal tone adaptation, illustrating how these patterns manifest across different stages of development. Attendees will gain valuable insight into recognizing these adaptations in real time, using key observational markers and simple assessment strategies. Finally, the discussion will highlight a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to addressing these complex adaptations -- helping practice members move beyond compensation and toward thriving, resilient function.

Objectives:

1. Describe full-body adaptations to oral dysfunction.
2. Explain the interconnectedness of the cranial, spinal, fascial and neurological systems.
3. Apply key observational markers and simple assessments.
4. Describe a multidisciplinary perspective for better patient outcomes.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 23, 2025

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23-09-2025 19:00 23-09-2025 20:00 35 Survive or Thrive? Unlocking the Brain and Body Impact of Oral Dysfunction Oral dysfunction and tongue-tie are often viewed through a localized lens, yet their impact extends throughout the entire body, shaping both neurological function and structural adaptation. This presentation takes a dynamic, research-driven approach to exploring how the brain and body respond to altered tongue function, from infancy through adulthood. Using recent research, we will examine the deep interconnectedness between the cranial, spinal, fascial, airway and neurological systems--revealing how tongue position can influence everything from postural stability to dural tension to learning, neurodevelopment and movement patterns. We will include the relationship between tongue function, TMJD, postural distortions, nervous system and vagal tone adaptation, illustrating how these patterns manifest across different stages of development. Attendees will gain valuable insight into recognizing these adaptations in real time, using key observational markers and simple assessment strategies. Finally, the discussion will highlight a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to addressing these complex adaptations -- helping practice members move beyond compensation and toward thriving, resilient function. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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This presentation will explore the complexities of birth-related/acquired brain injuries and the occurrence of tongue ties in neonates/children. It highlights the significance of accurate differential diagnosis in identifying oral restrictions, which may lead to more involved feeding difficulties and other complications if left unrecognized. This presentation will review current research on the prevalence of tongue ties, associated risk factors, and the impact on feeding, swallowing, and oral musculature development in the child with a brain injury. By analyzing clinical signs, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment options, healthcare professionals can improve their diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for affected children .Emphasis is placed on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in assessing and addressing tongue ties effectively. References to pertinent literature and case review are provided to support clinical decision-making and enhance the understanding of this topic.

Objectives:

1. Describe the clinical implications of tongue tie in the brain injured child, including its impact on feeding, swallowing, nutrition, and overall growth.
2. Describe how brain injuries can influence the severity of oral restrictions resulting in misdiagnosis.
3. Explain how to apply differential diagnosis techniques to distinguish oral restrictions from other feeding, & swallowing disorders.

Live Presentation Schedule Sep 23, 2025

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23-09-2025 21:00 23-09-2025 22:00 35 Tongue Tie: Differential Diagnosis in Children with Brain Injuries This presentation will explore the complexities of birth-related/acquired brain injuries and the occurrence of tongue ties in neonates/children. It highlights the significance of accurate differential diagnosis in identifying oral restrictions, which may lead to more involved feeding difficulties and other complications if left unrecognized. This presentation will review current research on the prevalence of tongue ties, associated risk factors, and the impact on feeding, swallowing, and oral musculature development in the child with a brain injury. By analyzing clinical signs, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment options, healthcare professionals can improve their diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for affected children .Emphasis is placed on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in assessing and addressing tongue ties effectively. References to pertinent literature and case review are provided to support clinical decision-making and enhance the understanding of this topic. GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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