Tongue Ties and Chiropractic Care

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Many Parents today had never heard of tongue ties until recent years with their own children. With the significant increase in recent TOTs diagnosis, it is important to have a better understanding of what exactly that is. 

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie is a condition usually noticed in newborns in which a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too short and thick. This limits the tongues range of motion and can lead to difficulty breastfeeding and latching. 

Tongue ties can also be referred to as a tethered oral ties (TOT). TOTs are known as the thickening of the connective tissue that can also be seen attaching to the cheek or lips, also known as cheek and lip ties. 

What causes a tongue tie?

There are two types of Tethered oral ties that can occur. The first being Genetic, otherwise known as Ankyloglossia or shortening of the frenulum. The second being Neurobiochemical. This origin comes from cranial/neurologic imbalance causing muscular dysregulation in the infants feeding system.  

Soft tissue and muscular tone of the body are determined by the tone of the central nervous system. So, when the mom and infants’ nervous system are stuck in a sustained sympathetic state it creates increased tension and thickness of the oral soft tissue, presenting as an oral tie. 

Different types of tongue ties?

Type 1: thin and elastic frenulum which attaches the tip of the tongue to the ridge behind bottom teeth. This creates the illusion of the tongue being heart shaped. 

Type 2: thin and elastic frenulum which is about 2-4mm behind the tip of the tongue and attaches to the ridge behind bottom teeth. 

Type 3: thick, fibrous, non-elastic frenulum which attaches the mid-tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Type 4: the frenulum here can only be felt, not seen. It can be felt as a fibrous attachment from the base of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. 

Type 1 and 2 are considered anterior tongue ties. Type 3 and 4 are known as posterior tongue ties. 

What are some signs my kiddo may have a tongue tie?

When an oral tether is present it restricts movement of the tongue and opening of the mouth. This can lead to difficulties such as:

• Difficulty latching or staying on the breast
• Not gaining weight
• Clicking during feedings
• Speech challenges
• Overall tightened muscular tone 

Chiropractic Care and Tongue Ties. 

Most parents elect to have a tongue tie revision surgery done by a pediatric dentist. However, most Pediatric Holistic Dentists will recommend having body work done before revision to see if there is the potential to avoid surgery. 

If the revision is required, it is important to have chiropractic care before and after the revision to have the best and lasting results. 

Through Chiropractic care we address the dural tension that creates the tongue tie and subluxations that may be limiting the child’s potential to thrive. The nervous system sets the tone of the body and if it is not properly addressed before and after the procedure it is going to make for a more difficult recovery and less substantial wins.

Reach out to us today to see how chiropractic can help your little one!