Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) aka tongue & lip ties
What is a tongue tie (aka ankyloglossia)?
We all have tissue that attaches our tongues to the bottom of our mouths. That tissue is called the lingual frenum/frenulum.
Some children are born with a lingual frenulum that's much shorter, thicker, or tighter, and tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It can be very obvious, if at the front of the tongue (an anterior tie), or less visible, if it is towards the back of the tongue (a posterior tie).
A tethered tongue tie isn't necessarily a problem, but it can, in some cases, make feeding, breathing, sleeping, and proper production of speech sounds harder.
Potential impacts of tongue/lip ties in babies & infants
Baby:
o Poor latch
o Poor weight gain
o Reflux or spitting up often
o Clicking or smacking noises
o Gassy or fussy often
o Milk leaking out of the mouth
o Frustration with eating
o Prolonged nursing or feeding sessions
o Constantly hungry
Mother:
o Painful nursing
o Creased, flattened, blanched nipples
o Blistered or cut nipples
o Poor breast drainage
o Plugged ducts or mastitis
o Nipple shield required for breastfeeding
Potential impacts of tongue/lip ties in children & adults
o Trouble producing certain speech sounds
o Speech delay
o Slow, messy and or picky eater
o Choking or gagging on liquids or foods
o Spitting out food or packing food in cheeks
o Restless sleep (kicking or moving while asleep)
o Grinding teeth at night
o Sleeping with mouth open
o Snoring (quiet or loud)
o Frequent headaches or neck pain
What is a tongue/lip release?
A release, also known as a frenectomy, is a quick procedure that uses a laser to separate the tight frenum, allowing the tongue and/or lip to move more freely. This procedure is performed by a trained dentist in-office and takes a few weeks to heal.
HOW I HELP...
In order to obtain the best outcomes and prevent re-attachment, pre- and post- procedure exercises are necessary to develop and strengthen tongue and lip muscles for optimal movement. My role will be to teach you games, exercises, and movements to do with your child to increase mobility and reduce the possibility of re-attachment, all in a calm and supportive space. I'll answer all your questions and provide you all the assistance you need!