6 August, 2024
Tongue Tie Chiropractor
Tongue, Lip and Cheek (Buccal) Ties
Exactly as it sounds, a tie is when there's tension and a little bridge connecting the tongue, lip or cheek so that it doesn't move like it should. A tongue tie will be seen underneath the tongue so that the tongue doesn't lift up or out of the mouth. A lip tie will prevent the lips from spreading open over the breast / bottle. A cheek tie causes the cheeks to "stick" to the inside of the mouth.
Tongue tie occurs in about 8% of babies (Hill et al. 2021). It's more commonly seen with males.
Symptoms of Tongue, Cheek and Lip Ties
Baby Symptoms
Feeding issues: poor latch, suction or slow feeder
Clicking noise on feeding
Milk dribbling out during feeds
Colic / unsettled baby
Excessive drooling
Gassy baby
Lip blister
Mucous in stool
Reflux
Choke / not be able to keep up with milk flow
Sleeping with mouth open
Slow weight gain or weight loss
Stiffness or back arching
Torticollis (twisted neck) or flat head (plagiocephaly)
Uncomfortable in car seat
White tongue coating
Can't keep dummies in mouth
Heart shaped tongue
Breastfeeding Mother's Symptoms
Blocked ducts, engorgement or mastitis
Pain
Nipple damage and bleeding
Nipple thrush
Over-supply from ineffective and over-feeding
Under-supply from lack of milk removal (supply and demand)
Fatigue and frustration and wanting to finish breastfeeding early
Older Child / Adult's Symptoms
It's possible to get diagnosed with a ties as an adult. It's not just a baby problem!
Delayed or difficulties with speech
Dental problems (eg: tooth crowding)
Headaches
Ongoing neck tension
TMD (jaw pain, clicking, crunching, tension)
Sleep disorders (eg: snoring, apnoea) and energy
Frequent ear infections
Feeding issues (messy or fussy)
Mouth breathing (difficulty with nose breathing)
Tonsils or adenoids removed is common
Ties and Chiropractic
Chiropractors will work closely with lactation consultants and paediatric dentists to identify and manage tongue ties.
Not all ties require surgical release or laser, but some do. This is performed by a dentist. Sometimes the oral function improves with gentle chiropractic rather than requiring scissors or laser.
Not just a tongue issue
Ties are more than just a mouth issue! The tongue is connected via connective tissue (fascia) to the diaphragm (breathing muscle), spinal stabilisers (quadratus lumborium) and even down to the tiny feet muscles.
Source: Bordoni & Myers (2020)
Identifying a Tie
Chiropractors will feel inside the mouth and watch for movement of the tongue, lips and cheeks. They will look at the shape of the tongue, how much the tongue moves out of the mouth (forwards) and upwards (eg: while crying), does the lip and cheeks move away from the gum line easily, and looking at the rest of the body for tension.
It's not uncommon to see torticollis (head appearing stuck to one side) or a baby who favours looking in one direction with tongue, cheek and buccal ties. There may be tension further down the spine to the shoulders, pelvis and hips as well.
Preparing for Tongue Tie Surgery or Laser
In preparation for for a tie revision, we want to reduce the tension in the body and help create balance around the mouth, jaw, neck, cranium and body.
After Tie Revision or Laser
After having tie, lip or cheek ties cut or lasered, you'll be advised to perform stretches frequently (day and night). In addition to this, we want to reduce the tension around the mouth, jaw, head, neck and body which is where chiropractic steps in. The techniques used are gentle and babies will frequently sleep through it, however they may not like the mouth work being done, similar that they don't love doing their home stretches.
Appointments available in Moonee Ponds or online.
About the Author
Dr Cassie Atkinson-Quinton - Paediatric-Trained Chiropractor & Paediatric Sleep Coach
Dr Cassie is a paediatric-trained chiropractor, sleep coach and, most importantly, mumma to Master H. She loves seeing newborns grow into inquisitive toddlers and busy school kids. She assesses for neurological development (primitive reflexes), posture, sleep health and movement patterns. She's an eager learning just like the kids she sees.
"It's better to grow healthy children than fix injured adults."
Dr Rabiah Nuredini - Chiropractor
Rabiah is a talented & passionate Chiropractor. She's got a keen interest in living a healthy life and imparting that on those she sees. She has completed additional training in various fields including paediatrics, pregnancy and neurology. Understanding that everyone requires a unique take, she incorporates a range of techniques as part of her sessions. This might include cupping, dry needling, adjustments, targeted massage, rehab and laser therapy.
Similar articles you'll enjoy:
Bed Sharing with Babies
16 March, 2021
Back to Blog
References:
Hill, R. R., Lee, C. S., & Pados, B. F. (2021). The prevalence of ankyloglossia in children aged <1 year: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatric Research, 90(2), 259–266. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-020-01239-y
Bordoni B, Myers T. A review of the theoretical fascial models: biotensegrity, fascintegrity, and myofascial chains. Cureus. 2020 Feb 24;12(2).
