What Is A Tongue & Lip Tie?
Oral restrictions can occur anywhere within the mouth and can prevent normal movement and function of the tongue. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is the most common form of oral restriction. It occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s normal range of motion and strength. In our experience, it also causes a tightening of the fascial system, causing tension and tightness in a baby’s body.
A lip tie is when the tissue connecting the upper (or lower) lip to the gum is short or too thick, preventing free movement. This tie tends to occur in conjunction with a tongue tie. A buccal tie refers to tissues that attach the inside of the cheeks to the gums, restricting normal movement. This may prevent a baby from being able to open their mouth wide enough to eat well.
Signs And Symptoms
Baby Symptoms Can Include:
Mom Symptoms Can Include
FAQ
Although more research is needed to better understand the causes of oral restrictions, a lot can be learned about how the tissues of the mouth and tongue develop in a fetus during pregnancy. During the normal development of a fetus in utero, tissue forms to anchor the tongue to the base of the mouth. In most cases, this tissue naturally dissolves to a small, flexible tether around the 12th week of pregnancy. In some fetuses, this tissue does not dissolve, leaving a tight ‘tie’ that is short, tight or thick, and affects nursing and bottle feeding.
Evidence points to a genetic mutation known as MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). Tongue tie is hereditary and is often passed down from one generation to the next. It seems to be more common in boys than in girls and seems to be more present in babies who are born with birthmarks known as “stork bites.”
Tongue ties can cause:
- Tongue & jaw weakness
- Head tilts, one sided preference head flattening or torticollis
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Breathing dysfunction
- Reflux from air swallowing
- Body asymmetry
Physical and occupational therapy can help to address all these issues with fun, gentle movements and exercise protocols.
We have a tear-free policy! Therapy should not make your child upset, and frankly, babies learn and respond best when they are alert and calm. We work together to understand the source of their tears and find practical solutions that make us ALL comfortable.
I’ve seen much better outcomes when babies have at least 1-2 therapy sessions before the release is performed. Functional neuromuscular re-education as well as improving the way a baby moves are very important prior to the release procedure. Therapy helps to decrease tension/tightness and focuses on tongue function and suck training with developmentally appropriate positions and exercises.
Physical Therapy has several goals:
1) to maximize the current range of motion and strength of the tongue and body as a whole,
2)to educate the parents on best care for their unique baby and the benefits of movement
3)to ensure the infant is used to the oral exercises prior to the procedure.
4) to assess if there are any other underlying conditions that may inhibit optimal feeding or development in general ie. Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, tension or low muscle tone. All these conditions can impact how a baby does after the procedure.
How Can Milk Matters PT Help?
A baby’s ability to feed well is dependent upon moving the tongue and entire body freely and effectively. Our specialty-trained therapists work with babies to assist with suck training, proper latch, and improving movement and positions through specialized developmental exercises and hands-on techniques such as stretches. We customize treatment plans specifically for your child so you can confidently reach your goals as a family.
Resources
Praise From Our Parents & Caregivers
“Dianna at Milk Matters PT made us feel instantly confident in working with her. She was super knowledgeable and got us to our goals. He was able to move his tongue and body in ways we’d never seen before! It’s a beautiful space, great people, and we highly recommend it. Thanks team!”