What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie refers to the tongue's inability to have full range of motion. This is caused by a tight/tethered frenulum under the tongue.
Signs & Symptoms of Tongue Tie
Chronic Tension:
Neck tension
Tension Headaches
Torticollis
TMJ
Airway Issues:
Sleep apnea
Mouth breathing
Enlarged Tonsils
Trouble Eating:
Pocketing food in cheek
Trouble with textures
Food falling out of mouth
Trouble Speaking:
Late speaking words
Speech fatigue
Trouble being understood
Trouble articulating certain sounds
Trouble Breast/Bottle Feeding:
Clicking
Blisters on lips
Persistently shallow latch
Air swallowing
Fatigue with feedings
Unable to maintain latch
Spilling milk out of the sides of the lips
Painful nipples- cracks, compressed, blanching, blisters
Low weight gain/weight gain that declines after 12 weeks old
Meet Dr. Odion
Successful Tongue Tie Release
Lactation / Myofunctional Therapy
Release Provider
Bodyworker
Excercises
Discovering you have a tongue tie can be a confusing thing. The best course of treatment is to begin with oral myofunctional therapy/exercises to prepare your mouth for the release. When our tongue is tethered we compensate with other muscles to function. By retraining and strengthening your tongue and oral cavity you will be better prepared for the release.
Treatment
We call the surgical procedure a “release”. This is because the tension in the frenum, whether it is the upper/lower labial, lingual or buccal areas is truly released by the laser. A CO2 laser is used to do the procedure. The areas to be lasered are numbed prior. Everyone in the room uses eye protection while the laser is in use. The procedure is a quick one, usually only lasting a few minutes.
Bodywork
This is the component that is most overlooked and so very crucial. Having some sort of bodywork prior to the release and then a few times after is what we recommend. Bodywork can be massage, chiropractic, craniosacral, or osteopathic manipulation. Whatever works best for you. Relieving the tension and releasing the fascia that has been so tight for so long is the goal.