Tongue Tie.  People often think it’s no big deal or just a tiny piece of tissue, needing only a snip to remove.  

Unfortunately, though, tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is far more than that.

Our tongues begin to develop early in our gestation, with final separation occurring around week 12.  If the tongue does not separate fully from the floor of the mouth, a piece of thin membrane or thicker tissue may remain, restricting the movement of the tongue and many developmental issues may follow from that continued attachment.

For one thing, with a tongue that doesn’t move adequately and normally, the tongue is unable to rest on the roof of the mouth, broadening and widening the roof, leaving, instead, a narrow arched palate.  This can result in crowding of nasal and other bones inside the face.  This can also result in pulling down of the head and neck, without adequate extension, reducing the range of movement of the head and neck.  This decreased range of motion and increased pressure and strain of the pulling of the tissue can also lead to torticollis, a twisting of the neck and torso, reducing range of motion and full development even after birth.

Other tongue tie concerns become more evident after birth, include latch and breastfeeding problems, pain and discomfort, reflux, sleep, swallowing problems, poor dental hygiene, the way the teeth come in, speech difficulties, and ability to eat solid foods, most of which are results of restricted tongue mobility.  Any of these symptoms, including maternal or birth parent experiencing pain with nursing, frequent feedings, and poor weight gain, may lead to an evaluation for lip or tongue tie, and a possible diagnosis.

Not all of these symptoms are evident with all tongue ties and not all to the same degree, but these are real concerns for those with extra unresolved tissue under their tongues or upper lips.  

You can see why clipping that tissue sounds like a good idea.  Unfortunately, there is much more to the story than just that little bit of tissue, however thin or firm, long or short, it may be.  

During evaluation and prior to revision, it is essential to assess the baby’s general body tone and the other issues at hand, such as torticollis, strain and pain from the pulling of the lip or tongue frenulum.  The best tongue tie care begins and ends with craniosacral therapy or myofascial therapy, includes a certified lactation consultant, and involves the parents in aftercare and follow up visits.  The part about the frenotomy or release is not the most important part but when a frenotomy is necessary, it is important to have it done by someone who is skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable about tongue tie, body work, lactation, and the process of frenotomy.  

I’ve spent the past three years learning about tongue tie as I sought to provide body work, CST and AHOH, to infants and families.  I have worked and studied with internationally known experts as I learned to integrate Craniosacral Therapy with tongue tie care, and bring nearly 1000 hours of study, classes, practice, and internships in craniosacral therapy and tongue tie care to my practice.

I am happy to serve you at Sacred Good Medicine, and will be glad to schedule an appointment for evaluation and craniosacral therapy to assess your baby’s needs.  Please feel free to call and schedule an appointment.  I look forward to meeting you and working with you to understand and meet your and your baby’s needs, to help you both to find greater comfort and health.

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