Chiropractic Care and Tongue-Ties

Infant tongue-tie (tethered oral tissue)

This topic stirred controversy in the past decade. While it's common to attribute feeding issues to oral tissue concerns, other factors like tongue, head, or neck adaptations can impact feeding function, regardless of a tongue-tie.

Wondering how a pediatric chiropractor can help? Although we don't diagnose a tongue-tie, our role plays a significant role in addressing feeding dysfunction, whether before or after surgery, and may even aid in avoiding surgery altogether. Here are four key considerations if you suspect your child has a tongue-ties:

4 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Tongue Ties

1. Improving Nerve Communication to Tongue Muscles: If your infant's tongue appears tight, it may not be solely due to the frenulum. Nerve up-regulation or down-regulation can influence tongue muscle tightness or weakness. As a pediatric chiropractor, my approach involves gentle adjustments to normalize neck, intraoral cranial bones, and soft tissue, addressing potential nerve-related issues and enhancing breastfeeding function.

2. Aligning Bone and Joint Structures Attached to the Tongue: Tongue and swallowing muscles are connected to the head and neck bones. If these structures aren't aligned properly, soft tissues can be pulled, restricting tongue motion—a biomechanical tongue-tie. My role includes aligning and normalizing these structures, optimizing function, and correcting this adaptation.

3. Ruling Out the Frenulum as the Culprit: Not all tongue restrictions stem from the frenulum. Tight jaws or misaligned vertebrae can also hinder latch or milk transfer. Seeking chiropractic care before a tongue-tie evaluation allows for a comprehensive assessment of the tongue's natural state, helping discern whether frenulum surgery is necessary.

4. Enhancing Results of Tongue-Tie Surgery: In cases where surgery is deemed necessary, pre-habilitation becomes crucial for optimal results. My role as a pediatric chiropractor involves optimizing head, neck structure, and tongue function before surgery, improving tissue quality and aiding in post-surgical rehabilitation. This approach supports motor skill development, wound healing, and adapts the baby's anatomy to surgery-induced changes.

My Own Experience

Reflecting on my experience with my own 2.5-month-old daughter, who faced latching challenges. Despite conservative efforts outline above, I ultimately consulted with Milk Divas and Poplin Pediatric Dentistry. Visit my FAVORITES PAGE for more information on them. We ultimately opted for a revision because she had both a tongue and lip tie that were hindering her ability to latch appropriately. As a pediatric chiropractor, witnessing the positive impact on her feeding and overall well-being has strengthened my commitment to providing holistic care.

Chiropractic care, in general, offers essential support for an infant's growing spine, promoting optimal healing from birth stresses or traumas. By incorporating these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of surgery or support the post-surgical process, ensuring your baby achieves normal physiological function. If you suspect a tongue-tie, consulting with a pediatric chiropractor, especially one with a personal understanding, becomes a vital initial step on your journey to successful breastfeeding.

For more information on chiropractic for kids visit my page HERE or visit the ICPA4kids.com.

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