Hi friend, I know it is scary. Inviting anyone, much less a team of individuals you do not know into your little family’s lives, especially when it’s your brand new baby. We want to protect our babies at all costs and not put our little ones through anything that is not completely necessary.
Here is the good news, individuals who have been thoroughly trained in tongue and lip ties rarely- if ever- will recommend a procedure that is not 100% warranted based on form and function.
If they recommend a procedure, this means based on their collective clinical knowledge, they do not think symptoms will improve without further intervention.
There are no kick-backs in this field, we aren’t receiving bonuses for referring babies to get tongue and lip tie releases- believe me – that would never fly (because it’s not legal)!
Before a release is even recommended, it is our duty to make sure other supportive avenues have been explored and exhausted. Those include feeding therapy to include oral motor exercises, body work which may include chiropractor and cranial fascia therapy, lactation services that cover breast or bottle feeding, and other referrals as warranted by the symptom picture.
Once we see that symptoms remain after other avenues have been explored, then and only then does the team and/or release provider recommend a tongue and lip tie release.
That said, it is always up to the parent whether or not they would like to take their little one in for the procedure. But, in full disclosure, we must share with you possible complications across the life span IF we leave tongue and lip ties untreated.
Potential complications of untreated tongue ties:
- Higher rate of tooth decay
- Sleep disordered breathing
- Digestive issues
- Myofascial tension
- Speech-articulation issues
- Malocclusion
- Chronic pain, TMD, headaches, Migraines
- Digestive issues, including chronic constipation
- Postural asymmetries
- Decreased airway patency
- Head molding or flattening
- Torticollis
- Stiff ankles, splayed toes, clenched toes
- Motor skill delay
- Clenched fists tucked thumb
- Smaller airway which can lead to bedwetting
- Snoring
- Loud breathing
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth grinding
- Reflux
An informed family is an empowered family! Our goal is to educate so that you can make the best possible choice for your family. Always reach out to a Feeding therapist before scheduling a release! Here’s to positive outcomes and healthy smiles!
