This week we thought we would switch it up and answer a question we get often from our readers. Most recently a parent reached out and asked what was the worst case scenario if they did not follow through and get a tongue, lip, and/or buccal ties released at the recommendation of their release provider.
Q. Are there life long consequences to NOT getting a tongue, lip, or buccal oral tethers (ties) released as an infant?
This is such a good question and we are so glad parents are asking hard questions like these before they do any procedure with their child, much less a release of any sort. We are PRO informed consent and PRO parents asking and receiving answers to all of the questions weighing on their minds and hearts before they submit their child to have a procedure done by any type of provider. At the end of the day, only YOU the parent should be making the final call on whether your child receives a tongue, lip, and/or tongue tie release.
There are some considerations you’ll want to be aware of as you are weighing your options and deciding whether to get a release for your child. First and foremost before opting for a release, always get an assessment from a feeding therapist (SLP/OT) who specializes in tongue, lip, buccal ties if your child is 4 years old or younger. If your child has a chronological and cognitive age of 4 years and up, seek out a feeding and/or myofunctional therapist with extensive training in tongue, lip, and buccal ties.
This can not be stressed enough so we’re gonna say it once more- this assessment should be done PRIOR to a release. The second aspect of that is IF therapy is recommended, it should begin right away and allow your feeding therapist/myofunctional therapist to let you know when your child is READY for a release.
Q. What if we opt for no release and no therapy?
That is your choice, but you should have informed consent. Tongue, lip, and buccal tethers/ties can have lifelong consequences if not treated early and correctly. Oral tethers can lead to a recessed mandible and low resting tongue posture. Low resting tongue posture leads to a narrow palate and picky eating. Narrow palates lead to crowded and misaligned teeth and also leads to a smaller airway. Small airways lead to sleep disordered breathing and/or sleep apnea.
Oral tethers usually are accompanied by increased body tension. Increased body tension leads to colic, head, neck and back pain, headaches, and even TMJD. Fussy babies should always be assessed for oral tethers and body tension. In our practice, we see colic and fussiness resolved once oral tethers and body tension is addressed by the appropriate professionals.
We aren’t here to tell you what to do with your baby but we will always be here to educate and support you along your journey. Here’s to many happy and healthy babies with nice broad palates and airways!
P.S. Curious what a release and healing from a release feels like? Stay tuned to future blog posts where we interview children and adults who have undergone successful releases!
