Researching tongue tie diagnosis, opinions on tongue tie releases, tongue tie release results, and recommendations on who to see before and after a release can be overwhelming. Learn who you should see for diagnosis, care-plan recommendations, supportive care, and the release itself.

Understanding Tongue Tie: What It Is and How It Affects Function

First and foremost, it’s important to note that it is completely normal to have a band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Just because you can see these tissues, does not mean there’s a need for concern, much less a release. A tongue tie is when that band of tissue restricts the tongue’s range of motion to a degree that there is a functional concern.

Common Symptoms of Tongue Tie

If you suspect your child has a tongue tie, please check out this list of possible signs and symptoms of a tongue tie‍ . Feeding concerns tend to be at the top of the list for suspected tongue ties/oral ties in infants, though there can be other symptoms such as gas, reflux, and tension. As noted before, a good release provider will only recommend a release if there are concerns with FUNCTION - presentation alone is not enough to warrant a tongue tie release!

Steps for Determining if Your Infant Has a Tongue Tie

Choosing providers that consider oral function a primary area of expertise is incredibly helpful in both diagnosing and determining whether a release is recommended. Oral ties are not typically taught or discussed in the general education system and usually requires additional training and education to truly be proficient so please vet providers by asking what additional training they have!

If you suspect your infant has a tongue tie, a great first step is reaching out to an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). IBCLCs are trained to support both breast and bottle feeding through careful observation and assessment of baby’s feeding mechanics. They can also suggest different feeding positions that might be more effective for you and your baby as well as provide guidance on clogged ducts/mastitis, the use of nipple shields, flanges for pumping, choosing the right bottle for your infant’s specific needs, and SO much more. This can be invaluable while underlying causes for inefficiency, pain, and/or discomfort are addressed.

Some IBCLCs even have additional training in oral motor rehab, which (simply put) is like physical therapy for the structures of the mouth. This additional training can be extremely beneficial for helping to strengthen and coordinate tissues and structures involved in optimal feeding. This is not only helpful in resolving dysfunctional feeding in some cases, but is also beneficial prior to and post-release. Other providers with additional oral motor training such as Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) are also wonderful resources in helping to build strength and coordination and/or prep for a release!

While IBCLCs can’t diagnose tongue ties, they are highly skilled and qualified to assess function. If it is determined that an oral restriction is likely contributing to dysfunction, they can refer you out for your next steps…

Who To See Prior to a Tongue Tie Release

After working with an IBCLC to determine oral function, it’s likely you’ll be referred to a bodyworker if you’re not already working with one.

As a Denver based, pediatric chiropractor with additional training in oral ties, I’m slightly biased to my methods of infant bodywork. I use a combination of Craniosacral Facial Technique (CFT), Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), gentle myofascial release, intra-oral work (work on the structures inside the mouth), soothing stretches, massage techniques, and home-care recommendations. This combination of methods works to reduce the tension within the body that is contributing to dysfunction. As we’ve all been taught - everything is connected! The goal with bodywork prior to a release is to improve function as much as possible with the anatomy that baby has. Though we can’t “stretch” the tissue causing the tongue/lip tie (it can only be released), we can decrease tension in the surrounding areas to help baby feel more comfortable in their body, improve mobility of the structures of the mouth, help to improve feeding mechanics, and prep for an easier release and recovery!

Other wonderful providers that provide bodywork pre- and post-release include Pediatric Physical Therapists, Pediatric Occupational Therapists, and Craniosacral Therapists. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these providers as long as they have additional training in this area!

Who to Consult for a Tongue Tie Diagnosis and Tongue Tie Release

Finding the right release provider is one of the most important parts of your journey. It’s also important to note that while many professionals can assess functional concerns and tension, only a few providers can truly diagnose tongue ties and include: pediatricians, dentists, pediatric dentists, and ENTs.

Dentists specializing in oral ties can evaluate the oral structures as well as function and offer valuable insights into potential treatment options. If you are able to find an airway-focused dentist in your area, they tend to have a deeper knowledge of the long-term impact of potential ties on the orofacial and it’s impact on airway development. Providers with additional training, a conservative approach, and the latest laser technology for releases are an invaluable resource for both determining if a release is necessary and providing the best treatment options. Typically, a seasoned release provider requires consultations with lactation and bodywork professionals both prior to and post-release to improve outcomes and to ensure the best release results possible. It’s commonly said that, “A tongue tie release is a process, not a procedure,” and I could not agree with this more.

IF YOU TAKE ONE THING AWAY FROM THIS BLOG, IT SHOULD BE THIS -

It’s important to have an IBCLC (and potentially, an SLP or OT), bodyworker, and qualified release provider on your care team to ensure you’re receiving a procedure that is truly necessary AND to maximize the results of the procedure itself!

Woman in green pants wearing gloves and doing a tongue tie assessment on an infant wearing a onesie with moons while in a Snuggle Me — **Hi there!**

My name is **Dr. Dani** and I’m an in-home chiropractor for busy women and infants within the Denver Metro area. I work with women of all ages and stages, but truly shine with the **pregnancy**, **postpartum, and** **pediatric** **populations**. I strive for quality care through extended appointment times, diverse treatment modalities, personalized home-care recommendations, and education so families can feel both empowered *and* cared for!
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Who to See if You Suspect Your Infant Has a Tongue Tie