Oral ties, such as tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal-tie, are more common than many parents realize and can significantly impact an infant’s ability to feed, grow, and thrive. Identifying the signs of these conditions early is key to helping your baby receive the care they need.
Chiropractic care is an often-overlooked but powerful tool for supporting babies with oral ties. Gentle, precise adjustments can help relieve tension, promote proper function, and work in harmony with other interventions like lactation consulting or tongue-tie revision.
In this post, we’ll help you understand the signs and symptoms of tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal-tie in infants, and when it’s time to consider an infant chiropractor as part of your baby’s care team.
What Are Oral Ties?
Oral ties occur when the connective tissues in the mouth, called frenula, are too tight or thick, restricting movement. These include:
- Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): The tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is tight, limiting tongue mobility.
- Lip-Tie: The tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (labial frenulum) is tight, restricting the ability to move the lip freely.
- Buccal-Tie: The tissue inside the cheeks (buccal frenulum) is overly tight, impacting oral function and feeding.
These conditions can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and even speech and oral health later in life.
Signs of Tongue-Tie, Lip-Tie, and Buccal-Tie in Infants
Recognizing the symptoms of oral ties is the first step in seeking the right care for your baby. Here are some common signs of tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal-tie:
Feeding Challenges
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while nursing
- Prolonged feedings or frequent nursing sessions
- Excessive gas, reflux, or colic due to swallowing air while feeding
- Maternal pain during breastfeeding (often described as pinching or biting)
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
Oral and Facial Tension
- Preference for feeding on one side
- Difficulty sticking out or lifting the tongue
- Restricted movement of the upper lip
- Tightness in the cheeks or jaw
- Fussiness or discomfort when feeding
Appearance of the Frenulum
- A visible string-like attachment under the tongue, upper lip, or inside the cheeks
- The tongue may appear heart-shaped or restricted when lifted
How Oral Ties Affect Babies Beyond Feeding
Oral ties don’t just cause feeding difficulties—they can also lead to:
- Speech Delays: Restricted tongue or lip movement may interfere with speech development as your child grows.
- Dental Issues: Oral ties can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum issues, and orthodontic challenges.
- Airway Concerns: Tension in the mouth and neck can affect breathing and lead to mouth-breathing patterns.
- Postural Imbalances: Babies with oral ties may develop neck and jaw tension that impacts their overall posture and mobility.
When to See a Chiropractor for Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
If your baby shows signs of oral ties, a pediatric-trained chiropractor can play a crucial role in their care. Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on addressing the tension and misalignments in the spine, neck, and jaw that often accompany tongue-tie, lip-tie, or buccal-tie.
Consider seeing a chiropractor if:
- Your baby has been diagnosed with an oral tie and you want to support their feeding and comfort.
- You’re preparing for a tongue-tie or lip-tie revision and want to optimize their body for recovery.
- You notice your baby’s neck or jaw seems tight, or they favor one side when feeding or turning their head.
- Your baby has symptoms of reflux, colic, or gas that may be related to swallowing air during feeding.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Babies With Oral Ties
Chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive way to support your baby’s health and function. At Pinnacle Chiropractic, our doctors are certified in pediatric care and specialize in nervous system-based adjustments designed specifically for infants.
Here’s how chiropractic care can help:
1. Relieves Tension in the Neck, Jaw, and Spine
Babies with oral ties often develop compensatory patterns, such as tightness in the neck or jaw, to work around restricted movement.
Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments release this tension, improving your baby’s comfort and ability to feed effectively.
2. Supports Proper Alignment
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the nervous system and the muscles that control the tongue and jaw.
Chiropractic Care: Adjustments restore alignment to the spine, optimizing nervous system function and improving mobility in the mouth and neck.
3. Prepares the Body for Frenectomy
If a frenectomy (oral tie revision) is recommended, chiropractic care can prepare your baby’s body for the procedure by reducing tension and ensuring the surrounding muscles and tissues are balanced.
Chiropractic Care: Pre-revision adjustments create a more favorable environment for healing and recovery.
4. Enhances Recovery After a Revision
Post-revision, the body may still hold tension patterns developed before the procedure.
Chiropractic Care: Regular adjustments help your baby adapt to the changes, promoting proper function and long-term improvements in feeding and comfort.
Why Choose Pinnacle Chiropractic?
At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we specialize in providing gentle, effective care for infants and families in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Our doctors are trained through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and use techniques tailored to the unique needs of infants with oral ties.
We collaborate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other healthcare providers to create a comprehensive care plan that supports your baby’s feeding, comfort, and development.
What to Expect During a Visit
Your baby’s first visit to Pinnacle Chiropractic will include:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We’ll discuss your baby’s health history, feeding challenges, and symptoms, followed by a gentle assessment of their spine, neck, and jaw.
- Gentle Adjustments: Adjustments for infants are incredibly light—no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
- Care Plan Recommendations: Based on your baby’s unique needs, we’ll create a personalized care plan to support their recovery and growth.
Real-Life Success Stories
Parents in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch have seen remarkable results from combining chiropractic care with interventions for oral ties.
- Lila’s Story: Lila was diagnosed with a tongue-tie at two weeks old and struggled to latch. Chiropractic care before and after her frenectomy relieved tension in her neck and jaw, allowing her to nurse comfortably for the first time.
- Mason’s Journey: Mason’s parents noticed he was colicky and couldn’t feed without swallowing air. After regular chiropractic adjustments, Mason’s latch improved, and his reflux symptoms disappeared.
Recognizing Oral Ties in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch
If you’re noticing signs of tongue-tie, lip-tie, or buccal-tie in your baby, early intervention is key. At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we’re here to help your baby thrive with gentle, effective care that supports their feeding, development, and comfort.
Conclusion
Recognizing oral ties early and seeking chiropractic care can make a world of difference for your baby’s health and well-being. By addressing tension and promoting proper function, chiropractic care is an essential part of a comprehensive approach to managing tongue-tie, lip-tie, or buccal-tie.
If you’re in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch and suspect your baby may have an oral tie, contact Pinnacle Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your baby feed, grow, and thrive.
