Treating Tongue-Ties in Eugene, OR
In recent years, tongue-tie treatments have garnered a lot of attention, leading many to wonder: is treating tongue-ties just a trend or a legitimate medical necessity? As a holistic infant and toddler occupational therapist and certified breastfeeding specialist, I’m often asked about this. Let’s break down the facts so you can make informed decisions for your baby.
What is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This restriction can limit tongue movement, impacting various functions such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, swallowing, and even airway development and sleep later in life.
The main thing to keep in mind is that a tongue-tie is more about the relationship between the tongue and the roof of the mouth than it is the appearance. I have seen babies that have an evident frenulum to the tip of their tongue, yet the frenulum isn't restrictive. They are able to fully touch the roof of their mouth keep it suctioned and have no troubles eating. In this case I do not consider them tongue-tie.
While tongue-ties have been recognized for centuries, modern science has helped us better understand how they can affect infants—particularly with feeding and development.
Is Treating Tongue-Ties Necessary?
It depends on the severity of the tongue-tie and the specific challenges it may cause. For many babies, tongue-ties may not create significant problems. As an Occupational Therapist I like to think about function first. If a baby is functioning and has no true issues, why treat it? Also, some babies, may have a tongue tie and body tension but by seeing a bodyworker (OT/PT/CST) we can release tension in the body giving more range of motion to the tongue. This may make it so that a surgical release isnt necessary at all.
However, in some cases tongue-ties can lead to:
Breastfeeding difficulties: Limited tongue mobility can prevent a proper latch, causing nipple pain for the mother and inefficient milk transfer for the baby, which may lead to poor weight gain or colic. Often times, mother may have a fast let-down and robust milk supply. In these cases I often get referals for the baby at 3 months when the mother's milk supply regulates and the baby is required to work to remove milk. This is often when the tongue tie issues really present themselves.
Bottle feeding challenges: Some bottle-fed babies struggle to create a seal or have trouble managing the flow of milk. They may leak milk, cough, choke, or click consistently on the bottle.
Poor weight gain: When a baby can't use their tongue throughout the full range of motion, they cannot effectively remove milk from the breast fully. This can result in a caloric deficit and subsequent weight loss/faultering.
Colic: An inability to create a proper seal or manage air while eating can result in the baby swallowing a lot of air while eating. This can cause many colic like symptoms.
Poor sleep/sleeping with mouth open: If a baby cannot engage in lingual palatal suction (sealing their tongue to the roof of their mouth) while sleeping I am generally concerned about this. But this typically presents with other tongue-tie symptoms as well. The reason this is so important is because the tongue helps form the upper palate. We want it to be a wide low U-shape. The roof of the mouth is the floor of the sinuses. Without proper palate development, we have inefficient airway development.
It’s important to note that not every baby with a tongue-tie needs surgical intervention. If a baby is feeding well, growing appropriately, and not experiencing discomfort, treatment may not be necessary. However, when feeding difficulties arise, or body tension seems related to restricted tongue movement, assessing and treating a tongue-tie can offer significant relief.
The Rise in Tongue-Tie Treatments: Why Now?
Tongue-tie treatments seem more prevalent now than in previous generations, which has led some to dismiss the rise as a ‘fad.’ However, there are several reasons why more parents and professionals are addressing tongue-ties today:
Better awareness: Pediatricians, lactation consultants, and other specialists are more aware of the link between tongue-ties and feeding difficulties in newborns. Many mothers who experience pain while breastfeeding or see their babies struggle to feed now seek evaluations for tongue-ties.
Advancements in diagnosis: Modern tools and assessment techniques allow healthcare providers to identify tongue-ties more easily. Issues that might have been missed years ago are now being recognized and addressed.
Holistic care focus: There is a growing recognition of the importance of optimizing infant feeding and development from the start. Parents today are more informed about the benefits of early intervention, which can reduce long-term complications.
Specialized professionals: Pediatricians, lactation consultants, and infant OTs (occupational therapists) like myself, who are trained to assess tongue function and feeding dynamics, are more widely available. These professionals can offer insights and treatment plans that go beyond traditional pediatric evaluations.
Is It a Trend or a Legitimate Concern?
Tongue-tie treatment is not just a passing trend—it’s rooted in addressing real challenges that can affect a baby’s ability to feed, grow, and develop. However, not every case requires intervention. It’s critical to have an experienced provider evaluate each baby individually to determine whether treatment is necessary. Please note the need for "experienced provider." Pediatrician's are brilliant human beings but they often don't have special training on tongue-ties or the biomechanics of nursing. Please go to someone with a TOTs training certification (Here is a great directory to find one in your area). But if you are looking for a trusted and experienced professional for tongue-tie evaluations in Eugene, OR book your free consultation with me here!
A comprehensive approach involves looking at feeding function, body tension, and overall development. In some cases, bodywork and feeding therapy can help alleviate issues without surgical intervention. In other cases, a quick, minimally invasive procedure called a frenotomy can provide significant improvement in feeding and reduce strain for both baby and parent.
The Takeaway
The rise in tongue-tie treatments reflects increased awareness, better diagnostics, and a focus on holistic infant care rather than a mere medical trend. If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding or oral development, an evaluation with a trained professional (OT or IBCLC) can provide clarity. Tongue-tie surgical treatment is a tool—one of many—that can help your baby thrive.
If you have concerns about whether your baby’s tongue-tie might be affecting their feeding, I’m here to help. Let’s chat and find the best solution for your family!
Book a free consultation from anywhere in the world here!
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