Infant Tongue and Lip tie
Treating babies with love & compassion
Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi, DDS, is a highly esteemed professional in the field of pediatric dentistry, with a specialization in infant lip and tongue tie treatment. Her unique expertise comes not only from her professional background but also from her personal experiences as a mother of two tongue-tied babies. This dual perspective has enabled her to develop a profound understanding of the challenges faced by both parents and infants dealing with these conditions.
Dr. Ghodousi-Zaghi’s journey began when she encountered difficulties breastfeeding her own children due to tongue and lip ties. These experiences ignited her passion for helping other families facing similar challenges, motivating her to delve into the intricacies of infant lip and tongue ties. She recognized the need for specialized care in this domain and committed herself to providing comprehensive solutions.
What is a tongue, lip, & cheek tie?
A frenum is a band of tissue that connects two structures within the body. Although frenula serve to provide support for tissue, overly restrictive frenula (medically termed “ankyloglossia”) may be the cause of difficulties in speaking, eating, and even breastfeeding.
- Tongue Tie: when the lingual frenulum (which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too tight
- Lip Tie: when the labial frenulum (which connects the lips to the gums of the mouth) is too tight
- Cheek Tie: when the buccal frenum (which connects the cheeks to the gums of the mouth) is too tight
How does this affect my infant?
Feeding
- Presence of tongue tie may limit the tongue’s mobility, leading to difficulties latching onto the breast or bottle during feeding
- Presence of a lip tie may prevent the baby’s ability to phalange their upper lip outward while latching onto the breast or bottle. This prevents a proper seal for feeding, which can cause difficulties in achieving a comfortable latch and effective milk transfer
- Presence of a cheek tie may affect the baby’s ability to create proper suction during feeding. The muscles of the cheek should be contracting in a wave-like pattern and a restrictive buccal frenum may contribute to an inconsistent suck pattern.
Breathing
- In severe cases, a lingual tie can restrict the tongue’s movement enough to affect the airway, potentially leading to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. It is important for the tongue to have enough mobility to maintain proper tongue posture for optimal breathing.
- A severe lip-tie might restrict lip movement, which could impact normal mouth functions, including breathing. However, the impact on breathing is generally less prominent compared to tongue-tie.
Why is tongue posture important?
The resting position of the tongue within the mouth. The tongue exerts a gentle outward force on the upper jaw and helps promote proper eruption and alignment of teeth.
At rest (not actively engaged in speaking, eating, or swallowing), the tongue should be against the roof of the mouth (palate) with the tip of the tongue gently behind the front teeth and the back of the tongue against the soft palate.
Tongue posture during childhood plays a prominent role in shaping the growth and development of the jaws, palate, and facial structures. Improper tongue posture may contribute to narrow jaws, malocclusion, and more.
Proper tongue posture supports an open airway. Improper tongue posture, particularly during sleep, is especially relevant in the cases of sleep apnea and mouth breathing.
Proper tongue posture contributes to clear and accurate speech production. Improper tongue posture may lead to speech difficulties such as lisping or articulation disorders.
Signs & Symptoms
- Noisy suckling or clicking
- Popping on and off the breast
- Challenges with maintaining suction pattern
- Milk leaking on the sides of the mouth
- Poor weight gain
- Coughing or gagging
- Lip blisters
- Gas pain
- Noisy breathing/snoring sounds when sleeping
- Reflux or colic symptoms
- Pain and discomfort during breastfeeding
- Sore or cracked nipples
- Flattened nipples after feeding
- Frequent or prolonged feedings
- Poor breast drainage
- Decreased milk production
It’s important to note that the severity of ties vary greatly and the function of the tongue is much more indicative of treatment rather than how it may look. If you suspect that a tongue, lip, and/or cheek tie is affecting the feeding, breathing, or sleeping of your infant, it is important to consult with a specialist such as Dr. Nora.
Post-Operative care
what you may expect after the procedure:
Before lingual & labial frenectomy
Right after lingual & labial frenectomy
4 days post-op
Dr. Nora's stretching protocol
With clean hands, place your finger on the site of the wound and push upwards to stretch with gentle pressure. Recommended to complete the “Lift & Twist” 3x/day.
The “Lift & Twist” stretch over a released tongue tie.
More frenectomy stretches to support the healing of your little one!
Natural Remedies
Can act as a natural numbing agent & help with the pain.
Freeze milk flat in a baggie and place tiny pieces under lips, tongue, or cheek and allow to melt slowly.
Best if kept chilled and safe for any age.
Simply apply small dab to treated areas 4-6 times a day. Recommended for mothers who are no longer breastfeeding or have access to breast milk.
Homeopathy is deal to use with infants, pregnant, nursing women, chemically-sensitive individuals, and those seeking a more natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.
- Chamomillia Boiron Camilia Single Doses (for irritability & inflammation)
- Arnica Montana 30C (wound healing) – Dissolve 3 pellets in 1 oz dropper bottle of chilled distilled water; Give 5-10 drops every 2-3 hours as needed
- Staphysagria 6C (for wound healing) – 1 pellet 2x/day
Click HERE to shop Dr. Nora’s suggestions
