How Pediatric Chiropractic Can Support an Infant Tongue Tie
If you’re a parent struggling with breastfeeding—or if your baby always seems uncomfortable—you’re not alone. There may be an underlying reason you haven’t heard much about yet: tongue ties and lip ties (also known as TOTS, or Tethered Oral Tissues).
Tethered Oral Tissues can involve a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), where a small band of tissue restricts the tongue’s movement, or a lip tie, where the upper lip is tightly anchored to the gum. These often show up together and can run in families.
While some babies with TOTS have no obvious symptoms, others face a wide range of challenges, especially when it comes to latching, feeding, and comfort. Left unaddressed, oral ties can also contribute to issues with sleep, speech, posture, and development later on. Some ties, like posterior tongue ties, are tricky to spot because they’re hidden deep under the tongue.
The good news? Help is available. Pediatric chiropractic care provides a gentle, supportive approach that can make a big difference—whether you’re supporting your baby before and after a tongue tie surgery (frenectory) or exploring alternatives to a release procedure.
What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is when a small band of tissue under the tongue (called the frenulum) is too tight or thick, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. A lip tie is similar—it occurs when the upper lip is tightly anchored to the gum. Tongue and lip ties often occur together and can run in families.
A tongue tie and/or lip tie can be an overwhelming and traumatic problem for both mom and baby. Tongue ties can cause an array of issues, from latching problems and breastfeeding challenges early on to possible future musculoskeletal, dental, sleep, digestive, and speech complications.
In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, and the various degrees of lip and tongue ties make them challenging to diagnose. In the case of a posterior tongue tie, the tie is situated deep in the mouth, far beneath the tongue, and is not easily visible.
How Do I Know If My Baby Has a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Every baby is different, but some common signs include:
In Babies:
- Trouble latching or staying latched while nursing
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Blistered or calloused lips
- Favoring one breast or one side of the body
- Colic, reflux, or excessive gas
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Noisy breathing, congestion, or snoring
In Moms:
- Painful nursing (cracked, bleeding, or misshapen nipples)
- Frequent plugged ducts, mastitis, or thrush
- Low milk supply
- Difficulty bonding or feelings of depression
- Feeling like “something’s wrong” but not knowing what
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Feeding shouldn’t feel like a daily struggle, and persistent discomfort isn’t something you just have to “push through.” The good news is that there are compassionate providers who specialize in evaluating and supporting babies with TOTS. With the right care, things can get easier for both you and baby.
TOTS Treatment and What to Expect
If you suspect your baby has a lip or tongue tie, the first step is to seek out professional guidance. A pediatric chiropractor, lactation consultant, or airway dentist can inspect your baby’s mouth for signs and provide resources for taking further action if necessary.
Tongue and lip ties are corrected with a frenectomy, a minor procedure to loosen or remove the frenulum tissue, allowing the tongue to move more freely and have a wider range of motion. But treatment does not stop here. To prevent tissue reattachment, it’s critical that families follow post-procedure stretching exercises and wound care, along with pre- and post-procedure cranial sacral or chiropractic care.
Baby Ties: The Importance of Chiropractic Care for Lip and Tongue Ties
Chiropractic care is crucial because of the structural changes linked to TOTS, particularly in the neck, face, and cranium. The tension from tethered tissues can lead to lasting structural changes in the musculoskeletal system, resulting in postural abnormalities or asymmetries.
In infants, these postural challenges can lead to difficulties in reaching developmental milestones—such as rolling over, crawling, turning the head evenly, or holding the neck up during tummy time. Specific chiropractic adjustments can restore proper musculoskeletal structure, which in turn supports better neurological function. These adjustments are safe, gentle, and tailored specifically to babies.
Tongue tie pediatric chiropractic care includes both internal and external work to relieve tightness. Special techniques are used to enhance jaw, tongue, and lip movement, all while supporting the baby’s overall comfort and development.
But Here’s the Thing: It’s Not Always the Tie
Not every baby with feeding challenges has a true tongue or lip tie. Sometimes, the issue isn’t the frenulum at all—it’s the tension or misalignment in the baby’s neck, jaw, or cranial bones that’s mimicking the symptoms of a tie.
For example, if the muscles that control the tongue are restricted or the baby’s head and neck are out of alignment (which can easily happen during birth), their ability to latch and feed effectively can be impacted—even if the frenulum is normal. We’ve seen babies who were referred for a release procedure, but after just a few gentle chiropractic adjustments, their latch improved significantly without needing surgery.
This is why a thorough evaluation by a pediatric chiropractor is so valuable. It helps rule out other causes of dysfunction before jumping to a surgical solution.
Why Chiropractic Care Matters—Before and After a Release
Sometimes, a frenectomy (tongue or lip tie release) is necessary. But even when a release is part of the plan, chiropractic care plays a vital role in supporting the best outcome—before and after the procedure.
This is often referred to as pre-habilitation, and it’s widely recommended by providers who work with infant ties.
Before the release, gentle chiropractic care can:
- Align the head, neck, and jaw for better access during the procedure
- Reduce tension in the surrounding tissues
- Improve tongue and jaw mobility
After the release, continued care supports:
- Healthy healing and scar tissue formation
- Restoration of normal tongue function
- Prevention of reattachment or compensation patterns
Chiropractic care also complements other necessary steps, such as wound care and oral stretches, to help your baby adjust and thrive after the release.
Next Steps
If you suspect your baby has a tongue tie or lip tie (or if something just feels off) know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. We would love the opportunity to support you! Whether your baby needs an evaluation, is preparing for a release, or has already had one, pediatric chiropractic care can make a real difference in how your baby feels and functions.
Reach out to us at Well Family Chiropractic to request an evaluation or ask questions. You and your baby deserve a care plan that helps you both thrive.
Join the Well Community!
Stay in the loop with tips, updates, and family wellness insights—straight to your inbox! Sign up for our email newsletter today and never miss a beat.