Many babies are born with a combination of conditions called a tongue and/or a lip tie (ankyloglossia), causing restrictions in tongue movement. Tongue ties, or other tethered oral tissues, are sometimes diagnosed during a baby’s routine newborn check, but they can often be missed until challenges with feeding appear.
Common signs of a tongue and/or lip tie can include:
  • The tip of the tongue looks notched or heart-shaped
  • Unable to stick out their tongue or move it past the edge of their lower lip
  • The tip of the tongue can’t reach the roof of the mouth
  • Difficulty moving their tongue from side to side
  • Trouble latching on or staying on the breast
  • Long feeding times, or a need to top up
  • Feeding feels like a full time job
  • Gain weight at a slower pace than average
  • Making a “clicking” sound when feeding
  • Excessive gassiness or colic
  • Excessive drooling
  • Open mouth breathing and snoring
  • Upper lip curls in during feeding
  • Rejects a soother
  • Dribbles from the bottle or breast
  • Baby often sounds congested or mucusy
  • Pain with nursing/latching to the mother
  • Mother’s nipples are cracked, or mis-shaped after nursing
  • Mother has clogged ducts, engorgement, or mastitis
  • Gap between two front teeth
  • Difficulty with the introduction of solids
​A diagnosis of TOTs (tethered oral tissues) can only be made by a medical doctor or a dentist. However; Chiropractors, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Breastfeeding Consultants can relay their clinical impression and guide you to the appropriate and best referrals for further diagnosis. To be noted, TOTs care is not included in any care provider's general education, but must be sought out via continuing education. All care providers at Rebirth with a focus on TOTs have additional education and experience to serve your baby best.

Normal tongue function is important as it is needed for a baby to feed efficiently, promote normal facial development, and for proper self-cleansing of the mouth. It also encourages adequate breathing and swallowing patterns and allows for proper growth and development.

Your baby likely won’t have all the signs mentioned above if they are having problems with feeding due to a tongue tie or lip tie. However, if your baby is experiencing any of the signs above, or you feel concerned that your baby may have a tongue tie or a lip tie, please do not hesitate to book a consultation.
Often the term "bodywork" is used in the world of TOTs to help families understand the importance of manual therapy when addressing tethered oral tissues and their compensation patterns. Bodywork is a general term used to describe a therapist that may help relieve tension and normalize structural issues in the body.
Body work is recommended before and after a frenectomy to help relieve tension, reorganize soft tissue fibers which will help to improve alignment. It also supports neurological integration of these new patterns, and body awareness.