Can a chiropractor help a baby with a tongue or lip tie?
Introduction
Does it seem like your baby is nursing for a long time but never appears full? Or maybe they are latching for just a moment but then releasing and crying. If so, it’s natural to be concerned. A few different factors could contribute to this issue, including a lip tie or tongue tie. It is definitely something that should be solved sooner rather than later for the best results.
If you’re wondering how chiropractic care can help your baby with a tongue or lip tie, you’ve come to the right place! Before seeing how chiropractic care can help, let’s first have a look at, what tongue or lip tie is, and what are its consequences.
What is a tongue or lip tie?
A tongue tie is a common (but not normal!) condition where a child is born with a shorter, thicker, or tighter band of tissue that connects the bottom of their tongue to their mouth. When this happens, it limits the range of motion and movement of a baby’s tongue. Lip ties are, essentially, the same thing. This condition occurs when the tissue which connects the upper or lower lip to the gums is thick, too short, or is otherwise improperly formed, causing mobility issues with the lips.
It can be an overwhelming and traumatic problem for both mama and baby. While this might seem like a small problem, there can be serious complications that can follow you through childhood and into adulthood if left untreated.
What are the consequences of Tongue or Lip Tie in infants?
Oral health can impact your child’s overall health, which is certainly the case with tongue and lip ties. Let’s explore some of the ways that a tongue tie or lip tie can affect your child’s daily life:
- Speech difficulties due to limited mobility of the tongue or upper lip
- Breastfeeding problems
- Insufficient nutrients
- Dental issues
- Sleep issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Limited tongue mobility
- Failure to gain weight/thrive
- Problems with introducing a solid diet
- Sinus congestion, noisy breathing, snoring
Importance of Chiropractic Care for Tongue or Lip Tie
Chiropractic care is a crucial part of care when it comes to lip/tongue ties. Chiropractors can help locate areas of stress and tension in the neck, jaw, and spine. They utilize safe, gentle and effective chiropractic adjustments on the neck and cranial bones. These adjustments are tailored toward infants and the techniques vary by age. They will work with the inside and outside of the mouth to relieve tightness and use special techniques to improve jaw, tongue, and lip movement.
With chiropractic adjustments, children with Lip and Tongue Tie can see many improvements. Some of them are:
- Improved latching and nursing sessions
- More restful sleep
- Less gas and constipation
- Feeling calmer
- Having a happier disposition
Conclusion
Don’t let your child’s tongue-tie or lip-tie make the early days of parenthood even more stressful. If you suspect that your child may have tongue-tie or lip-tie, bring them in to see us anytime. At Blossom Family Chiropractic, we aim to help you have the best chance to optimize your health and well-being. We would love the opportunity to help you and your family achieve optimal health.
As one of St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Maitland Florida’s leading Pediatric and Family chiropractors, we’re always striving to provide you and your family with the best care and experience. If you are looking for prenatal, infant, or family chiropractic care – contact us to schedule an appointment, we can’t wait to help your family!
Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Orlando, and Maitland Florida from two office locations!
