There is a relationship between tongue/lip ties and the effect it can have on a child’s health. Whether it manifests as a mother who struggles with nursing or laying the groundwork for a life of challenging breathing, these are not what any parent wants for their child. At myKIDSdds, our doctors continue to seek further education in areas at the forefront of new ideas, information and procedures to improve their patient’s overall health.
In the beginning…
Upon entering the world a baby’s ability to latch, as well as an efficient sucking posture for breastfeeding, influence their nutrition and development of strong facial muscles. These muscles support the shape of their jaw structure and ultimately the alignment of teeth. This timing is the first opportunity for tongue/lip tie revisions to have a positive impact. Our doctors also recommend treatment followup support to possibly include lactation specialists, chiropractors, speech pathologists, craniosacral or myofascial release professionals for best results.
As they grow up…
During childhood, if tongue/lip ties have not been addressed, other issues can become evident.
There might be a space between their upper front teeth that even braces cannot keep closed without the frenum tissue being removed. Low tongue posture and poor muscle tone from a tongue that cannot move freely, interfering with the ability to breathe exclusively through the nose is another possibility for concern.
A tongue tie release with children also needs accompanying myofunctional activities/exercises to retrain the tongue in its new healthier position. This supports the surgery for greater success, as the muscles need training to function differently after the habits of many prior years. We have team members who have completed extensive courses in myofunctional therapy to guide your child through this process.
What is healthy breathing?
Breathing should not be heard or noticed when awake or sleeping unless your child is congested from a cold or allergies. When they are healthy, if you still observe noisy breathing, snoring, teeth grinding or their lips frequently remain open to breathe, an evaluation of the structures of the ears, nose and throat by a qualified physician might be recommended. Drs. Villasenor and Dad collaborate with ENT physicians specializing in airway and sleep disorder’s diagnosis and treatment. Another consideration is the possible need for a tongue tie release to allow freedom of movement which can result in the airway becoming more efficient to breathe through the nose.
Why is this important? Nasal breathing serves as a filter for allergens and bacteria while warming and humidifying the air. It allows the lungs to fully expand, thus receiving more oxygen which is distributed to the body and the brain. If the nose struggles to breathe, the child is forced to seek air through mouth breathing. Studies have shown that exclusive mouth breathing can create complications such as poor, restless sleep, possibly leading to an improper diagnosis of ADHD or a future of sleep apnea.The width of the child’s palate (roof of their mouth) is also evaluated for adequate space to allow the tongue, after tie is released, to rest in the healthy raised position for nasal breathing. Our doctors have the expertise and appliance options available to create additional space for those patients if necessary.
Partners in evaluation…
Our doctors specialize in the mouth structures while clearly understanding that there is a connection throughout the body to consider. Collaboration is key in looking at the big picture of your child’s health. Drs. Villasenor, Cohen and Dad enlist a number of trusted colleagues to share information in order to arrive at the best diagnosis and plan for your child. The myKIDSdds team strives to put the puzzle together to give your child a healthy, happy future reaching their greatest potential.
If you would like to learn more about the connection between the tongue tie/lip tie, airway and health connections, check out Dr. Soroush Zaghi’s lectures and information at thebreathinstutute.com. We see him as a trusted resource.
