When treating ties, it is rarely a quick fix and will most likely require a team of practitioners to help with the possible procedural correction, stretches and oral development to solve the feeding difficulties surrounding the ties. Outlined below are the different specialist you could see to help solve the feeding puzzle and get you child functionally eating well.
Where to Start:
If you have a baby and are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties or pain when nursing, it would be most beneficial to first see a lactation consultant (IBCLC). An IBCLC can work on latch, positioning, stretches, pumping and many other breastfeeding needs. If you have an infant having feeding difficulties with a bottle or starting solids, schedule an assessment with oral motor specialist, which would be an occupational therapist (OT) or speech therapist (SLP). Oral motor specialists can work on gag reflex, chewing, lip closure, tongue lateralization and many other mouth functions needed for feeding.
Pre and Post Procedural Care:
If one of the above practitioners or yourself suspects a tongue, lip and or buccal-ties, I’d suggest seeing one or more than of the bodywork specialists which could help address the tightness in the body’s mouth. Chiropractors can help with bone and nerve alignment to increase range of motion. Osteopathic doctors can help with tongue-tie through gentle manipulation to help relieve tension in the neck and jaw. In addition, occupational therapist, physical therapists or lactation consultants could be trained in bodywork treatments that could include Cranialsacral Facial Therapy (CSF), Cranialsacral Therapy (CST) or Myofacial Release can also help with stretching the releasing restrictions in the body.
If a Frenectomy is Needed:
Once it is identified that a release of the connective frenulum frenectomy could be beneficial, a consultation could be set up with an airway centric dentist or ear nose and throat doctor (ENT).
To Review, the specialists in each area are outlined below.
Frenectomy:
- Airway centric dentist
- Ear nose and throat doctor (ENT)
Bodywork:
- Occupational therapist (OT)
- Physical therapist (PT)
- Lactation consultant (IBCLC)
- Chiropractor (DC)
- Osteopathic doctor (DO)
Oral Motor Therapists:
- Occupational therapist (OT)
- Speech and language specialist (SLP)
Lactation Support:
- International board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)