Chiropractic care is often associated with treating musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain and joint problems. However, it may come as a surprise to many that chiropractic care can also play a valuable role in addressing lip and tongue ties in both children and adults. To understand how chiropractic care can assist with these conditions, we must first explore what lip and tongue ties are and how they can impact one’s health and well-being.

Lip and Tongue Ties: What Are They?

Lip and tongue ties are congenital conditions in which the thin pieces of tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gum (labial frenulum) or the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) are abnormally tight or restrictive. These tight or thick frenula can limit the range of motion and flexibility of the upper lip and tongue, causing a range of issues.

“There is a vast difference between treating effects and adjusting the cause.”

Daniel D. Palmer

Effects of Lip and Tongue Ties

1. Feeding Problems: Infants with lip and tongue ties may have difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle, leading to inadequate nutrition and potential weight gain issues.
2. Speech Development: Tongue ties can affect speech development in children, leading to speech impediments and difficulties with pronunciation.
3. Dental Health: Lip and tongue ties can contribute to dental problems, including gaps between teeth, gum recession, and improper tooth alignment.
4. Oral Health: In adults, lip and tongue ties can cause discomfort, difficulty with oral hygiene, and even contribute to bad breath due to the inability to clean certain areas of the mouth effectively.
5. Breathing and Sleep Issues: In some cases, severe lip and tongue ties can affect nasal breathing, leading to potential sleep disturbances and snoring.

Chiropractic Care and Lip/Tongue Ties

Chiropractic care involves the assessment and adjustment of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, muscles, and joints. While this may not seem directly related to lip and tongue ties, the body is a complex interconnected system, and imbalances in one area can impact others. Here’s how chiropractic care can assist with lip and tongue ties:

1. Alignment of Cranial Bones: Chiropractors are trained to assess the alignment of cranial bones, including the bones of the skull and face. Misalignments in these bones can result from tension in the facial muscles due to lip and tongue ties. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this tension, potentially improving oral function and comfort.
2. Nervous System Function: Chiropractic care focuses on optimizing nervous system function, which plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to heal and adapt. By ensuring that the nervous system is functioning optimally, chiropractic adjustments may aid in the healing process after a lip or tongue tie release procedure.
3. Postoperative Support: After a surgical release of lip or tongue ties, chiropractic care can be beneficial in helping the body adapt to the changes. Adjustments can assist with realigning the musculoskeletal system and reducing tension in the affected areas, promoting a smoother recovery process.
4. Holistic Approach: Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to health, considering the interplay between various body systems. This approach can be particularly valuable when addressing lip and tongue ties, as it recognizes that these conditions can have far-reaching effects beyond the oral cavity.

It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical or dental intervention when addressing lip and tongue ties. However, it can be a complementary therapy that supports overall health and well-being, particularly in cases where musculoskeletal tension or misalignment contributes to or exacerbates the condition.

In conclusion, chiropractic care can play a significant role in assisting with lip and tongue ties by addressing musculoskeletal issues, promoting nervous system health, and providing holistic support for individuals affected by these conditions. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, dentists, and chiropractors, to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual.