Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lip-Tie & Tongue-Tie

Full tissue healing occurs after six weeks. Most patients have described this as a sore throat feeling. Our patients have reported that the most discomfort is felt between days 2-5. Wound care will be discussed extensively with you at your appointment. This recovery will ebb and flow, it is completely normal for yourself or your child to feel discomfort on and off. Please be sure to follow up with your supportive care team (lactation consultant, SLP, bodyworker) to ensure that function is being restored. Also, please have any questions written down for the day of your appointment to ensure that you are completely informed regarding this procedure.

The simple answer is that your symptoms will continue. In babies, bottle feeding, or nursing will continue to be a difficult process. When it is time to move up to solids from liquids, there may be texture aversions and sensitivities caused by the tongue lacking stamina. Their mouth has to work harder, therefore, they do not want to eat solids.<br>

In toddlers, we see issues arise in craniofacial development. This means that since the tongue was never able to reach the palate, the palate was never naturally widened by the tongue. This results in a long, narrow face and a high arched palate in the mouth. The bottom central incisor teeth usually are kinked inwards if there is a tongue tie. Once speech patterns begin to develop, we see issues with bi-labial words, stuttering, lisps and poor mouth posture. This can mean that when your child is at rest, the mouth is hanging open or the tongue is not positioned in the mouth properly. This also usually results in open mouth breathing during sleep, leading to seasonal allergies being aggravated. Let us know if you would like to learn more regarding this.

Dr. Rowe uses a LightScalpel CO₂ laser. Traditionally, scalpel and/or scissors were used. This immediately causes bleeding, which can obstruct the view and makes it difficult to ensure that both the anterior and posterior components of the tie are released. Alternatively, some providers utilize a diode laser. This laser uses heat to remove the tissue. Each surgeon is different, but this technique is not preferred for many reasons. A CO₂ laser does not use cautery. The CO₂ laser extracts water from each molecule it is aimed at. This vaporizes the tissue versus cauterizing it. Thus, minimizing the amount of bleeding. A CO₂ laser is the most precise instrument available today.

For toddlers, this procedure can be a bit daunting. We recommend avoiding use of the words “pain, bleeding, surgery, hurt”. These words give a negative connotation and we want to create a pleasant and positive experience. There are many ways to prepare such as training with a frozen blueberry under the tongue to create the feeling of numbing. Orajel or similar can also be used. Our patients should be seen by an SLP for additional instructional training and exercises to familiarize the child with intra-oral work. Practicing intentional breathing may be of some use as well.

We have treated many children with various special needs and have been fortunate to learn along the way. We offer weighted blankets, toys that help to calm the sensory process, as well as special lighting in our treatment rooms. Dr. Rowe is very compassionate and will go to great lengths to ensure that your child has a wonderful experience. Please let us know ahead of time what accommodations that your child may require.

We will give you specific instructions during your appointment as well as a handout to take home to ensure that you are comfortable with the pain management techniques that we suggest. We highly recommend the use of Tylenol and Motrin as directed by your pediatrician. In addition, Arnica gel can be used on the skin from the chin to the collarbone. We also will give you a tincture to take home. This tincture is locally made, organically sourced and made with natural essential oils. It contains: Arnica Montana 30x, lavender, chamomile, calendula, turmeric, and coconut oil.

Adults can have many symptoms that could result from tongue tie. These may include: irregular tooth alignment, stiff shoulders, discomfort in the neck, a cold feeling in the extremities, an obstructed feeling in the throat, insomnia, fatigue, dry skin, irritability and/ or anxiety, and nervousness. Snoring, muscle cramps, difficulty in playing wind instruments and hoarseness, speech issues, grinding and clenching of the teeth, reflux, headaches, migraines, chronic sinusitis, high palate, long narrow face, TMJ pain, TMJ popping/locking.

Our patients experience the most discomfort during days 2-5. This healing process will ebb and flow and that is completely normal! Most patients have described this as a sore throat feeling. Full tissue healing occurs after six weeks. Wound care will be discussed extensively with you in your appointment. Please be sure to have any questions written down for the day of your appointment to ensure that you are completely informed regarding this procedure.

Supportive care in our office is crucial. For our nursing patients, we recommend working with an IBCLC to ensure that each component of breastfeeding is carried out thoroughly. For our infant to toddler patients, we recommend working with an SLP that is trained in Beckman Oral Therapy. This method is best for patients that cannot follow a therapist’s directions. For our children and adults 4 years old and up, we recommend working with a therapist trained in myofunctional therapy or a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. This therapy strengthens and (re)trains muscles in the mouth required for eating, breathing, swallowing, talking and sleep. For all of our patients, we recommend craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic therapy.

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