What Are TOTS?

Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS) refer to conditions like tongue ties and lip ties, which can affect a baby’s ability to move their tongue or upper lip freely. A tongue tie occurs when the thin tissue under the tongue (frenulum) restricts its range of motion, while a lip tie happens when the upper lip is tightly tethered to the gum. These conditions often occur together and can have genetic roots, making them more common in some families.

TOTS can lead to challenges for both mom and baby, from breastfeeding difficulties to potential future issues like speech delays, dental concerns, or musculoskeletal imbalances. Sometimes, symptoms are obvious, but in other cases—such as with posterior tongue ties—diagnosis can be difficult since the restriction isn’t easily visible.

At Roots Family Chiropractic, we’re here to help your baby thrive. Our goal is to support breastfeeding, assist in meeting developmental milestones, and prevent complications related to oral restrictions. Our team is trained in identifying signs of tongue and lip ties and providing the necessary resources for pre- and post-revision care.

Common Signs of Lip and Tongue Ties in Infants

For Babies:

Difficulty latching or repeated unsuccessful nursing attempts
Weak or unsustained latch; calloused or blistered lips
Clicking sounds while breastfeeding
Preference for feeding on one side
Colic, gas, or reflux symptoms
Failure to gain weight or thrive
Sinus congestion, noisy breathing, or snoring

For Moms:

Painful latch, cracked, or bleeding nipples
Flattened, blanched, or creased nipples after feeding
Plugged ducts, engorgement, mastitis, or thrush
Difficulty bonding with baby, leading to postpartum depression
Reduced milk production

Our TOTS Care Process

At Roots Family Chiropractic, we specialize in pre- and post-revision care for tongue and lip ties. If we suspect TOTS, we’ll perform a thorough assessment of your baby’s mouth and provide resources for further evaluation. We often collaborate with lactation consultants and dental specialists to ensure your baby gets comprehensive care.

The most common treatment for TOTS is a frenectomy, a simple procedure that loosens or removes the tight frenulum tissue, allowing for improved tongue or lip mobility. However, the healing process requires more than just the procedure itself.

Proper care includes:

Stretching exercises to prevent tissue reattachment
Chiropractic care to address tension and restore function
Guidance on creating an optimal environment for your baby’s recovery

Why Chiropractic Care Is Essential for TOTS

TOTS can cause tension in the neck, jaw, and cranial structures, leading to postural imbalances and developmental delays. Chiropractic care focuses on these structural changes, ensuring proper alignment and relieving stress caused by tethered tissues.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TOTS:

Restores musculoskeletal alignment in the neck, face, and cranium.
Reduces tension and improves mobility in the jaw, tongue, and lips.
Supports developmental milestones like rolling, crawling, and feeding.
Enhances neurological function by optimizing structural alignment.

Our Approach at Roots Family Chiropractic

Our team provides gentle, hands-on care tailored to your baby’s specific needs. We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify tension and misalignments in your baby’s body, including the neck, jaw, and spine.

What We Offer:

Safe, effective chiropractic adjustments customized to your baby’s age and size.
Gentle techniques to improve jaw, tongue, and lip movement.

Ready to Learn More?

If you suspect your baby may have a tongue tie or lip tie, or if you’d like to learn more about how chiropractic care can support your baby’s development, contact Roots Family Chiropractic today. We’re here to help you and your baby thrive!