Chiropractic Care for Infant Tongue & Lip Ties: A Whole-Body Approach
If you’ve been struggling with feeding, a fussy baby, or persistent breastfeeding challenges, you may have heard the terms tongue tie or lip tie mentioned—but understanding what they mean and how they affect your baby can feel overwhelming. This is where a whole-body, supportive approach can make a meaningful difference.
Why Do We Care About Oral Ties?
Tethered Oral Tissues (often referred to as TOTS) describe tissues in the mouth that are restricted or “tethered,” limiting normal movement and function. A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue restricts its range of motion. Some tongue ties are easy to see—appearing as a thin band anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth—while others are more subtle. These hidden restrictions are often called posterior tongue ties and can significantly impact tongue mobility even though they’re harder to identify.
A lip tie occurs when tissue connects the upper lip tightly to the gums, limiting the lip’s ability to flange or move freely during feeding. Many babies experience both a tongue tie and a lip tie, which can compound feeding challenges.
How Tongue and Lip Ties Affect Baby—and Mom
Oral ties can impact far more than feeding alone. Because the mouth is deeply connected to the rest of the body, restrictions in oral tissues often create tension patterns throughout the neck, shoulders, spine, and beyond. Babies are incredibly adaptive, and when something isn’t functioning well in the mouth, the body compensates—often resulting in tightness, discomfort, and fussiness.
For babies, tongue and lip ties may contribute to:
Difficulty latching or staying latched
Clicking sounds during feeding
Milk leaking from the mouth
Choking, gulping, or gasping while nursing or bottle-feeding
Reflux, gas, or colic-like symptoms
Poor weight gain or difficulty thriving
Preference for feeding on one side
Noisy breathing, snoring, or mouth-open sleeping
For moms, oral ties can lead to:
Pain during nursing
Cracked, blanched, or misshapen nipples after feeding
Recurrent clogged ducts or mastitis
Low milk supply due to ineffective milk removal
Oversupply caused by frequent compensatory nursing
Exhaustion, frustration, and emotional discouragement
A shortened breastfeeding journey
A Whole-Body Perspective on Tongue and Lip Ties
Dr. Kara takes a comprehensive, whole-body approach to supporting infants with suspected tongue or lip ties. Her goal is always to help families reach their feeding and wellness goals—whether that means improving breastfeeding, making bottle-feeding more comfortable, or simply helping a baby feel more at ease in their body.
If Dr. Kara suspects a tongue or lip tie may be contributing to your baby’s symptoms, she will refer you to a trusted pediatric dentist for a full evaluation. Collaboration is key, and she works closely with a network of providers to ensure families receive well-rounded, coordinated care.
Why Pre- and Post-Release Care Matters
Tongue and lip ties are often corrected through a procedure called a frenectomy, typically performed by a pediatric dentist using a laser. While the release itself is an important step, it is only one part of the process.
Preparing the body before the release and supporting it afterward is essential for optimal results. Pre- and post-release care helps reduce tension, supports healing, and retrains the tongue and surrounding structures to function properly. Just like any other procedure, outcomes are best when the body is prepared and guided through recovery.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in TOTS
Tethered oral tissues can influence the muscles, joints, and even the cranium (skull), often leading to asymmetries and postural challenges. The neck, face, and head are especially affected, which is why gentle pediatric chiropractic care can be such a valuable part of care.
These structural imbalances may also affect a baby’s ability to meet developmental milestones such as rolling, crawling, reaching, and walking.
Dr. Kara uses a gentle, hands-on approach tailored specifically for infants. Her care includes:
Light chiropractic adjustments to support normal joint motion (using no more pressure than you’d apply to your eyelid)
Craniosacral therapy
Massage and soft tissue work
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Oral motor exercises
At-home exercises to support continued progress
Every treatment plan is individualized, addressing areas of tension and supporting your baby’s overall comfort, function, and development.
A Parent’s Experience
“I am so thankful I found Dr. Kara! I was having such a hard time breastfeeding and my son seemed uncomfortable and in pain most of the day. After our first session, I noticed a huge improvement immediately. He was able to open his mouth wider, get a deeper latch, and stay on the breast longer. After bodywork, his tongue and lip tie release, and continued care, he is literally a brand new baby.”
— Lauren W.
Supporting You and Your Baby Every Step of the Way
If you’re navigating feeding challenges or suspect a tongue or lip tie may be affecting your baby, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. With a thoughtful, whole-body approach and the right care team, meaningful progress is possible—for both you and your baby.
