There was a recent episode of The Daily podcast talking about, and referring to, The NY Times’ article “Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babie’s Tongues.”
They discuss dentists and lactation consultants across the country pushing tongue-tie releases (specifically on new mothers who are struggling to breastfeed), “generating huge profits while often harming patients.”
Here’s the deal, there is SOME truth to this…but there is also some fear mongering here as well.
Dentists Don't HAVE to be Formally Trained
Tongue and lip ties are a real thing, and can have long-term health effects. The earlier it can be caught and resolved the better. The problem is the research is just recently becoming mainstream knowledge - which is good in the sense that it IS a real problem for many people - babies, kids, and adults alike. BUT bad in the sense that many practitioners are taking advantage of the boom - whether they purposefully mean to or not.
Dentists do not have to have any sort of formal training or certification in order to perform tongue/lip ties. Likewise lactation specialists, doulas, pediatricians, etc., do not have to have any specific training or certification to diagnose.
Personal Experience
When I had Miles the on-call pediatrician said Miles’ had no tie, my doula said he had a severe tie, the hospital lactation consultant said he had a severe tie, and my private lactation consultant I hired said he had a mild tie.
Like, excuse me?! How confusing and overwhelming for a new mom!
Thankfully, my dad is highly trained (and teaches) in tongue and lip ties so I was able to get a legit exam.
I know not everyone is so fortunate. So here’s my advice, if you get a tongue/lip tie diagnosis TAKE A PAUSE, and find a legit provider.
Two qualifications that are GREEN FLAGS:
If your dentist is a Breathe Institute AFFILIATE. An affiliate has gone through an extensive hands-on surgical residency with Dr. Zaghi (or Dr. Pinto if trained for infants). Ambassdors have simply gone through a 4-day lecture based course with no hands-on training, but if there are no affiliates near you an ambassador is the next best option.
*Note: There are certainly other reputable training programs out there, but these are the two I can speak on with confidence.
Is your dentist recommending myofunctional therapy before and after the release? If not, I would consider this a red flag (at least for kids 3+ and adults). In fact, myo therapy can make such a difference in the outcome of the release that it is a requirement at our practice. For infants, a tongue/lip tie trained IBCLC should be recommended.
Second, is your dentist recommending bodywork before and after the release? We often recommend bodywork prior to and after a release, and will even have the bodyworker we collaborate with be present in the office the day of the release.
Why Myofunctional Therapy is Important Before/After a Release
There is a proper way for the tongue and lips to function. When you have a tongue and/or lip tie you cannot function properly, and your mouth and body begins to compensate.
Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscle memories, and prepares the tongue and lips for the release so that you do not resort back to the previous dysfunction.
Completing myofunctional therapy before (and often times after) a release ensures that the patient recovers faster and reaps the maximum benefits of the release.
Why Bodywork is Important Before/After a Release
Tongue and lip ties create tension in the mouth, and because the fascia is how we are connected from head to toe, this results in tension throughout the entire body.
Bodyworkers help release the tension pre-surgery, ensuring the surgery is easier for both the surgeon and patient. The less tension in the mouth, neck, and head before and after surgery means less tension on the wound and overall better healing.
To reap the maximum benefits, bodywork before AND after a release is recommended.
Comments