~by Alex Kelly~
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.”
There is SOME truth to this, but there is so much more to look at.
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 that dentists, and other providers, do not have to have any sort of formal training or certification in order to diagnose and release ties.
Let’s look at some green & red flags when it comes to dentists who perform tongue and lip tie releases.
What to Look for in a Tongue/Lip Tie Dentist
Two qualifications that are GREEN FLAGS:
If your dentist is a Breathe Institute AFFILIATE (not Ambassador). 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.
And/or if your dentist has been trained under Dr. Richard Baxter (author of “Tongue Tied”) – also a green flag!
*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.
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 Myo Therapy is Important Before/After a Tongue Tie 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 Body Work is Important Before/After a Tongue Tie 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.
