Pediatric Chiropractor in Lehi, UT

Tongue and lip ties are becoming more widely recognized as a factor that can impact feeding, comfort, and early development in infants. While they are often discussed in terms of structure, what matters most is how they affect function, how a baby is able to move, latch, and coordinate during feeding and living life.

At Inner Light Family Chiropractic, we support families navigating tongue and lip ties by focusing on how the nervous system and body are functioning, and by working as part of a collaborative care team to help babies adapt, feed, and grow more comfortably.

A tongue or lip tie occurs when the tissue (frenulum) under the tongue or upper lip restricts normal movement.

However, not all ties cause problems. The most important question is not simply “Is there a tie?” but rather:

“Is it affecting function?”

A baby needs to be able to:

• lift and extend the tongue

• create and maintain suction

• coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing

• move the head and neck freely

When any of these movements are restricted, it can affect how efficiently and comfortably a baby feeds.

Every baby is different, but some common signs include:

• difficulty latching or staying latched

• clicking sounds while feeding

• leaking milk during feeds

• prolonged or very frequent feedings

• gassiness or fussiness after feeds

• favoring one side when feeding or turning the head

• tension or stiffness in the body

For mothers, this may also show up as:

• nipple discomfort or damage

• feeling like feeding is a struggle

• baby not seeming satisfied after feeds

These signs don’t automatically mean there is a tie, but they can be an indication that function needs support.

Tongue and lip ties are best supported through a collaborative approach, where each provider focuses on a different piece of the puzzle.

We often recommend working with:

An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) who can assess latch, positioning, and feeding mechanics, and provide hands-on support for mom and baby. Not all lactation consultants are created equally, but working with an IBCLC is at least a common standard that helps you know you are working with someone who is good at what they do.

A pediatric dentist trained in tongue tie revisions who can evaluate the structure and determine whether a release is appropriate.

A pediatric chiropractor, such as Dr Lawrence, who supports the baby’s movement, tension patterns, and nervous system function.

This team approach helps ensure that both structure and function are addressed. Even research backs up the importance of utilizing this team approach.

If a release is recommended, the procedure itself is only one part of the process.

Before a release, babies under chiropractic care often benefit from:

• reducing existing tension patterns

• improving mobility in the neck and body

• preparing the nervous system for change

After a release, the body needs time to adapt to new movement.

Follow-up chiropractic care can help:

• integrate improved tongue mobility

• retrain movement patterns

• support more coordinated feeding

Without this support, babies may continue to use the same patterns they developed before the release.

Lip and tongue ties can also have a lasting effect on an individuals health. The tissue that creates the tie is continuous from under the tongue, down the spine, and eventually connects to your big toe! If there is overgrowth or tension in one part of the system, there is likely overgrowth or tension elsewhere too. Long-term effects of ties include:

•  neuro-divergent issues like ADD / ADHD
• acid reflux
• breathing issues
• heart and circulation issues
• gut  / bowel issues
• and more

All these make sense when you think about that tight tissue pulling on the surrounding areas as it passes through nearly the whole body. The other main effect this tension has on the body as a whole is that it can shift the body closer to fight or flight (survival) mode, and further away from rest and digest (thrive) mode. Think of it like a string on a guitar. If you change the tension of the string, you change the function or the note of that string. Same thing with the nervous system. If you change the tension on the nerves and spinal cord, you change the function of those nerves. This tension makes the body more likely to react in a stress response, even to small, innocent stimuli. 

Navigating tongue and lip ties can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information and differing opinions. You’re not expected to figure this out on your own.

At Inner Light Family Chiropractic in Lehi, UT we love supporting babies and families from the very beginning. Our role is to help guide you, support your baby’s function, and connect you with trusted providers in our community, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and the support you deserve.