CFT Supports

Tongue Ties

CFT helps release tightness related to TOT’s before and after a Tongue Tie release for an ideal outcome.

What exactly is a Tongue Tie?

We all have a frenulum which is tissue on the underside of our tongue connected to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short, too thick, too tight, and attached too far forward on the tongue, it will affect mobility, function and the tongue’s resting posture. In some cases, a tied frenulum may not be visible (known as a submucosal tie). A tongue tie condition is often accompanied by a lip tie or cheek ties (also known as buccal ties). All of these conditions are referred to as Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS).

Tethered Oral Ties

Adult Tongue Tie

White blanching of frenulum indicates tightness. Notice teeth caving toward midline and crowding of teeth.
Adult Tongue Tie

Notice the midline groove, tip of tongue. and scalloping on the sides.
Adult Tie Tonge

Short frenulum pulls up the floor of the mouth. Tongue is weak and falls during suction.
Adult Buccal Tie

Relate to gum recession. Can contribute to breastfeeding issues for infants.
Adult Tongue Tie

Anterior Tie, short tight frenulum, low tongue posture, heart shaped tongue.
Child Lip Tie

Notice the attachment to gum line and decay of teeth.
Child Tongue Tie

Tongue has limited elevation, a more anterior attachment and heart shaped.
Infant Tongue Tie

Short tight anterior frenulum.
Infant Tongue Tie

Notice deep groove on tongue.
Infant High Palate

Low tongue posture.

What causes Tongue Ties?

Tongue tie is often associated with a fairly common genetic mutation of the MTHFR gene. This gene controls the production of an enzyme called Methyl-Tetra-Hydro-Folate-Reductase. People with a variant on this gene have a difficult time processing folate or folic acid which can can contribute to other midline defects as well as general health issues. Research shows 30-50 percent of the population carries this mutation of the MTHFR gene.

Why does it matter?

Your tongue should be resting in the palate and filling the entire roof of your mouth. This allows for optimal palate development. A wide palate allows enough room for teeth to come in straight and guides proper cranial bone and orofacial development. A restrictive tongue will sit in the lower part of the mouth, causing mouth breathing, open mouth posture and a tongue thrust swallowing pattern. These can contribute to an obstructed airway leading to sleep, breathing, and other OMDs.

For Infants:

Since the tongue has been tethered during fetal life, it is likely that the infant will have a high palate because it is the tongue's position in the roof of the mouth that forms the wide palate. This may affect the ability to breastfeed efficiently. Breastfeeding issues may include noisy sucking, clicking, popping on/off breast, leaking milk from sides of mouth, gagging, blisters, inefficient nursing and pain for the Mom. Other tongue tie related conditions may include reflux, colic, poor sleep, poor weight gain, digestive issues and general fussiness.

For Children and Adults:

You may be surprised to learn that many “common” health issues are related to a Tongue Tie or improper oral function. Some of the related conditions are mouth breathing, speech issues, excessive cavities, narrow palate, crooked teeth, recessed jaw, dark circles/tired eyes, poor posture, difficulty chewing, picky eating, messy eating, slow eating, large tonsils, ADHD symptoms, anxiety, poor sleep, bed wetting, snoring, sleep disordered breathing/sleep apnea, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, grinding/clenching.

The proper placement of the tongue ultimately contributes to the aesthetics of your face by developing a wide arch palate, a strong mandible, strong orofacial muscles, facial symmetry, and attractive head shape.