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Tongue ties (ankyloglossia) is not a new condition but thanks to more awareness; we are diagnosing it more. The issue I see both as a Pediatrician and IBCLC is the fear in NEEDING them to be released. This fear has led parents to get releases for tongue ties, oral ties, lip ties, buccal ties, etc. out of fear of issues happening down the line. This fear has led parents perseverating about ties and wanting revision after revision when we know many people around the world learn to adapt to ties. It has become a lucrative business that unfortunately is often fear-based. My issue is not in needing to release tongue-ties (I do them in my office with a sterile tongue tie release set for newborns where it leads to a painful latch). But my issue is with the messaging that it NEEDS to happen without using more conservative measures. Conservative measures could include things like lactation education for positioning, myofascial therapy for oral mobility and strengthening, or speech or feeding therapy if there is a concern of correlation between the tie and these milestones. To say IT WILL lead to issues is not true. But a balanced approach is needed: sometimes releases are needed and parents should have the opportunity to discuss need, benefit, and risk. Tongue tie releases in my office are very satisfying. To see the relief on a mom’s face once I release and she latches her baby and there’s no pain is very rewarding. But; I always go by functionality and choosing conservative measures first over any medical procedure. For my full video on tongue ties discussing this and more; comment TONGUE TIE YOUTUBE and we will send the link directly to your DMs I have a lot of questions for this community. Overall thoughts? Did your child have a tongue tie? Did it impact function? Were you dismissed and a release or laser therapy helped? Did you
By Deana
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