TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues)—What They Are and Why We See Them Differently
"He just won’t latch… She’s a ‘lazy eater’… He hates tummy time…"
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These are some of the first red flags we hear from parents whose babies are dealing with TOTs—Tethered Oral Tissues like tongue, lip, or buccal ties.
TOTs can affect everything from breastfeeding and digestion to speech and airway development. But here’s the kicker: it’s not always just the tie. It’s often about what’s underneath—the nervous system.
What TOTs Really Impact
When a baby has a tongue or lip tie, their nervous system is often stuck in tension, too. This shows up as:
Poor latch or painful feeding
Excess gas, reflux, or colic symptoms
Fussiness when laying flat
Tight shoulders, arches during diaper changes
If those patterns sound familiar, they might be signs of nervous system stress—not just oral restriction.
Why Chiropractic First Makes a Big Difference
Before any release (like a frenectomy), it’s critical that the baby’s body is prepared. At GFC, we use INSiGHT scans and gentle pediatric adjustments to help:
Reduce overall tension in the jaw, neck, and body
Improve coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing
Increase comfort during feeding and rest
Give home care instructions to allow you to put babies care in YOUR hands… literally.
We’ve had babies who were set for surgery but didn’t end up needing it after care. We’ve supported families who did go through a release and found healing easier with pre- and post-chiro.
What About Older Kids?
TOTs aren’t just a baby issue. We see tethered tissues affect:
Speech clarity
Dental crowding
Bedwetting
Behavioral struggles and sensory overwhelm
If your child’s symptoms don’t “add up,” it’s worth looking deeper into how their oral structure and nervous system are functioning together.
Our Take? Teamwork and Trust
We work hand-in-hand with IBCLCs, pediatric dentists, speech and feeding therapists to give your child the best start. If a release is needed, we help prepare and support the body to adapt and integrate afterward.
Your baby doesn’t need to struggle through feeding. Your toddler doesn’t have to choke on solids. Your child deserves a body that works with them—not against them.
Let’s look beyond the tie and explore the whole story. 💛
