Does Tongue Tie Cause Breastfeeding Difficulties and Speech Problems?

Although there is both objective and subjective evidence that tongue tie contributes to breastfeeding difficulties and speech problems, when it comes to quality evidence-based research, the data is a bit lacking. And because of this sparseness, tongue tie release is actually considered a controversial topic with both supporters and detractors (personally, I am a supporter of this procedure). Among the detractors, tongue tie release is considered unusual and unnecessary... even bizarre. To…

3/20/2015 1

Continue Reading

When is an Infant a Good Candidate for Upper Lip and/or Tongue Tie Release? Guest Blog Post

This is a guest blog post by Dr. Bobak Ghaheri of The Oregon Clinic While there are many potential causes of breastfeeding problems, tongue tie and upper lip tie have recently gained attention as potential reasons that can be addressed. To date, all available evidence in the literature suggests that a frenotomy (release of the abnormally tight tissue in children with ankyloglossia) is beneficial in improving breastfeeding outcomes. However, there is still significant confusion among provid…

3/11/2015 0

Continue Reading

Top 10 Myths in Diagnosing and Treating Tethered Oral Tissues (Tongue Ties and Lip Ties) in Breastfeeding Infants (Guest Blog Post by Dr. Kotlow)

Dr. Chang's Note: Dr. Kotlow is a pediatric dentist who has done much to advance the understanding of infant factors leading to breastfeeding difficulties. This is a guest blog post by Dr. Kotlow. by Lawrence Kotlow, DDS www.kiddsteeth.com "Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. Given the documented short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding, infant nutrition should be considered a public …

2/01/2015 1

Continue Reading

Upper Lip Tie and Posterior Tongue Tie Treatment Without Sedation

It seems that in the past few years, upper lip tie and posterior "hidden" tongue tie has become increasingly recognized as factors affecting breast-feeding which correspondingly has led to higher numbers of referrals for evaluation and treatment. Prior to 2011, I probably received only one or two consultations a year to evaluate these two conditions. Ever since than, it seems more and more infants are being diagnosed with these two conditions, especially by lactation consultants…

5/26/2014 0

Continue Reading

How Long Do Swallowing and Voice Problems Last After C-Spine Surgery ACDF?

I often see patients for swallowing and/or voice difficulties after cervical spine surgery (ACDF) . In the vast majority of cases, reassurance that such "side effects" are not uncommon is the only thing I need to provide after a complete exam. After all, both the voice box and swallowing tube are manipulated and pushed over to one side in order to perform cervical spine surgery from an anterior approach. Check out the video below that illustrates how this happens. Beyond reas…

12/29/2013 1

Continue Reading

Posterior Tongue Tie

An ordinary garden-variety tongue tie  (also known as ankyloglossia) is an uncommon condition whereby the tongue is anchored to the floor of the mouth preventing the tongue tip from moving freely. Patients with tongue tie have greater difficulty with: feeding if infant speech if school-age child french kissing if young adult (more info on adult tongue ties here ) Treatment is tongue tie release which can be done at any time if difficulties arise. In infants and young adults , this …

10/06/2011 0

Continue Reading