Tongue Ties Are Controversial — Here’s the Missing Piece Most Rockwall Parents Don’t Hear About

If you’ve spent any time in mom groups or talking to different providers, you’ve probably noticed how divided the conversation around tongue ties can be.

Some people will tell you that tongue ties are overdiagnosed or even made up — a “fad” that parents are being talked into. Others will tell you that nearly every baby has one and needs a laser release immediately.

The truth? It’s not that simple.

After seven years of working with babies, moms, and providers — and as a mother of three children with ties myself — I’ve seen firsthand that both extremes miss the point.

What a Tongue Tie Actually Is

A tongue tie (or tethered oral tissue) happens when the small band of tissue under the tongue, lip, or cheek restricts normal movement. That restriction can affect how a baby feeds, swallows, and eventually even how they breathe or speak.

Early signs might include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched

• Clicking, leaking, or gagging during feeds

• Reflux, gas, or excessive fussiness

• Long or tiring feedings

• Poor weight gain or frustration at the breast

• Tension through the jaw or neck

If left unaddressed, these early challenges can sometimes lead to long-term issues such as:

😴 Mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea

🦷 Dental crowding or frequent cavities

🗣️ Speech and articulation issues

💤 Airway and sleep-quality problems

So no — it’s not something to ignore or “wait out,” even if your baby isn’t breastfeeding.

But it’s also not something that should be rushed into with a one-size-fits-all laser solution.

Why There’s So Much Confusion

Here’s where the controversy really lies: function versus anatomy.

Many providers look only at the structure — the visible tissue under the tongue. But tongue ties are about more than what you can see. Your baby’s tongue, jaw, and nervous system have to move and communicate as one.

That’s where something called a neuro-biomechanical tongue tie comes in.

What Is a Neuro-Biomechanical Tongue Tie?

A neuro-biomechanical tie means the body’s nerves (“neuro”) and movement patterns (“biomechanical”) aren’t working together the way they should.

This often happens from fetal positioning, birth trauma, or the natural stress of labor and delivery. The baby’s cranial bones, neck, and spine can become restricted — which interrupts the cranial nerves that control feeding, swallowing, and breathing.

When those nerves aren’t communicating well, the tongue can behave as if it’s tied even when the tissue itself isn’t the full problem.

These restrictions can mimic a tongue tie or magnify its symptoms. That’s why some babies have multiple revisions or continue to struggle after a release — the body itself wasn’t ready.

Why Chiropractic and Cranial Work Must Come First

Here’s what’s often missing in the standard approach: no surgical or laser release can correct abnormal cranial nerve communication.

If the neuro-biomechanical system is restricted, releasing the tissue alone can’t restore normal function. It may help temporarily, but the symptoms often return or shift into new challenges.

At Dr. Mama Bird Chiropractic, we take a conservative, whole-body approach. Through gentle chiropractic and cranial work, we restore motion, balance, and communication throughout the body before any potential release.

When this is done first:

✅ Many babies improve so much that a release is no longer necessary.

✅ If a release is needed, it’s smoother, more complete, and the benefits actually last.

By supporting the nervous system and structure first, we make sure the body is ready to do what it’s designed to do — feed, breathe, and grow with ease.

A Balanced Approach: Conservative, Not Dismissive

At our clinic, we don’t ignore ties — and we don’t jump straight to surgery either. We believe in function-first care that addresses both the tissue and the neurology behind it.

That’s why we collaborate closely with pediatric dentists with advanced training in tethered oral tissues and with skilled lactation professionals. Together, we create individualized care plans that honor each baby’s needs and avoid unnecessary intervention whenever possible.

I’ve seen the full spectrum — babies who’ve thrived with conservative care, and others who genuinely needed a release to reach their full potential. The key is knowing the difference, and that requires looking at the whole child, not just their mouth.

Why “Just Wait and See” Isn’t the Solution

It’s tempting to hope your baby will “grow out of it,” but ignoring oral restrictions can lead to ongoing challenges that show up years later — airway issues, sleep disturbances, speech delays, and even posture imbalances.

Your baby’s mouth is part of their nervous system. When one part of that system is restricted, it affects everything else — from digestion to breathing to development.

Addressing those restrictions early, gently, and intentionally can set the stage for lifelong wellness.

Every Baby Deserves a Thoughtful Approach 💛

You don’t have to choose between two extremes — doing nothing or rushing into surgery. There’s a middle ground where healing and wisdom meet.

By starting with the body — restoring alignment, releasing tension, and improving nerve communication — we can often prevent unnecessary procedures and help babies thrive naturally.

Tongue ties are real, but they’re rarely simple. And that’s okay — because your baby isn’t simple either. Their body was designed with intention, and with the right care, it knows how to heal.

— Dr. Alex (Dr. Mama Bird Chiropractic)

Serving Rockwall, Sunnyvale, Forney, and surrounding communities