As a Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), your primary focus is on providing exceptional newborn care, but have you considered how a side specialty could elevate your career? Adding a complementary […]
As Newborn Care Specialists (NCS), we often work with families who are struggling with feeding challenges. Whether it’s difficulty latching, excessive gassiness, or a baby who seems to tire quickly at the breast or bottle, these can all be signs of oral ties. But what happens with uncorrected oral ties? And how can we, as NCS professionals, help families navigate this complex issue with confidence and compassion?
Oral ties—such as tongue ties (ankyloglossia) and lip ties—occur when the connective tissue (frenulum) in the mouth restricts normal function. While some babies show no noticeable difficulties, others face immediate feeding struggles. And if left untreated, oral ties can have long-term implications that extend beyond infancy.
Babies with oral ties often struggle with efficient feeding, whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. Poor latch and ineffective sucking can lead to inadequate weight gain, extended feeding sessions, and increased frustration for both the baby and parents.
Since babies with ties may swallow excessive air due to poor oral function, they are more prone to reflux, colic-like symptoms, and digestive discomfort. Parents often seek answers for their baby’s fussiness without realizing that oral ties could be the underlying cause.
As children grow, oral ties can contribute to articulation difficulties, delayed speech development, and even challenges with oral-motor skills. Some children may require speech therapy or other interventions down the road.
Oral ties can affect the natural development of the jaw and teeth. In some cases, they may contribute to spacing issues, misalignment, and even a higher risk of cavities due to restricted tongue mobility affecting saliva distribution and oral hygiene.
A restricted tongue can impact a child’s ability to maintain an open airway, which may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep-disordered breathing concerns later in life. These issues can lead to poor sleep quality and associated challenges with focus, growth, and behavior.
As an NCS, you are often one of the first professionals to notice signs of oral ties. Your role isn’t to diagnose, but to educate, support, and guide families toward the right resources. Here’s how you can make a meaningful impact:
Understanding the red flags of oral ties—such as clicking sounds during feeding, poor latch, excessive drooling, and slow weight gain—allows you to bring up the possibility of an assessment with a qualified provider.
Many parents have never heard of oral ties before, and it can feel overwhelming when they start learning about the potential impact. Offering compassionate, evidence-based information helps parents feel empowered rather than alarmed.
If you suspect oral ties, encourage families to seek an evaluation from a trained professional, such as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a pediatric dentist specializing in oral ties. Connecting families with the right professionals ensures they receive proper guidance.
While waiting for an evaluation or after a revision, parents may need additional feeding support. Teaching families about paced bottle feeding, using supportive feeding positions, or referring them to a feeding therapist can make a significant difference.
Oral ties can be an emotional topic for parents, especially if they feel guilt or frustration about their baby’s feeding struggles. Your reassurance and knowledge can help them feel confident in their choices, whether they pursue a release procedure or explore alternative feeding solutions.
If you want to take your expertise to the next level and better support families dealing with oral ties, I highly recommend All Tied Up: An In-Depth Look at Oral Ties. This course, offered by Newborn Care Solutions®, provides a deep dive into understanding oral ties, identifying key signs, and guiding families through the process of assessment and treatment.
By expanding your knowledge, you’ll be able to offer even more valuable support to families, ensuring that babies receive the best possible start—without the long-term complications of uncorrected oral ties.
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