Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs)

Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs), otherwise known as tongue/lip/buccal ties, affect appropriate movement of oral structures for adequate food management, swallowing, oral cleansing, and speech production. 

Some symptoms associated with tongue, lip, and buccal ties include but are not limited to:

• Breastfeeding: Combative behaviors, gagging, anterior breastmilk loss, maternal nipple pain/trauma, recurrent thrush/mastitis, clicking, poor weight gain, frequent short feeds, falling asleep at the breast, extended feedings, gassiness, colic and/or irritability, unsustained and/or shallow latch, and/or recurrent thrush/mastitis.
• Gastrointestinal tract issues: Colic, acid reflux, belching, and vomiting 
• During bottle feedings: Combative behaviors, gagging, extended feedings, anterior liquid spillage, clicking, poor weight gain, GI symptoms (as mentioned above),  frequent short feeds, collapsing and bottle nipple.
• During solid feedings: Poor intake or weight gain, gagging, difficulty with transitioning from purees to table food, refusals and negative me
• In speech production: Typically presents with a tongue thrust pattern resulting in distortions of  the following sounds: "s,z,t,d,th,n, and l"

Here at Etica Therapy, we provide a thorough oral mechanism evaluation and create an individualized treatment plan for each individual. We work closely with preferred providers to effectively treat tethered oral tissues and their negative impacts on overall health pre and post operatively.