Tongue Ties, Tension & Tiny Bodies: What Every Ottawa Parent Should Know
As parents, we’re constantly tuned into how our babies eat, sleep, and grow. But what if something as small as a tiny band of tissue under their tongue was influencing all of that—and more?
Tongue ties are becoming more commonly recognized by parents and health professionals. And while many associate them with breastfeeding challenges, their effects often ripple much further into a child’s development, breathing, posture, and nervous system regulation.
So, let’s break it down: what exactly is a tongue tie, why does it matter, and what are your options?
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, happens when the frenulum—the small band of tissue under the tongue—is too short, tight, or thick. When this restricts the tongue’s range of motion, it can interfere with some of the most fundamental early life functions: latching, swallowing, breathing, and oral posture.
While some ties don’t limit movement or function and may not need intervention, others create a cascade of stress in the body—especially if they’re impacting feeding, airway development, or cranial growth.
Why the Tongue Plays a Bigger Role Than You’d Think
Most people think of the tongue as a tool for eating and speaking—but its influence goes far beyond that. Structurally and neurologically, the tongue plays a critical role in early development. It helps shape the hard palate, guides jaw growth, and even influences posture through a deep fascial line that connects the tongue to the lungs, pelvis, and feet.
When a tongue tie restricts movement, it can disrupt one of the most essential early-life reflexes: the suck-swallow-breathe sequence. This coordination is key for feeding and sets the foundation for healthy airway and craniofacial development.
Here’s why that matters: a baby’s jaw is already 50% of its adult size at birth and grows to nearly 80% by age six. The early years are a critical window for oral and structural development—and the tongue acts as a guide, influencing jaw formation, posture, and breathing.
If the tongue can’t move freely or rest on the roof of the mouth, it can trigger a series of compensations. Tension builds in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. The body may shift into a forward head posture to open the airway. Over time, these changes can place significant strain on the body and nervous system.
That’s why tongue ties can lead to more than just feeding challenges. They’re often linked to dysautonomia, or nervous system imbalance—signs of which can include difficulty latching, gasping during sleep, frequent meltdowns, or a body that just won’t fully relax.
Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue Tie
Some signs are visible, while others show up in how your child eats, sleeps, or interacts with the world. Here’s what to look for:
In Babies:
Difficulty latching or staying latched (breast or bottle)
Clicking or gulping sounds while feeding
Poor weight gain
Excessive gassiness or reflux-like symptoms
Snoring, mouth breathing, or noisy sleep
Tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
In Older Children:
Speech delays or articulation challenges
Open-mouth posture or chronic mouth breathing
Bedwetting or digestive issues
Frequent meltdowns or a nervous system that seems “on edge”
In Moms:
Painful or cracked nipples
Low milk supply
Recurring blocked ducts or mastitis
Visually:
A heart-shaped tongue tip when extended
Inability to lift the tongue or move it side to side
A thick or tight frenulum closer to the front of the tongue
Lack of suction or tongue-to-roof contact during suckling
Is Tongue Tie Becoming More Common?
It seems like more parents are talking about tongue ties than ever—and they’re not wrong. In 2005, tongue ties were reported in around 4 to 10 percent of newborns. By 2014, that number had nearly doubled to 20 percent.
There’s no single cause, but research suggests a hereditary component, as well as rising stress levels during pregnancy and birth. Environmental factors—like increased screen time and oral underuse—may also be contributing.
What Are Your Options If You Suspect a Tongue Tie?
If you think your child may have a tongue tie, the first step is a thorough assessment—ideally with a provider who takes a whole-body, functional approach. It’s also important to note that not all ties require surgery.
We often recommend beginning with bodywork such as chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, or osteopathy. These techniques help release tension and prepare the body for better function—whether a revision is needed or not.
If a release is recommended, here are the most common methods:
Frenotomy – A quick snip of the frenulum
Frenectomy – Full surgical removal (often under general anesthesia)
Laser revision – Minimally invasive and typically less bleeding
Electrocautery – Uses heat and electricity to remove the tissue
A multidisciplinary team—including lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, and bodyworkers—often provides the most effective and supportive care path.
Why See a Chiropractor if You Suspect a Tongue Tie?
As a neurologically focused chiropractor in Ottawa, our approach looks beyond the tongue itself. We assess how the entire nervous system and body are adapting to the tension created by a restricted tongue.
Tongue ties often lead to compensations in the jaw, neck, spine, and pelvis. Because of how the fascial and nervous systems are interconnected, limited tongue movement can impact posture, digestion, breathing, and motor coordination.
Through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, we help to:
Release stored tension in the spine, jaw, and cranial system
Improve vagal tone and support parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) regulation
Address musculoskeletal patterns that may be impacting oral function
Promote ideal head and neck posture for post-release integration
Chiropractic care is also extremely helpful before and after a tongue tie release. Pre-release, it helps ease tension and support the body’s readiness for the procedure. Post-release, it supports healing, restores balance, and helps the nervous system adjust to the new range of motion.
In some cases, chiropractic care may even help improve function enough to avoid the need for surgery altogether. In others, it ensures a smoother, more effective release process.
How Ottawa ChiroHouse Supports Tongue Tie Cases
At Ottawa ChiroHouse, we follow a step-by-step process to support families through tongue tie concerns:
Assess your child’s function and mobility—not just visually, but through a neurological and structural lens.
Adjust to gently release tension in the spine, jaw, and nervous system that may be compensating for restricted tongue movement.
Refer to a trusted pediatric dentist in our network if the tie is significantly impacting function and a release is being considered.
Continue care after the release to support integration, restore balance, and ensure long-term improvement.
Our goal is to empower you with clarity and support, no matter where you are in your child’s journey. Dr. Jack Hull is certified in Paediatric Proficiency by Life University and also in the PIPs technique (Pediatric Intraoral Specific Technique) which is recognised worldwide for helping little ones with tongue ties, latch and feeding challenges, paediatric TMJD, palate imbalance, poor tongue function and jaw and cranial development.
Final Thoughts
If your gut is telling you something’s off—trust it. Feeding struggles, tension, or breathing changes can be early signals that your child’s body is working around a restriction like a tongue tie.
Whether you’re exploring options before a revision, looking for support after one, or simply want a deeper understanding of your child’s development, our team at Ottawa ChiroHouse is here to help.
Want to help your child through feeding challenges?
We’d love to meet you and your little one. Click here to book an initial visit or call us at 613-229-9377.
