Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) are restrictive tissues in the mouth that impact feeding, speech, sleep, breathing and posture. Dr. Jafari is a Breathe Institute Affiliate and performs lip, tongue and buccal tie releases using the LightScalpel CO2 laser.
Tongue tie: present at birth, a tight band of tissue tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Tongue ties can affect how a child eats and interfere with breastfeeding.
Lip tie: the tissue that attaches the gums to the lip is tight, making lip movement more difficult. This can lead to open mouth posture, difficulty with speech, or a gap between the front teeth. In babies, a lip tie makes a deep latch more difficult.
Baby's signs: shallow latch at breast or bottle, falling asleep while eating, sliding or popping off the nipple, clicking sounds while nursing, feeding every 1 to 2 hours, poor weight gain, milk dribbling out of the mouth.
Mom's signs: pain during latching or nursing, flattened or lipstick shaped nipples, blistered or sore nipples, poor breast drainage, blocked ducts or mastitis, decreased milk production.
Mouth breathing, lips apart at rest, ongoing choking, gagging, throat clearing or coughing during meals, difficulty transitioning to solids, avoiding foods with certain textures, difficulty with speech articulation, and poor sleep.
Mouth breathing, lips apart at rest, hyperactive gag reflex, teeth grinding, speech concerns, chronic neck and shoulder pain, frequent headaches and migraines, and unrestful sleep including snoring or sleep apnea.
A release is one step in the journey. We provide detailed aftercare guides and coordinate with occupational and myofunctional therapists so the new freedom of movement becomes lasting function.
"Our son had been doing speech therapy in another state since age 2. He is now 9 years old, and after much progress, he was still unable to produce certain sounds due to his tongue tie. We were referred to Dr. Jafari by our son's current therapist to have his tie released."
Roxsann B.Google review"When our baby's tongue tie was discovered around five months old, Dr. Jafari took a thoughtful approach during our first evaluation. Instead of rushing into a release, she recommended working with an occupational therapist first."
Kirsten O.Google review"I was referred to Dr. Jafari through my myofunctional therapist for a tongue tie release. Something I had never considered, being an adult man. Dr. Jafari was very caring and professional and did a beautiful job. She also followed up with me personally after I got home."
Kyle S.Google reviewFrom newborn latch struggles to adult symptoms, an evaluation gives you answers. Providers can also refer a patient directly.