Dr. McCubbins’ Journey – A Personal Story of Tongue and Lip Ties and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Introduction
Dr. McCubbins’ journey with tongue and lip ties began with her son’s early health struggles, eventually leading to a profound realization about her own health and a family history of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Her story sheds light on the importance of awareness, early intervention, and how seemingly minor issues can signal larger connective tissue challenges.
The Story of Dr. McCubbins’ Son
Infancy Challenges:
From the start, Dr. McCubbins noticed unique feeding behaviors in her son. While he breastfed without issue, he wouldn’t take a bottle and later developed an aversion to solid foods. Concerned, Dr. McCubbins sought help, and by 18 months, she learned he had severe decay on his front teeth and ten cavities—problems linked to tongue and lip ties, which limited his ability to clear milk from his mouth effectively.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Her son’s journey toward better oral health began with a laser frenectomy under light sedation. Afterward, he worked with a speech and occupational therapist to address his oral function and picky eating, though these challenges persisted for a while. Today, at 8 years old, he can eat and drink comfortably, though he will likely need orthodontic support in the future. Dr. McCubbins believes early intervention likely prevented more severe dental issues, such as those requiring palate expansion.
Discovering hEDS in the Family
Dr. McCubbins’ Own Health Journey:
Her son’s experience sparked a deeper investigation into family health history. Growing up in Wisconsin, Dr. McCubbins had frequent dental caries and, by puberty, began noticing subtle misalignment in her teeth, which her dentist initially deemed cosmetic. After pregnancy, her need for orthodontics became evident as her connective tissues shifted, a common effect of pregnancy.
Years later, at 36, Dr. McCubbins learned about hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) while treating patients with related conditions like POTS, MCAS, and autoimmunity. She soon recognized the signs of hypermobility in herself, her mother, sister, and her son.
Her Path to Diagnosis and Treatment:
With this new understanding, Dr. McCubbins consulted a myofunctional therapist, who diagnosed her with a posterior tongue tie. She began months of myofunctional therapy, similar to physical therapy for the tongue, and started orthodontics with a tongue-tie-informed specialist. Just five months into treatment, she noticed significant alignment improvements and relief from jaw and neck pain. Her next step is a laser frenectomy, which she believes will continue supporting her long-term health goals.
Lessons Learned
1. Early Screening Is Key:
Dr. McCubbins’ experience highlights the value of early screening for tongue and lip ties, especially for families with a history of connective tissue disorders. Early intervention not only supports oral health but can also prevent broader structural and developmental issues down the line.
2. A Holistic Approach:
Addressing tongue and lip ties requires a whole-body perspective, including functional therapies like myofunctional therapy, which can improve oral function, breathing, and structural alignment.
3. The Importance of Preventative Care:
By being proactive, Dr. McCubbins hopes to prevent potential health complications like sleep apnea, which affects her family and many of her patients. She understands that sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues, from hypertension to metabolic disorders, and believes that preventative care is the key to long-term health and well-being.
Conclusion
Dr. McCubbins’ journey gave her a deep understanding of hypermobility and the subtle ways it can impact health. Hypermobile individuals often face complex, misunderstood health challenges, making it essential to work with a provider who truly understands these nuances. For those dealing with tongue or lip ties—especially in families with connective tissue disorders—working with a knowledgeable practitioner like Dr. McCubbins can make all the difference in achieving long-term health and well-being. Schedule a free call with a care coordinator to discuss working with Dr. McCubbins by clicking here.