Tag Archives: airway

Orofacial Disorders: The Tongue and Development of the Face

Happy Monday Tribe!

It’s almost September, I can’t believe it!  Today we will be talking a little bit about developmental stages in the face and the tongue, and some disorders that arise from these issues.

The reason that I treat children, and talk about it quite often, is that in my profession, working with the cranial system, that is THE BIGGEST time frame we have to impact changes in the brain.

Of course, you can still make changes as an adult, but the reason for children is that most of the development in the face happens during childhood.

The BIGGEST brain growth happens from age 0-2 years old. 
By Age 2- A mature swallow is well established
By age 3- Adult like swallow has developed
By age 6- 80% of upper and lower jaw growth is complete
By age 7-12 – 90% of the upper and lower jaw growth is complete.


Whenever I’m examining a child, the motion of their head, nervous system, I will always examine the relationship of their palate, and make sure I refer as needed to get the maximum results because of this time line.

This is an example of a high palate that can arise from either birth trauma, thumb sucking, tongue tie, and other orofacial disorders.

A high, narrow palate leads to sinus issues, since the roof of the mouth is also the floor of the nasal cavity.
* I’ve had many individuals come to me after having sinus surgery, and some feel no different.  This is because the root of the problem lies in the palate being the cause of the problem because it is the FLOOR of the sinus, not the actual sinus itself.

Guaranteed anyone with sleep apnea like disorder or just oxygen depletion has a high narrow palate.  It’s a given.  And most really really improve with the proper care, not needing uncomfortable CPAP machines.  I’ve done many case studies and spoke about my care, combined with dentists and other individuals.

Many have no idea of their birth trauma, past head traumas, or improperly done orthodontics that have placed them in this pattern.

You HAVE to have craniopathy care to normalize this function of the system, but it is a TEAM effort to get this palate looking this way.
(more on this in a minute).

Another reason for orofacial disorders is something called improper oral rest posture. 

I bet most of you had no idea there’s a proper way to hold your lips and your tongue in your mouth?!  Am I right??!

Well, I was with you about a year ago until I started doing myofunctional therapy, tongue tie work and fixing my narrow palate. 

In reality, there is a proper healthy resting posture and it is SUPER IMPORTANT!

In order to accomplish this:
-Your lips need to be slightly touching
-A freeway space of 2-3mm needs to be in place
-Tip of tongue resting on incisive papilla
-Lateral borders of tongue touching lingual of maxillary molars
-Dorsum of tongue touching palate
-Nasal breathing

Most individuals I see in my practice have what is called a low tongue resting posture.  In reality, the tongue should be up on top of your mouth all the time.  That is what gently expands the upper palate as you grow!  This is why the tongue must always be evaluated when getting orthodontics!

So what is an unhealthy resting posture?!
-Open lip posture
-teeth clenched or abnormally far apart
-mouth breathing
-tongue resting low and forward
-lips straining upon closure
-bunched mentalis muscle

The jaw and the tongue can also drop down too much in people who have

  • enlarged tonsils
  • enlarged adenoids
  • chronic nasal allergies
  • thumb sucking habits
  • prolonged sippy cup usage/ pacifier
Why sippy cup?  Well when you use a sippy cup, it pushes the tongue down continually.  Same with a pacifier.  The tongue needs to lift up! It can lead to tongue thrust, improper swallowing, hinders speech development, so you can actually start cup drinking at age 1!

Here are some visual identifiers in children when they have sucking habits:
-high, narrow palate
-thumb indentation in the mouth
-calluses on their fingers
-infections around the nail bed

Tongue Thrusting is one that we see pretty often in children with cranial problems. 

In tongue thrusting, the tongue protrudes from the front of the side, there is an open bite, possible lisp, incorrect swallow, tongue rests low and forward and possible airway obstruction.

Tongue thrusting is just a part of a bigger issue.  The improper posture of the tongue, lips and jaw.  This is why many dental appliances just don’t work for these conditions.  You have to address the nervous system and brain and then train the tongue and the lips for the correct posture.

This low tongue position causes that upper palate to continually narrow because you need that tongue lifting up!!

Another cause-  you probably guessed it.  TONGUE TIE. 
This is why a tongue tie evaluation from a professional is really important.

Most utilize it just for feeding issues in infants, but in reality it can affect the entire function of the palate.  Some ties do not need to be removed, and can be helped with just body work from myself, others need removal.  It affects the neck, airway and palate in adults dramatically.

This is the big point here:
A orofacial disorder in a child can result in an adult with obstructive sleep apnea.

I see it all day every day.

Here are some possible sign of a tongue-tie in toddlers:
– Delay in speech
-Gagging a lot of different foods
-unable to handle certain food textures
(also these can be helped and changed dramatically wiht cranial work and cranial nerves)

So, what are your options?!!

1. Come in for evaluation!!  Bring children as early as possible to evaluate their cranial system and tongue.  Just getting a tongue tie revision isn’t just what’s needed.  Trust me.  I get referrals every week from lactation consultants where babies have had their tongue tie removed but still can’t utilize their tongue!  You can to connect it with the brain!

2. Myofunctional therapy.  HUGE, huge to be instructed on that oral rest posture

3. Tongue tie revision.  If you have a tongue tie, you must do the cranial and myofunctional therapy first.  It works so much better this way.  You need to know how to use your tongue and lips first before just removing something.

4. Dentist.  If their is a very narrow palate, then dental co-management is often necessary.  Gentle expansion can happen to widen the palate and prevent these patterns and sinus and sleep apnea issues later in life.

5.  ENT.  Sometimes nasal surgery is needed, but only after all other methods had been addressed.  Often what I see is nasal surgery isn’t needed, but it really depends on the case.

I hope this was helpful!

Have a wonderful week!

The tongue’s effect on your BRAIN

Happy Monday Tribe!

I hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day weekend, although the weather wasn’t the best here!

Last week we went through some genetic variants that can impact your energy, if you missed that make sure you catch the recap here:


This week we are switching gears and talking about the effects of your TONGUE on your brain! 
I like to keep it interesting for you guys! You love it right?! Well, you really have no choice, although I DO LOVE RECOMMENDATIONS for topics:)


Let me first talk about something that needs to be addressed first.
Being a brain doc I have done EXTENSIVE research in other fields.  Dentistry, chiropractic, osteopathy and others.  

There’s no medical person that can tell you they learn much of ANYTHING about the tongue.  Nothing about the fascia layers, that tissue going into the tongue. nothing really other than what the parts of it are called and the nerve that goes to it.

But in reality the tongue is VERY important and complex, and holds a big key as to how our cranial bones move, and our brain working….

The tongue is very dynamic when we look at it with the head.

It actually has a strong impact on the base of the head.  The fascial tissue around the brain (called the dura), does as well, but the tongue in general is more dynamic.

So far, what we have learned about the tongue is that when there is restriction in the tongues movement it has HUGE effects on the movement of the bones of the head.  If someone has what is called a “tongue tie”

(not my image)

as shown here, the tongue cannot actually reach up to the roof of the mouth effectively.
What does that mean?

Well, that means that the upper palate (where the upper teeth come from ), doesn’t have stimulation from the tongue to grow properly.  This means the palate will usually cause a narrowness in the face, sinuses, and usually airway problems.

So we need the tongue to lift up for airway, swallowing, and also posture. 

But, what’s also important is not only lifting the tongue, but the base of the tongue is also relevant to the movement of the cranial bones.  A tongue tie, is a fascial restriction.  Fascia is connected throughout our entire body, but the tongue is actually the strongest fascial layer in the body!
When someone is a mouth breather or a tongue thruster because the tongue is bound down, it also has a direct effect on the movement at the base of the skull which ALSO leads to a narrow palate.  

Let’s move down from the tongue….

Going down…

Going down the body, a tongue tie can also affect your hyoid bone.

(not my image)

The hyoid bone is a moveable bone going down your throat.
When there is a tongue tie, there is tension from the muscles and fascia above and below this bone.  This means that with tension, it can pull a person into a more forward posture, creating improper posture and improper airway.

But also!

That fascial tissue and pull goes ALL THE WAY down to the sternum. 
If you have a really tight sternum or chest,
its the fascial relationship of the tongue!

That’s because this tissue connects to the
–Bronchopericardiac membrane (lungs)
– phrenoparicardial ligament (diaphragm)

(not my image)

The tongue tension goes into the rest of the body, so you have to release the phrenopericaridal ligament, attaches the heart into the diaphragm, which will also pull that person into the forward posture. The diaphragm has a HUGE connection with posture.

The collarbone has two of the 3 axial layers of cervical fascia attached to the hyoid bone.  A lot will get pulled inferiorly and drag the whole system with them.  Not allowing the whole tongue to function properly.

Know someone that has a tight sternum and chest?  (they probably have a tongue tie)

So the fascial restrictions below the hyoid can also cause problems.

You have to look at the whole picture here.  Because the brain likes BALANCE.


This is why it is so important. …..

In my practice I would get patients feeling better with their brain working better, less tension, better posture, better breathing.. But for some individuals things kept coming back.

What we learn is the tongue.
When patient had the issues of tongue dysfunction (tongue ties),  and had the tongue tie release done (just lasered that tissue off) those muscles and fascial tissue relaxed and had a lasting effect. 

The brain no longer has to keep going into those patterns because the restriction is off.  Pretty awesome right?!

BUT, I will say integration of the ENTIRE body is important.  You can’t just get a tongue tie release done without craniopathy care and body work and expect the same results.
(think about the whole line I just talked about)
Integration is key.  Because after all if the nerves getting to the tongue aren’t working, then a tongue tie release wont’ make much difference.  Fix the nerves first then do the release and soft tissue work.

Proper swallow- having that free end of the tongue helps flexion of the maxilla, the tongue is the scaffold from the growing bone, and the tongue will be able to lift to the palate.


I know tongue tie release is becoming more common in infants with feeding issues, but it’s also JUST as common in adults that have chronic neck, breathing, jaw, swallowing and upper body tightness.

Getting cranial work done to get the brain to work better and getting a tongue tie release can be LIFE changing for many people, myself included. 


ON the spotlight this week is clove oil!  This is the oil i use to numb the gums for any dental work and for tongue tie releases!Sourced from Madagascar, doTERRA Clove oil is harvested from unopened and dried flower buds of the evergreen tree, Eugenia caryophyllata. Though it is more commonly recognized as a ground household spice, Clove oil is a unique and powerful option that you can utilize even outside the kitchen. It is a popular choice for adding spice to a meal, administering a warming massage, freshening your breath, and more. Clove essential oil has many everyday uses—making it a helpful addition in any home.

Clove Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Clove oil can be especially useful for dental hygiene. For years, Clove essential oil has been used in candies, gum, and dental preparations due to its ability to cleanse the mouth and help freshen breath. There are several ways to harness the cleansing and soothing benefits of Clove oil for the teeth, gums, and mouth at home. For example, place a single drop of Clove oil in two ounces of water and gargle for a soothing effect. You can also add one drop of Clove to your toothpaste, which will promote clean teeth and fresh breath. For an extra clean feeling, apply one drop of Clove oil to your teeth and gums after your six month appointment with your dentist.
  2. Because of its warm, spicy characteristics, Clove essential oil makes the perfect addition to your favorite autumn or holiday recipes. This essential oil pumpkin pie recipe harnesses the delicious, spicy flavor of Clove, Ginger, and Cinnamon essential oils to add a new twist to an old favorite. Whether you are getting ready to host a big holiday party, or you are looking for the perfect dessert for a crisp fall evening, this pumpkin pie recipe will soon become your go-to for the holiday season.
  3. Not only is the spicy, autumn flavor of Clove oil great for cooking, you can also enjoy the scent of Clove oil in your own homemade sugar scrub. Make your own skin exfoliating scrub at home by combining the fall scents of CassiaGinger, and Clove essential oil, and enjoy smooth, exfoliated skin. You’ll love this festive fall sugar scrub that smells like a crisp autumn day.
  4. Add Clove oil to your daily supplement regimen to help promote wellness. To experience the benefits that Clove oil has to offer, consider adding two or three drops of the oil to a doTERRA Veggie Capsule and take internally to support cardiovascular health.*
  5. Have you tried making your own potpourri using essential oils? Clove oil is a helpful addition to a homemade potpourri concoction, especially if you are trying to fill your home with the warm scents of autumn and winter. Use CinnamonCassiaVetiverWild OrangeGingerCardamom, Clove and your other favorite oils to add an aroma to this homemade potpourri and enjoy the warm, spicy, and herbal scents of fall.
  6. Make a sweet treat for your loved ones with this delicious gingerbread cookie recipe. Obviously you’ll need some Gingeressential oil, but you can amp up the taste of regular gingerbread cookies with some extra help from Cinnamon and Clove oils. These yummy gingerbread cookies are gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan, so they are perfect for any of your friends or family who have diet restrictions. Plus, they taste delicious!
  7. Because Clove oil brings a warming sensation to the skin, it is sometims used for massage therapy. Keep in mind, however, that Clove is known as a hot oil, and should always be diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Or, if you want to enjoy the benefits of a calming, warm massage at home, you can also combine Clove essential oil with the doTERRA Hand and Body lotion.
  8. Experience the invigorating scent of Clove oil by diffusing it during the fall and winter seasons. For a stimulating diffuser blend, diffuse three drops of Clove, two drops of Cinnamon, and one drop of Wild Orange oil in the essential oil diffuser of your choice.

Plant Description
Clove oil comes from flower buds of an evergreen tree. Requiring a tropical, humid environment, the clove tree produces flower buds, and Clove oil is created out of the unopened or dried flower buds. Clove trees have been useful for centuries for cooking, perfumes, and other aromatic uses. Originally hailing from Southeast Asia, the clove tree, or Eugenia caryophyllata, can live up to 100 years and is a member of the myrtle family whose leaves, flowers, and buds are highly aromatic—making it useful for essential oil production.


Chemistry of Clove Oil
Main Chemical Component: Eugenol

The bud of a clove tree contains a significant amount of the active chemical component eugenol, which contributes to the energizing fragrance of Clove essential oil. Studies have shown that eugenol has the potential to assist the body in maintaining normal gastrointestinal motility, which is particularly helpful during times of stress when the digestive tract is not functioning properly.* Eugenol is also used in several dentistry applications, which is why the oil from clove buds is often noted for its benefits for oral care.

That is all for now.
Have a happy and healthy week.
Dr Hamel