Course Description

Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs) is  often being discussed in the fields of dentistry, otolaryngology, speech pathology, lactation as well as occupational and physical medicine. While many agree on the impact of TOTs on breastfeeding, some professionals debate,  or do not understand the functional impact of TOTs across the lifespan. 

Often babies seemingly improve with functional skills after a release in relation to breastfeeding, but as they advance to solids and age appropriate drinking vessels problems arise. There are also toddlers who are picky eaters or have unintelligible speech that the TOTs diagnosis was missed in infancy. 

While some argue that toddlers cannot undergo frenectomies or engage in pre- and post op care, this is a myth. Many toddlers have successful TOTs release outcomes when therapists combine oral sensory motor techniques with behavior management strategies. This course will outline the functional symptoms of toddlers with TOTs and the clinical parameters for treatment.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

1. Learners will be able to list at least three red flags of TOTs in toddlers.

2. Learners will identify 3 problems that may arise in TOTs is not addressed in the toddler years

3. Learners will be able to apply at least 2 techniques that can be used with toddlers for pre- and post-op care.

Timed Agenda

• 0-10 minutes - Speakers intro and why this webinar
• 10-30 minutes - What are TOTs and what problems can arise from TOTs in the toddler years
• 30-60 minutes - Toddler tantrums and tribulations in therapy 
• 60-110 minutes - Tackling the terrible twos in TOTs pre and post-op care 
• 110-120 minutes - FAQs & Answers 

TOTAL: 120 minutes