Tongue and Lip Tie

What Does Feeding Therapy Do?

• Uses oral function techniques to teach baby how to suck effectively

• Trains correct tongue patterns for feeding, swallowing and speech development

What is Tongue or Lip Tie?

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie are congenital conditions in which the lingual frenulum (the ligament that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) and the labial frenulum (the lip’s ligament) is too thick, too tight or too short and reduces the ability of the tongue or lips to function correctly.

How Do I Know My Child Has It?

If you suspect your child may have a Tongue and Lip Tie, a pediatric feeding specialist such as a physician, lactation consultant, or speech-language pathologist can evaluate the condition. They can confirm the presence of a Tongue and Lip Tie and refer you to an ENT or pediatric dentist for further consultation and potential release..

What Happens Next?

The physician will confirm the tie and perform the release. You will then be given “exercises” that you will do several times daily.

Will It Fix the Problem?

A release will increase lip /vtongue’s passive range movement. If your baby, however, does not use the new movement, he will need feeding therapy to train the correct oral function. This is why babies will suck correctly right after the release and soon after return to their old patterns. Feeding therapy is necessary to train new active oral function skills and eliminate compensatory patterns to ensure continued success.

What Does Feeding Therapy Do?

• Uses oral function techniques to teach baby how to suck effectively

• Trains correct tongue patterns for feeding, swallowing and speech development

Prognosis: Successful Feeding

Excellent if tie is identified and released promptly and Feeding Therapy is initiated.

Feeding Complications

• Incorrect tongue patterns for feeding

• Biting instead of sucking

• Poor milk transfer

• Swallowing air

• Mother’s sore or painful nipples

• Breastfeeding difficulties

• Use of ineffective compensatory patterns

Other Complications

• Difficulty developing feeding skills

• Speech problems

• Increased need for orthodontia

• Increased sleep/respiratory issues

Release Is Generally Not Enough

To ensure the greatest success, evaluation of oral function is necessary to ensure that your baby uses correct mobility and function for successful breastfeeding.

Why Not Enough?

Babies start swallowing at 16 weeks gestation. A release now just means that the potential for movement has increased. If your baby does not realize that he has the range, or is not strong enough, he will not use it.

Why Feeding Therapy?

Because movement has been restricted for such a long time, most babies with a tongue/lip release need therapy to teach correct tongue movements.