Helping Your Mouth Move.
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a congenital oral anomaly that may decrease the mobility of the tongue tip and is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenulum, a membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Ankyloglossia varies in degree of severity from mild cases characterized by mucous membrane bands to complete ankyloglossia whereby the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth. (wikipedia.com) Tongue tie can affect eating, speech, and oral hygiene as well as have mechanical/social effects. Tongue tie can also prevent the tongue from contacting the anterior palate. This can then hamper the progression to an adult-like swallow which can result in an open bite deformity. It can also result in mandibular prognathism; this happens when the tongue contacts the anterior portion of the mandible with exaggerated anterior thrusts. We can help with both pre and post tongue tie procedures and also determine if you need a tongue tie release procedure. If you have tongue tie, you won't believe how much better you will be able to eat and speak once you go through our therapy!
What Does an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Do for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
An Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) is a trained specialist who evaluates and treats the function and coordination of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. When a child or adult has a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie, the range of motion and strength of those muscles can be restricted. This can impact feeding, swallowing, speech clarity, breathing patterns, oral rest posture, and overall orofacial development. OMTs help individuals improve tongue mobility, oral muscle coordination, and functional patterns through targeted exercises before and after surgical release (frenectomy), when needed. Therapy focuses on establishing correct tongue placement, nasal breathing, swallowing patterns, and healthy oral habits. OMTs often collaborate with dentists, ENTs, lactation consultants, orthodontists, and speech-language pathologists to ensure comprehensive care and lasting results.
Responsibilities of an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Supporting Tongue Tie and Lip Tie:
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Assess tongue and lip mobility, oral posture, breathing patterns, feeding efficiency, and swallowing function
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Provide pre-release exercises to strengthen oral muscles and prepare for a frenectomy, if recommended
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Teach correct tongue resting posture, lip seal, and nasal breathing patterns
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Support feeding, speech clarity, and swallowing through targeted oral motor and functional exercises
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Guide families through post-release wound care and muscle retraining to prevent reattachment
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Address habits such as open-mouth posture, tongue thrust, prolonged pacifier use, or mouth breathing
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Collaborate with dental, medical, and therapy professionals to support whole-body functional outcomes
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Create individualized treatment plans that promote proper oral function, comfort, and long-term development
