Supporting Your Infant’s Feeding Success
Tongue- and lip-ties seem to be a hot topic these days. Without accurate information, navigating through diagnosis and treatment can be confusing and frustrating.
Tongue- and lip-tie, also known as ankyloglossia and frenulum restriction, are anatomical limitations affecting a person’s ability to move their lip and/or tongue. Tight frenulums, the small folds of tissue under the tongue and/or upper lip, can impact feeding, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Tongue and lip ties can cause several problems, particularly in infants and young children, because they restrict the normal movement of the tongue and lips. These issues can affect a variety of functions, including feeding, speech, dental health, and overall oral development.
At The Pediatric Place, our speech therapists undergo extensive training for assessment of tongue- and lip-ties in infants and children. Assessments focus on the functional movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, cheeks, head and neck in order to identify if tongue- and lip-ties play a role in adaptations observed. The speech therapists assess the following:
- Breathing
- Resting posture of the lips, tongue, jaw
- Chewing
- Drinking
- Swallowing
- Articulatory contacts of the lips, tongue, and jaw for speech production
- Dental Occlusion and Bite
Our speech therapists will thoroughly assess your child’s oral structures and watch your child perform functional oral movements. Mouth breathing, drooling, slurred or slushy speech, snoring, messy eating, choking and gagging, and trouble swallowing are all symptoms of possible tongue- and lip-ties. Our speech therapy team can also refer your child to the correct professionals (orthodontist, otolaryngologist or ENT, dentist, TMJ specialist, allergist, etc.).
Addressing Tongue and Lip Tie Challenges
While a mild tongue or lip tie may not cause significant issues, a restricted frenulum can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Signs that may indicate a tongue or lip tie include:
- Clicking or popping sounds during feeding
- Short feeding sessions due to fatigue
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
- Excessive gas or reflux
- Poor weight gain
Supporting Your Infant’s Feeding Success
Tongue and lip ties are often first suspected in babies. Tight frenulums, the small folds of tissue under the tongue and/or upper lip, can impact a baby’s ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively.
Fortunately, our team of pediatric speech therapists understands the challenges associated with tongue and lip ties, and we offer comprehensive support to both infants and their families.
Pediatric Therapy for Tongue and Lip Tie
Early intervention is crucial for optimizing feeding success and addressing potential developmental delays associated with tongue and lip tie. Our pediatric feeding team can provide valuable support.
Here’s how different therapists contribute:
Occupational Therapy (OT):
- Reflex Integration
- Sensory Processing
- Transition to different textures & flavors
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP):
- Suck Retraining
- Oral Motor Exercises
- Pre- and Post Frenectomy Care
- Home Programming
Registered Dietitian & IBCLC:
- Positioning and Latch Techniques
- Pacing, Timing, Flow
- Growth and Nutrition
Building a Brighter Feeding Journey Together at The Pediatric Place
Our team of experienced pediatric therapists recognizes the challenges families face with tongue and lip tie. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where your child can develop the skills necessary for successful and enjoyable feeding. We support you through evaluation, pre-surgical care, post-surgical care, through successful breathing, eating, and speaking!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team
Receive a Seamless Treatment Plan
Start to See Success and Growth!