What Are Lip & Tongue Ties?
Inside the mouth are small bands of tissue called frenulums that help connect the tongue, lips, and cheeks to surrounding structures. In some children, these tissues may be unusually tight, thick, or restrictive, limiting normal movement and function. These restrictions are known as tethered oral tissues (TOTs).
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) – A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) restricts tongue mobility and function.
Lip Tip – A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is tight or restrictive, limiting normal lip movement.
Buccal Tie – Buccal ties involve restrictive tissues inside the cheeks that may affect oral movement, coordination, and function.
Why Do Lip & Tongue Ties Matter?
Proper oral function is important for a child’s growth, development, and overall health. Restricted oral tissues can affect much more than feeding alone and may impact:
- Breastfeeding and bottle feeding
- Transitioning to solid foods
- Swallowing and chewing
- Speech development
- Oral and facial growth
- Palate development
- Airway growth and breathing
- Sleep quality
Many symptoms associated with tethered oral tissues are often mistaken for other concerns, including:
- Reflux
- Colic
- Feeding intolerance
- Behavioral concerns
- Failure to thrive
When underlying oral restrictions go undiagnosed, treatment may not fully address the root cause of a child’s symptoms.