What Are Lip & Tongue Ties?

Inside the mouth are small bands of tissue 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 is the non-medical term for a relatively common physical condition called ankyloglossia, where an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Lip Tie – A lip-tie is a condition where the upper lip’s band of tissue (the labial frenulum) connecting the lip to the gums is too short, thick, or tight, which can limit.

Buccal Tie – Buccal ties involve restrictive tissues inside the cheeks that may affect oral movement, coordination, and function.

Tethered oral tissues can affect children differently depending on their age, growth, and oral function. Some symptoms may appear during infancy, while others become more noticeable as children grow and develop.

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.