Tongue Tie & Lip Tie: What You Need to Know
More Than a Mouth Issue — It’s About Breathing, Growth, and Whole-Body Health
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie are common conditions where the small bands of tissue (called frena) that connect the tongue or upper lip are unusually tight, short, or thick. While they might seem minor at first glance, these restrictions can have a major impact—especially when it comes to breathing, sleep, facial development, and long-term health.
At our practice, we take a whole-body approach to diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties, helping patients of all ages breathe better, sleep better, and grow healthier.
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What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie limits how well the tongue can move, especially upward and outward. You might notice a heart-shaped appearance of the tongue or difficulty sticking it out past the teeth.
A lip tie restricts the upper lip from lifting freely. In infants, this can cause difficulty latching during breastfeeding. In older children and adults, it may contribute to gaps between the front teeth, gum irritation, or mouth breathing.
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How Do These Ties Affect Breathing and Development?
These oral restrictions can interfere with much more than just feeding or speech—they can play a major role in how the jaw, face, and airway develop.
Airway & Breathing
The tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth to support proper breathing and jaw development. If a tie prevents this, the tongue sits low in the mouth, encouraging:
• Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
• Narrow, high palate and smaller airway
• Increased risk of snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, and fatigue
Facial & Jaw Development
Over time, restricted tongue movement can affect how the jaws and face grow, leading to:
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Recessed chin or narrow face
• Orthodontic concerns later in life
• Poor lip seal or open-mouth posture
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Signs & Symptoms at Different Ages
Tongue and lip ties can show up in different ways depending on age:
Infants:
• Difficulty breastfeeding or latching
• Gassiness, reflux, or clicking sounds while feeding
• Slow weight gain
Children:
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Speech delays or unclear speech
• Picky eating or gagging
• Open-mouth posture
Teens & Adults:
• Jaw tension, clenching, or TMJ symptoms
• Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
• Speech difficulties or tongue strain
• Headaches or neck/shoulder tension
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Treatment Options
The good news: tongue and lip ties are treatable. If a restriction is diagnosed and affecting function, we may recommend a frenectomy—a gentle, in-office procedure that releases the tight tissue. When paired with therapies like myofunctional therapy, lactation support, or airway-focused orthodontics, it can lead to significant improvements in:
• Breathing and sleep
• Feeding and speech
• Facial growth and posture
• Overall quality of life
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Why Early Detection Matters
Tongue and lip ties aren’t always visible to the untrained eye, and many go undiagnosed for years. By identifying these issues early, we can support better growth, development, and health outcomes—especially for children during critical stages of growth.
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Concerned About a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Whether you're a parent seeking answers for your child, or an adult experiencing symptoms, we’re here to help. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations, personalized care, and collaborative support with other specialists to ensure the best outcomes.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how airway-focused care can support better health from the inside out.
