Benefits of Myo for Tongue/Lip Ties
Tongue ties and other tethered oral tissues can make everyday functions—like eating, speaking, and breathing—more difficult. Children and adults may experience speech or swallowing difficulties, nasal breathing challenges, and over time, disrupted sleep or dental concerns. In children, this can show up as picky eating, messy chewing, unclear speech, snoring, or restless sleep. Some restrictions aren’t visible on a routine exam and require a trained professional to evaluate tongue function, not just appearance.
For those who need a surgical release, myofunctional therapy is essential both before and after the procedure. While a frenectomy increases tongue mobility, it does not automatically teach correct movement or undo long-standing compensatory patterns. Pre-surgical therapy strengthens, coordinates, and trains the tongue to use its full range of motion, reducing risks of reattachment, scar tissue, and persistent functional issues. Post-surgical therapy then supports healing, re-educates oral muscles, and establishes healthy functional patterns.
The benefits of myofunctional therapy for tongue and lip ties are wide-ranging, including clearer speech, easier chewing and swallowing, better breathing and sleep, and support for optimal jaw/facial growth and airway function. Over the long term, improved oral function can also support cardiovascular, metabolic, neurologic, and respiratory health.
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Picky eating or limited food preferences
Messy eating or difficulty chewing and swallowing
Gagging, food pocketing, or difficulty managing textures
Lisping or unclear speech
Mouth breathing or difficulty breathing through the nose
Snoring, restless sleep, frequent bedwetting or night waking
Recurrent earaches, ear infections, or tonsillitis
If you recognize one or more of these signs, we encourage you to schedule a free 10-minute phone screening to see if you could benefit from myofunctional therapy. This brief conversation allows us to answer your questions, discuss your concerns, and help you determine the next best step—without pressure or commitment.
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Why wasn’t this identified earlier?
Tongue ties and other tethered oral tissues are not always obvious, especially when the restriction is posterior or submucosal. Many evaluations focus on what can be easily seen rather than how the tongue functions during speech, swallowing, and breathing. Functional restrictions often require assessment by a provider trained in evaluating tongue mobility, strength, coordination, and compensatory patterns.Does every tongue tie need surgery?
No. Not all tongue ties require surgical intervention. Treatment recommendations are based on function, symptoms, and how the restriction affects daily activities such as eating, speaking, breathing, and sleep. In some cases, myofunctional therapy alone may be appropriate; in others, therapy may be recommended alongside a surgical release.How does myofunctional therapy fit into treatment?
Myofunctional therapy addresses the functional component of tongue ties by retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and jaw. Therapy is often recommended both before and after a frenectomy to improve outcomes, reduce the risk of reattachment, and establish healthy oral habits.