6100 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57106
How Lip and Tongue Ties Affect Oral Function
Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth in which an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue, called the lingual frenulum, tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A similar condition, lip-tie, occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums restricts lip movement. Both conditions can limit function in ways that affect feeding, speech, breathing, and facial development if left untreated.
Designer Dentistry & Smiles provides lip and tongue tie evaluation and treatment for patients throughout Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, and Tea, from newborns struggling to breastfeed to children and adults dealing with longstanding symptoms they may not even realize are connected to a tie. Identifying and addressing these restrictions early can prevent a cascade of oral and health complications down the road.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation
Signs and Symptoms of a Tongue-Tie
A tongue-tie is not always obvious, but there are several common indicators to watch for:
- Inability to stick the tongue out fully, often resulting in a heart-shaped appearance at the tip
- A corrugated or wavy tongue surface, caused by the tongue resting against the lower teeth instead of the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty raising the tongue to the roof of the mouth while the jaw is open
- Trouble latching or breastfeeding in infants
- Speech difficulties, particularly with sounds that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth
- Chewing or swallowing challenges at any age
Why Tongue Position Matters More Than Most People Realize
The tongue's natural resting position is against the roof of the mouth. This position supports normal oral function and may play a role in healthy jaw and palate development during childhood. When a tongue-tie restricts the tongue's range of motion, maintaining an appropriate resting position can become difficult.
Over time, restricted tongue movement may contribute to challenges with speech, chewing, swallowing, and oral hygiene. Some patients may also experience dental crowding or jaw discomfort. Because tongue function can interact with breathing and sleep patterns, restricted oral function may also warrant evaluation when a patient has ongoing concerns related to mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep quality.
How Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Are Treated
Treatment differs slightly depending on the patient's age, but the goal in every case is the same: releasing restricted tissue so the tongue and lips can move and function normally.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
A thorough oral exam assesses tongue and lip mobility, frenulum thickness, and how the restriction is affecting feeding, speech, or oral development.
Frenotomy for Babies
For infants, a simple, quick procedure clips the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. No medication is needed, and the procedure supports improved breastfeeding, breathing, and early development.
Frenulectomy for Children and Adults
For older patients, a laser procedure releases the tongue or lip tie with minimal discomfort, typically using a numbing gel rather than general anesthesia.
Post-Treatment Oral Exercises
Patients are guided through simple stretching and strengthening exercises to retrain the tongue and mouth muscles, helping ensure the tissue heals properly and function improves.
Follow-up Care
A follow-up visit confirms healing is progressing well and function is improving as expected.
Who Should Be Evaluated for a Tie?
Tongue and lip ties can affect patients at any age, though the symptoms often look different depending on stage of life:
- Newborns and infants who struggle to latch, feed slowly, or seem unusually fussy during feeding
- Children with speech delays, picky eating habits, or noticeable tongue restriction
- Teens and adults dealing with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or sleep issues that have never been clearly explained
- Anyone with a family history of tongue-tie, since the condition can run in families
An evaluation is the only reliable way to determine whether symptoms are connected to a tie and whether treatment is recommended.
Potential Benefits of Treatment
Addressing a tongue-tie or lip-tie can lead to meaningful improvements in both oral health and overall well-being, including:
- Easier, more effective breastfeeding for infants
- Improved speech clarity in children
- Better chewing, swallowing, and oral hygiene
- Reduction or elimination of airway issues such as sleep apnea
- Fewer facial and dental development concerns
- Relief from chronic headaches and jaw or TMJ pain
Take the First Step Toward Better Function
A tongue-tie or lip-tie can quietly affect feeding, speech, breathing, and comfort for years without ever being properly diagnosed. If you suspect your baby is struggling to feed, your child is showing signs of a tie, or you have dealt with unexplained jaw pain or headaches as an adult, an evaluation can provide answers. Designer Dentistry & Smiles in Sioux Falls, SD offers experienced, compassionate lip and tongue tie care for patients of every age, helping restore proper function and support a healthier smile.
