Tongue Tie

What is a tongue tie?

A "tongue tie" (sometimes called tethered oral tissue) refers to a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue that can limit how the tongue moves. For some children this restriction makes certain tasks — like latching for breastfeeding, moving food around the mouth, or shaping sounds for speech — harder or more tiring than they should be.

Why it matters

Tongue movement is important for several everyday functions: feeding, oral hygiene, speech, and comfort. When tongue mobility is limited, families may notice more effort or frustration during feedings, speech development that seems slow or unclear, challenges with chewing certain textures, or trouble cleaning the teeth and mouth effectively. These effects can influence baby's weight gain, a toddler's willingness to try foods, or a school-age child's confidence talking with peers.

What to expect from therapy and coaching

Our approach is family-centered and practical. We begin with a functional assessment of how your child uses their mouth and tongue during feeding, play, and speaking. We look at strength, range of motion, jaw and lip function, and how feeding routines are going — not to give a medical diagnosis, but to understand what your child can do now and where they need support.

Based on that assessment, we'll share a clear plan that focuses on what will help right away. That often includes hands-on and guided activities to encourage better tongue movement and coordination, simple daily exercises you can do at home, feeding strategies to make meals less stressful, and communication practice for older children. If a medical provider (pediatrician, lactation consultant, ENT, or dentist) is involved or recommends a procedure, we can coordinate care and provide pre- and post-procedure support to help with recovery and function.

Some families come for short-term coaching to solve feeding pain or latch challenges; others work with us for weeks to months to build stronger oral skills and speech clarity. Progress varies by child and by the particular areas being addressed. We’ll set realistic, measurable goals together and check in often so you can see what’s changing.

When to consider support

  • Difficulty breastfeeding: persistent pain, poor latch, or long, tiring feeds
  • Ongoing speech sounds that are unclear after expected milestones
  • Trouble moving food inside the mouth, frequent gagging, or picky eating linked to oral control
  • Challenges with oral hygiene or frequent dental concerns
  • Worries about comfort, feeding, or your child’s ability to communicate

How we help

  • Functional assessment of tongue and oral movement during feeding and speech
  • Practical feeding strategies and positioning help for infants and toddlers
  • Guided oral-motor exercises and play-based activities for strength and coordination
  • Parent coaching with a clear home program and progress checks
  • Collaboration with your pediatrician, lactation consultant, dentist, or ENT when needed

Safety, team care, and next steps

We do not perform medical procedures. If a medical provider recommends further evaluation or a release procedure, we will work with you and that provider to support your child before and after any intervention. Our goal is to improve function, reduce stress around feeding and speaking, and give you tools that fit into your daily life. If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from support, a consultation can help clarify the options and the best next steps for your family.