Understanding Tongue & Lip Ties: Why a Team Approach Matters for Feeding Success

Tongue ties and lip ties are topics that come up often in my practice, especially when families are struggling with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or their baby simply seems uncomfortable during feeds. If you’ve been searching for answers about feeding challenges, latch difficulties, or whether a tongue tie might be part of the picture, you’re not alone.

Tongue and lip ties (also known as tethered oral tissues) can affect everything from how a baby transfers milk to how their mouth and airway develop over time. Because these concerns can be complex, I take a team-based approach to evaluating and supporting infants with suspected tongue or lip ties. No single provider can see the full picture — and families deserve a plan that reflects the whole baby, not just one part of their anatomy.

In this post, we’ll walk through what tongue and lip ties are, signs parents often notice, why careful evaluation matters, and how a collaborative team — including IBCLC, SLP, OT, PT, and a dentist — can make a meaningful difference.

What Are Tongue & Lip Ties?

A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum (the small band of tissue under the tongue) restricts movement of the tongue. A lip tie usually involves a tight upper lip frenulum that may limit the ability of the lip to flange or move freely during feeding.

These restrictions can impact:

• Latch

• Milk transfer

• Oral tension

• Comfort for the breastfeeding parent

• Coordination during feeds

And while not every tie causes problems, when they do impact feeding or oral function, families may notice challenges early on.

Possible Long-Term Effects of Untreated Ties

For some children, persistent restriction can contribute to:

• Speech articulation challenges

• Altered palate or mouth shape

• Mouth breathing or airway concerns

• Difficulty transitioning to solids

• Challenges with licking, swallowing, or oral coordination

• Dental spacing or hygiene issues

Again, what matters most is function, not the appearance of the frenulum. This is why a functional feeding evaluation is so important.

Common Signs Parents Notice

Parents often come to me wondering if their baby’s symptoms could be related to a tongue or lip tie. Common signs include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched

• Clicking or loss of suction during feeding

• Leaking milk at the breast or bottle

• Frequent, prolonged, or fussy feeds

• Gassiness or reflux-like symptoms

• Nipple pain, compression, or damage

• Fatigue or frustration during feeds

• Preference for one breast or feeding position

• Visible tethering or limited tongue lift

If these signs sound familiar, a deeper look at function — not just appearance — can bring clarity.

Why a Careful, Functional Evaluation Matters

Tongue and lip ties are rarely simple. A quick look inside the mouth doesn’t tell the whole story. Babies often compensate with their jaw, cheeks, or body tension to make feeding work, even when movement is restricted.

A thoughtful assessment considers:

• Oral mobility and coordination

• Whole-body tension patterns

• Suck–swallow–breathe rhythm

• Postural or muscular asymmetries

• Parent comfort

• Real-time feeding mechanics

This approach ensures we’re not chasing symptoms or recommending unnecessary procedures. Instead, we create a plan based on what your baby actually needs.

The Power of a Collaborative Care Team

In my practice, I work closely with a trusted team of providers who specialize in infant feeding and oral function. This includes an:

• IBCLC (lactation consultant)

• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

• Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Physical Therapist (PT)

• Dentist experienced in tethered oral tissues

• Bodyworkers

Each professional brings a unique perspective. For example:

• SLP/OT support oral-motor coordination and feeding patterns

• PT helps address body tension or asymmetry

• The dentist is essential for accurate diagnosis and high-quality release when indicated

• IBCLC supports latch, positioning, parent comfort, and the overall feeding plan

• Bodyworkers – Chiropractic, CST, or other manual therapies to support mobility and reduce tension

When these perspectives come together, families get clarity, not confusion.

Before Considering a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Release

Not every baby needs a revision — and even when it is indicated, preparation matters.

Pre-release therapy may include:

• Oral-motor skill development

• Reducing compensations

• Softening oral and body tension

• Optimizing latch and feeding patterns

• Making sure baby is ready for the increased range of motion

This preparation often leads to better feeding outcomes and a smoother recovery.

Aftercare and Post-Release Support

If a release is performed, gentle and developmentally appropriate aftercare helps babies integrate their new mobility into feeding. This may involve:

• Stretching guidance (as recommended by your provider)

• Continued oral-motor therapy

• Latch adjustments

• Feeding support

• Coordination practice

Post-release care ensures that the benefits of the procedure translate into real-life feeding improvements.

Wondering If Your Baby Has a Tongue Tie? I’m Here to Help.

Navigating feeding challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure this out alone. If you're noticing symptoms, or you’re simply unsure whether a tongue or lip tie may be contributing, a functional, team-based evaluation can make all the difference.

You're welcome to reach out via DM, email, or by booking an appointment. You can also explore more feeding resources on my website.