Tongue & Lip Tie
Supporting Your Infant’s Feeding Success
Tongue and lip tie, also known as ankyloglossia and frenulum restriction, are anatomical limitations affecting a baby’s oral cavity. Tight frenulums, the small folds of tissue under the tongue and/or upper lip, can impact a baby’s ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively.
Fortunately, our team of pediatric therapists understands the challenges associated with tongue and lip ties, and we offer comprehensive support to both infants and their families.
Addressing Tongue and Lip Tie Challenges
While a mild tongue or lip tie may not cause significant issues, a restricted frenulum can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Signs that may indicate a tongue or lip tie include:
- Clicking or popping sounds during feeding
- Short feeding sessions due to fatigue
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
- Excessive gas or reflux
- Poor weight gain
Pediatric Therapy for Tongue and Lip Tie
Early intervention is crucial for optimizing feeding success and addressing potential developmental delays associated with tongue and lip tie. Our pediatric therapists can provide valuable support. Here’s how different therapists contribute:
Occupational Therapy (OT):
- Oral Motor Exercises: OTs develop exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the tongue and lips. This pre-surgical preparation helps infants develop the necessary oral motor skills for effective feeding.
- Positioning and Latch Techniques: OTs teach parents optimal positioning strategies and latch techniques to facilitate successful feeding, even with a tongue or lip tie.
- Sensory Processing: Some infants with tongue ties may experience heightened oral sensitivities. OTs can provide strategies to manage these sensitivities and create a more calming feeding environment.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP):
- Sucking and Swallowing Coordination: SLPs evaluate and address any sucking or swallowing difficulties that may arise due to a tongue or lip tie. They can develop strategies to improve coordination and optimize oral function during feeding.
- Communication Strategies: For infants who struggle with ineffective sucking patterns, SLPs may introduce alternative communication methods, such as paced bottle feeding, to ensure adequate nutrition intake.
Building a Brighter Feeding Journey Together
Our Grand Island, Kearney, or Hastings, NE team of experienced pediatric therapists recognizes the challenges families face with tongue and lip tie. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where your baby can develop the skills necessary for successful and enjoyable feeding.