What Parents Should Know Before a Lip and Tongue Tie Release
Before a lip or tongue tie release, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers need oral function therapy to improve feeding, swallowing, and muscle coordination. Learn why pre- and post-release therapy matters for long-term success.
If your baby, toddler, or preschooler has a tongue or lip tie, you may have heard that a release (frenectomy) can improve feeding, swallowing, and speech development. But did you know that proper therapy before and after the procedure is crucial for long-term success?
As an occupational therapist specializing in oral function therapy, I help children develop strong oral and facial muscles before they undergo a tie release, ensuring better outcomes and faster healing.
Here’s what every parent should know before moving forward with a lip or tongue tie release.
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Not every child with a tongue or lip tie needs a procedure. A thorough evaluation by a specialist is key.
Signs that your baby or child may benefit from an evaluation:
Difficulty latching or painful breastfeeding
Slow weight gain or frequent gas from poor latch
Trouble transitioning to solids or frequent choking
Picky eating and avoiding certain textures
Excessive drooling, open-mouth breathing, or snoring
Speech delays or difficulty with certain sounds (for older toddlers)
Who to Consult:
• A specialist in tongue/lip ties (pediatric dentist, ENT, or IBCLC)
• An occupational therapist trained in oral function therapy (like me!) to assess muscle function before and after release
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Imagine wearing a cast on your leg for years—when it’s removed, the muscles are weak and don’t function properly. A tongue tie works the same way: just cutting the restriction isn’t enough—muscles need retraining.
Pre-release oral function therapy helps by:
Strengthening the tongue, lips, and jaw for better movement
Teaching proper tongue posture (so it stays in place after release)
Improving feeding and oral coordination before surgery
Reducing post-op discomfort and preventing reattachment
Many myofunctional therapists do not work with babies or toddlers, but as an occupational therapist specializing in infant and child oral function, I provide the necessary therapy for successful outcomes.
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A tongue or lip tie release is a quick procedure (usually with a laser or scissors), but parents should be prepared for:
Mild bleeding or swelling afterward
Temporary fussiness or feeding struggles
A need for post-op oral exercises to prevent reattachment
Choosing an experienced provider is crucial—they should offer post-release care instructions and refer to an oral function therapist.
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After a tongue or lip tie release, therapy ensures proper healing and long-term functional improvements in feeding, swallowing, and oral coordination.
Daily oral exercises to prevent reattachment
Feeding therapy to improve latch, sucking, and swallowing
Oral motor activities to support chewing, tongue mobility, and proper lip closure
Skipping therapy after a release can lead to continued feeding issues, speech concerns, and reattachment of the tie.
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At Unity Health and Wellness, we specialize in oral function therapy for infants —helping them develop strong oral habits before and after a tongue or lip tie release.
Located in Hurricane Utah, we provide therapy in our beautiful, child-friendly clinic designed to support early development.
Want to schedule an evaluation?
Contact us at 435-703-6600 or unityhealthutah@gmail.com
A tongue or lip tie release can be life-changing, but success depends on proper therapy before and after the procedure.
By working with an occupational therapist specializing in oral function, you can give your child the best start for lifelong feeding and oral health.
Have questions? Reach out—we’re happy to help!