Oral Ties
(Tongue, Lip, & Buccal Ties)
Supporting Feeding, Breathing, and Function—Across the Lifespan
Oral ties—such as tongue ties, lip ties, and buccal ties—can affect feeding, breathing, speech, and overall function at any age. While they’re often discussed in infancy, restrictive oral tissues can continue to impact children, adolescents, and adults in more subtle ways over time.
At The Abeille Feeding Clinic, we take a whole-body, functional approach to oral ties, supporting patients from infancy through adulthood. Our focus is not just on the presence of a tie, but on how it affects daily function—and how to support meaningful, sustainable change.
What Are Oral Ties?
Oral ties occur when the connective tissue (frenulum) under the tongue, lip, or cheeks is more restrictive than expected. These restrictions can limit mobility, coordination, and endurance, which may influence:
Not all oral ties cause symptoms, and not all symptoms are caused by oral ties. That’s why we emphasize functional assessment over visual appearance alone.
- Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and swallowing
- Chewing and solid food progression
- Speech clarity and oral motor coordination
- Breathing patterns and airway function
- Posture, tension, and compensatory movement patterns
Not all oral ties cause symptoms, and not all symptoms are caused by oral ties. That’s why we emphasize functional assessment over visual appearance alone.
Signs Oral Ties May Be Affecting Function
In Infants:
In Children:
In Teens & Adults:
These signs often overlap with other conditions, which is why a comprehensive, individualized evaluation is essential.
- Difficulty latching, maintaining a seal, or transferring milk
- Clicking, leaking milk, or excessive air intake
- Prolonged feeds or fatigue during feeding
- Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or frequent hiccups
- Head or body tension, asymmetry, or feeding preferences
In Children:
- Difficulty chewing or managing textured foods
- Picky or selective eating related to oral fatigue or coordination
- Speech sound challenges or reduced tongue mobility
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep-related concerns
- Jaw tension, neck tension, or postural compensation
In Teens & Adults:
- Difficulty with endurance when chewing or speaking
- Jaw pain, tension headaches, or neck/shoulder discomfort
- History of orthodontic concerns or relapse
- Mouth breathing, sleep quality concerns, or airway symptoms
- Long-standing feeding or swallowing challenges
These signs often overlap with other conditions, which is why a comprehensive, individualized evaluation is essential.
Our Approach to Oral Ties
At The Abeille Feeding Clinic, we do not diagnose or surgically release oral ties. Instead, we provide functional assessment and therapeutic support to help patients and families understand what role—if any—oral ties may be playing.
Our services include:
We believe informed decisions come from education, collaboration, and respect for patient goals—not pressure.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive feeding and oral motor evaluations across all ages
- Functional assessment of tongue, lip, jaw, and facial coordination
- Whole-body observation (posture, tension patterns, reflexes, breathing)
- Feeding therapy, Bodywork, and myofunctional-based support when appropriate
- Collaboration with trusted dental, medical, and surgical providers
We believe informed decisions come from education, collaboration, and respect for patient goals—not pressure.
Before & After a Tie Release: Why Therapy Matters
When a tie release is recommended by a medical or dental provider, therapy before and after the procedure is critical—at any age.
Support may include:
A release changes structure; therapy supports function.
Support may include:
- Preparing oral tissues and movement patterns prior to release
- Reducing compensatory tension and inefficient habits
- Supporting new motor patterns after increased range of motion
- Helping patients integrate changes into feeding, speech, and breathing
A release changes structure; therapy supports function.
Still Have Questions?
Already Had a Tie Release?
If challenges persist after a tongue, lip, or buccal tie release, additional support may be needed. We frequently work with patients who continue to experience:
Post-release therapy can help bridge the gap between potential and performance.
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
- Oral fatigue or coordination challenges
- Speech or myofunctional concerns
- Ongoing tension despite structural changes
Post-release therapy can help bridge the gap between potential and performance.
Who Can Benefit From Oral Tie Support?
You may benefit from an oral ties evaluation if:
We support patients at every stage of life and meet you where you are in the process.
- Feeding, chewing, or swallowing feels difficult or inefficient
- You’ve been told a tie might be present and want functional insight
- You’re considering a release and want support before or after
- Symptoms have persisted despite other interventions
We support patients at every stage of life and meet you where you are in the process.
Do You Suspect You or Your Child Has Oral Ties?
Oral ties support is available at our St. Louis–area locations, our St. Robert and Middle Missouri location, and through in-home visits when appropriate.
If you’re seeking thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance for oral ties—without fear-based messaging—we’re here to help.
👉 Schedule an appointment or contact us to learn more.
If you’re seeking thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance for oral ties—without fear-based messaging—we’re here to help.
👉 Schedule an appointment or contact us to learn more.