Tongue Ties: What Every Parent Should Know Before and After a Frenectomy
Estimated Reading Time: 8–10 minutes
A Tongue Tie Diagnosis Can Feel Overwhelming—You're Not Alone
Learning that your child has a tongue tie can bring up many questions.
What exactly is a tongue tie? Does every tongue tie need treatment? What is a frenectomy? Is surgery enough?
These are some of the most common questions parents ask, and the answers aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
The good news is that you don't have to navigate the process alone. Understanding how tongue ties affect oral function—and the important role Myofunctional Therapy can play before and after a frenectomy—can help families make informed decisions and support long-term success.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) occurs when the small band of tissue underneath the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is unusually short, tight, or restrictive.
When this tissue limits tongue movement, it may affect how the tongue functions during everyday activities such as:
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Swallowing
Speaking
Chewing
Breathing
Resting comfortably against the roof of the mouth
Not every tongue tie causes problems. Some people have a tongue tie with no noticeable functional limitations, while others experience challenges that affect feeding, oral development, or quality of life.
For that reason, treatment decisions should always be based on function—not appearance alone.
Common Signs of a Tongue Tie
Every individual is different, but some common signs may include:
Infants
Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
Clicking sounds during feeding
Poor weight gain
Frequent feeding sessions
Maternal nipple discomfort during breastfeeding
Children
Mouth breathing
Difficulty chewing certain foods
Speech concerns
Tongue thrust swallowing pattern
Difficulty sticking the tongue out
Trouble licking lips or cleaning food from teeth
Orthodontic concerns
Open-mouth posture at rest
Adults
Adults can also experience symptoms associated with restricted tongue mobility, including:
Neck or jaw tension
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent tongue fatigue
Sleep-related breathing concerns
Ongoing orthodontic relapse
Limited tongue mobility affecting daily function
Why Tongue Function Matters
The tongue is much more than a muscle used for speech.
It plays an important role in:
Breathing
Swallowing
Jaw development
Facial growth
Dental stability
Airway support
Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth while breathing through the nose.
When the tongue cannot comfortably reach this position because of restricted mobility—or because it has developed compensatory habits—it may influence how the surrounding muscles function over time.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases restrictive tissue beneath the tongue, allowing for greater mobility.
Many families think of the procedure as "fixing" the problem.
In reality, a frenectomy creates the opportunity for improved function—but function itself still needs to be developed.
Think of it this way:
A knee surgery may restore the structure of the joint, but physical therapy helps restore strength, movement, and coordination.
The same principle often applies to oral function.
Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy focuses on improving how the muscles of the mouth, tongue, lips, and face work together.
Rather than simply increasing tongue movement, therapy helps patients learn how to use that new movement effectively.
Goals often include:
Establishing nasal breathing
Improving tongue resting posture
Developing healthy swallowing patterns
Strengthening coordination of oral muscles
Supporting long-term functional stability
Why Therapy Before a Frenectomy Can Help
Many providers now recommend beginning Myofunctional Therapy before a frenectomy when appropriate.
Preparing the muscles beforehand may help patients:
Learn proper tongue awareness
Improve oral muscle coordination
Build healthier movement patterns
Better understand post-procedure exercises
Preparation can also help families know what to expect throughout treatment.
Why Therapy After a Frenectomy Is Equally Important
Following a frenectomy, the tongue suddenly has greater freedom of movement.
However, the brain and muscles often continue using the same movement patterns they developed before the release.
Post-procedure therapy focuses on helping patients:
Use their new range of motion effectively
Reduce compensatory muscle patterns
Support healing
Improve oral function
Maintain long-term results
Without retraining, old habits may continue despite improved mobility.
Does Every Tongue Tie Need a Frenectomy?
No.
Not every tongue tie requires surgical treatment.
Treatment decisions should be based on:
Functional limitations
Symptoms
Clinical evaluation
Individual goals
Some individuals benefit from therapy alone.
Others may benefit from therapy combined with a frenectomy.
The best approach is individualized and developed collaboratively with your healthcare team.
What Happens During a Myofunctional Evaluation?
An evaluation provides a comprehensive look at how the muscles of the mouth and face are functioning.
Areas commonly assessed include:
Breathing patterns
Tongue posture
Lip posture
Swallowing
Oral habits
Muscle coordination
Airway-related concerns
Overall oral function
Based on the findings, individualized recommendations are provided to determine whether therapy may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Yes. Myofunctional Therapy can benefit both children and adults. Treatment plans are individualized based on each person's needs and goals.
Is a frenectomy painful?
Every patient experiences procedures differently. Your provider will explain what to expect before, during, and after treatment, including comfort measures and post-operative care.
Is Myofunctional Therapy only for children?
No. Adults also benefit from improving oral function, tongue posture, breathing patterns, and swallowing habits.
Does every tongue tie require surgery?
No. Treatment recommendations depend on function, symptoms, and clinical evaluation rather than the appearance of the frenulum alone.
How long does Myofunctional Therapy take?
Every treatment plan is unique. Your therapist will recommend a personalized program based on your goals and functional needs.
Continue Learning
If you found this article helpful, you may also enjoy:
Why Mouth Breathing Matters More Than Most Parents Realize
5 Signs Your Child May Benefit From Myofunctional Therapy
Why Orthodontic Relapse Happens (And What Parents Can Do About It)
About the Author
Reviewed and Written by
Emilee Hyland, RDH
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
Founder, Face Value Myofunctional Therapy
Emilee helps children and adults improve breathing, tongue posture, swallowing patterns, oral function, and airway health through personalized Myofunctional Therapy programs. She believes in educating families, collaborating with healthcare providers, and supporting long-term functional wellness.
Wondering If Myofunctional Therapy Could Help?
Every child—and every adult—is unique.
If you have questions about tongue ties, oral function, breathing, or whether Myofunctional Therapy may be right for you or your child, we're here to help.