13/10/2026
When it comes to tethered oral tissues (tongue-ties), FUNCTION matters more than APPEARANCE!
Just because a frenulum is visible doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be released!
And tongue-ties aren’t just a conversation about babies and breastfeeding. Tongue function is important throughout our lives, from infancy through to adulthood!
When assessing tongue function, we need to consider the bigger picture. 🔍
✨ Tongue mobility: How well can the tongue move, elevate and coordinate movements?
✨ Feeding and swallowing: Are there any functional difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, chewing or swallowing?
✨ Speech: Is restricted tongue movement contributing to speech difficulties?
✨ Oral function: How does the tongue function during everyday activities?
✨ Breathing and airway concerns: Are there concerns about nasal breathing, snoring or sleep that warrant further assessment? These concerns have multiple potential causes and cannot be attributed to a tongue-tie alone.
✨ Individual history: Are there other factors contributing to the person’s difficulties?
A tongue-tie assessment should never be based on appearance alone, and not every restriction requires surgical intervention.
This is why collaboration between speech pathologists, medical professionals, dentists and other relevant healthcare professionals is so important.
Our goal isn’t simply to identify a tongue-tie. It’s to understand how the tongue functions, whether there is a meaningful restriction and what support, if any, is appropriate for that individual.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace an individualised assessment, diagnosis or medical advice. Tongue-ties do not automatically cause feeding, speech, swallowing or airway difficulties. Please consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
