Introduction: Treating a Tongue Tie Takes More Than a Snip
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a structural issue—but its treatment requires functional support. At BreatheWorks, we’ve found that posture and alignment play a major role in both identifying tongue ties and ensuring a successful frenectomy outcome.
When the body is collapsed, the tongue cannot rest or function properly—regardless of surgical release. That’s why our approach combines myofunctional therapy, posture correction, and multidisciplinary care.
How Posture Affects Tongue Tie Function
Tongue tie is often blamed for:
- Speech delay
- Feeding difficulties
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep-disordered breathing
- TMJ dysfunction
- Improper chewing and swallowing
But posture plays a hidden role in these issues by:
- Restricting jaw and hyoid mobility
- Collapsing the oral space, making a tethered tongue harder to assess
- Promoting mouth breathing and low tongue posture
- Delaying functional recovery after frenectomy due to poor neuromuscular control
- Leading to compensatory head or neck movements during speech and eating
Real-World Case: A 10-Year-Old with Persistent Tongue Dysfunction After Frenectomy
A 10-year-old was referred to BreatheWorks after undergoing a tongue tie ankyloglossia release 6 months earlier. Despite the procedure, he still struggled with:
- Low tongue posture
- Poor articulation of /l/, /r/, and /th/
- Mouth breathing and poor sleep
- Slouched seated posture and forward head alignment
Assessment showed:
- Limited tongue mobility, despite no surgical restriction
- Weak palatal suction and poor oral awareness
- Jaw instability during chewing and speech
- No pre- or post-operative myofunctional therapy
Our treatment plan included:
- Oromyofunctional therapy to strengthen tongue-palate contact and retrain oral posture
- Exercises for jaw stability and hyoid mobility
- Posture correction and breathwork
- Coordination with the surgeon for possible scar tissue consultation
Results after 8 weeks:
- Improved speech clarity and tongue rest posture
- Reduction in mouth breathing and drooling
- Better nighttime breathing and improved sleep
- Rebuilt oral-motor coordination for lasting function
Why Frenectomy Alone Is Not Enough
Surgery releases the structure, but function must be trained. Without:
- Pre-operative therapy to improve awareness and mobility
- Posture correction to open the oral space
- Functional guidance after release
…patients often experience relapse, limited improvement, or new compensations.
How BreatheWorks Supports Optimal Tongue Tie Treatment
We offer a complete protocol:
✅ Pre- and post-operative myofunctional therapy
✅ Posture and breathing assessment for long-term stability
✅ Collaboration with ENTs, oral surgeons, lactation consultants, and bodyworkers
✅ Education for parents, adults, and providers on care timing and readiness
✅ Insurance-covered services with in-person and teletherapy options
Signs Your Tongue Tie May Need Functional Support
- Trouble sticking tongue out or elevating it to the palate
- Speech distortions that don’t resolve with therapy alone
- Poor sleep, mouth breathing, or snoring
- Pain or fatigue while speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- History of tongue tie release with limited benefit
- Slouched posture, weak core, or jaw instability
Key Takeaways
- Tongue tie is a structural issue, but recovery is functional and postural
- Poor alignment makes surgical outcomes less predictable
- Myofunctional therapy and posture retraining are essential for lasting results
- At BreatheWorks, we support patients before, during, and after frenectomy for optimal healing
