Airway Issues and Tethered Oral Tissues

At Airway Hygiene with Kayla
I evaluate how the tongue, lips, breathing, posture, sleep, and oral habits work together. If additional support is needed, I collaborate with trusted providers to help guide you toward the most appropriate next steps for your individual needs.

What are Tethered Oral Tissue?
(TOTs)

The most common types include:

  • Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): Restriction of tongue movement due to a tight lingual frenulum.

  • Lip Tie: Restriction of the upper lip due to a tight labial frenulum.

  • Buccal Ties: Restrictions involving the cheeks.

A tethered oral tissue is not simply about how a tie looks—it is about how it affects function.

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help

Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and airway.

Therapy may help:

  • Establish proper tongue resting posture

  • Promote nasal breathing

  • Improve lip seal

  • Improve chewing and swallowing patterns

  • Support healthy facial growth and development

  • Reduce compensatory muscle patterns

  • Improve awareness and mobility of oral structures

  • Prepare patients for a tongue-tie release when indicated

  • Support healing and functional outcomes after release

Important Note:

Myofunctional therapy does not "stretch out" or eliminate a restrictive tie. Instead, therapy helps determine whether compensation patterns exist and prepares the muscles for optimal function before and after treatment when necessary.

Why a Team Approach Matters

Tongue and lip ties rarely exist in isolation.

A restricted tongue may affect:

  • Breathing

  • Sleep

  • Feeding

  • Swallowing

  • Speech

  • Facial growth

  • Dental development

  • Posture

Addressing only one piece of the puzzle may not provide lasting results. Collaboration between providers helps create the best opportunity for long-term success.

Who Do I Refer To?

Because tongue ties often involve multiple systems, a team approach is often best.

Depending on findings, referrals may be made to:

Tongue Tie Release Providers

  • Pediatric dentists

  • Airway-focused dentists

  • Oral surgeons

  • ENT physicians

When Do I Refer?

Not every tongue or lip tie requires treatment.

Referrals are based on function, not appearance alone.

A referral may be recommended when restrictions are contributing to:

  • Feeding difficulties

  • Speech concerns

  • Airway or sleep-related concerns

  • Persistent mouth breathing

  • Difficulty achieving proper tongue posture

  • Orthodontic concerns

  • TMJ symptoms

  • Limited tongue mobility affecting daily function