Tongue-Ties, TOTs, and Airway Health: What Every Parent Should Know

TOTs Are More Common Than You Think

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and other tethered oral tissues (TOTs) are often overlooked but can have major effects on children’s health. These conditions restrict the movement of the tongue or lips, leading to difficulties in feeding, speech, breathing, and jaw development.

As a holistic pediatric dentist, I see TOTs not just as dental concerns, but as whole-body issues connected to airway health and development.

Signs of Tongue-Tie or TOTs in Kids

• Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding

• Poor weight gain or colic

• Speech delays or unclear speech

• Mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep

• Crowded teeth or narrow arches

  
  

The Airway Connection

The tongue should rest on the roof of the mouth, guiding jaw growth and keeping the airway open. If restricted, the tongue sits low, causing:

• Narrow upper jaw and crowded teeth

• High palate and reduced nasal space

• Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing

  
  

Solutions: Holistic Approach

• Frenectomy: Gentle release of the tissue restriction.

• Myofunctional therapy: Exercises to retrain tongue and facial muscles.

• Early orthodontics: Arch expansion to create airway space.

• Interdisciplinary care: Collaboration with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and ENT specialists.

  
  

Conclusion: Early Intervention = Better Health

Addressing TOTs early helps children breathe, sleep, and thrive. It prevents lifelong airway and orthodontic problems. At Amore Dentistry, we focus on function—not just appearance.

References

1. Messner AH, Lalakea ML. “The effect of ankyloglossia on speech in children.” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002.

2. Baxter R. Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More. 2018.

3. Zaghi S, et al. “Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: A treatment for tongue-tie.” Ear Nose Throat J. 2019.