Lip and Tongue-tie Stretches
Jun 06, 2025Tongue and lip ties, often referred to as "tethered oral tissues" ("TOTS"), are conditions where small bands of tissue, known as a frenulum, connect the tongue to the lower jaw or the upper lip to the gum line.
These conditions are common in infants and children yet can significantly hinder oral function, affecting activities like breastfeeding, eating, and speaking. Despite the challenges they may present, these oral ties can be managed effectively with the right interventions.
MotherBaby Wellness Co. recommends a variety of simple and effective oral stretches specifically designed to assist children with tongue, lip, and buccal ties.
Our methods use a series of gentle movements—both within and around the mouth—that can be seamlessly added to your routine either as a prelude to a frenectomy, as a means to support recovery afterward or as an approach on its own for those looking for a non-surgical option. These exercises are crafted to boost tissue flexibility and overall oral performance, easing the challenges associated with tongue and lip ties.
Implementing these exercises can lead to improved outcomes in terms of oral health and overall well-being, making them a valuable component of any therapeutic regimen for those affected by TOTS.
Examining a baby for a tongue-tie or lip-tie
Begin by placing the pad of your index finger gently on the baby's palate, also known as the roof of the mouth. In a slow and sweeping motion, move your finger towards the middle to feel for the height and shape of the palate arch.
This initial step helps in identifying any abnormalities in the tautness or position of the palate, which can affect how the tongue naturally rests. The normal resting posture of the tongue should ideally be at the roof of the mouth, supported by slightly relaxed teeth and jaw. It is crucial to note whether the tongue achieves this position easily, as it can indicate whether a tongue-tie is impacting the baby's oral dynamics.
Understanding this alignment can reveal improvements in oral function over time or the need for further intervention.
Buccal tie stretch
Using the pad of your index finger, first insert it gently into the space between the baby's upper cheek and gum line, employing a fishhook-like motion.
This essential maneuver focuses on the buccal tie stretch, which directly interacts with the soft tissues inside the mouth. By repeating this movement on the opposite side, you ensure a symmetrical release of tension that might otherwise contribute to discomfort or restricted movement. As you carefully navigate these areas, it is important to monitor the baby's response, ensuring that the pressure applied remains gentle yet effective.
Since these movements play a vital role in relieving stiffness, they can greatly assist in facilitating better oral posture and function. In addition, regular practice of this simple stretch can significantly enhance overall oral flexibility, providing a foundation for more complex exercises if needed. for further intervention.
Lip tie stretch
Using your index finger, gently sweep under your baby's upper lip where the lip tie is located. This motion is essential for stretching the frenulum, which could be tight and restrictive, impairing proper oral function.
You can then use both hands to help fold your baby's upper lip upwards, which adds an additional dimension to the stretch. By aiming to stretch the lip towards the nose, you create a more effective expansion, promoting better elasticity in the tissues involved.
This method is particularly useful because it targets the specific area that might be causing feeding difficulties or speech issues. For best results, a steady and persistent routine is essential. Repeated practice not only softens restrictive tissues but also progressively enhances mobility, supporting smoother feeding and clearer speech over time.
Moreover, this routine can be a valuable part of a comprehensive stretching regimen, helping to prepare the baby for potential surgical interventions or as a standalone therapeutic measure. It is also recommended post-revision to decrease any potential of reattachment of the lip during the healing phase. for further intervention.
Tongue-Tie Stretch
Sweeping underneath the tongue is an important technique to aid in stretching the tongue's frenulum, which can be particularly beneficial for babies experiencing a tongue-tie. To execute this exercise, gently slide your index finger beneath the tongue, applying slight upward pressure to stretch the frenulum and gradually enhance its flexibility.
Once this is comfortably achieved, elevate the tongue further by sweeping it upward, encouraging it to curl away from the floor of the mouth. This upward motion is essential as it helps release any tension that may be restricting the tongue's natural movement. While performing this exercise, ensure a gentle yet steady touch to avoid discomfort and to maximize efficacy. Regularly practicing this stretch can progressively facilitate a better range of motion, contributing to improved oral functions such as breastfeeding, eating, or speaking in the long run.
Adding this exercise into your daily regimen can harmonize with other techniques, establishing a comprehensive strategy for effectively managing tongue-tie challenges. for further intervention.
Chin stretch
Start with your baby's mouth closed. Using your thumb, gently apply traction to open the baby's lower jaw, maintaining the position for around two seconds before allowing the jaw to close naturally. You can aid this closure by pressing lightly under the jaw, ensuring that the movement remains smooth and controlled.
This stretch focuses on gradually enhancing the jaw joint's flexibility, essential for efficient oral function. While it may seem simple, consistency is key, and integrating this maneuver into the daily routine can yield significant improvements over time.
Furthermore, be attentive to your baby's cues, ensuring the exercise is comfortable and thus promoting a positive association with these therapeutic interventions.
If you feel continued resistance or notice your baby still struggles to open their mouth wide, seeking help from a certified pediatric chiropractor can significantly help to reduce jaw tension and improve range of motion.
Fishy lips
With your thumb and index finger in a C-shaped contact, gently squeeze your baby's cheeks together, effectively bringing their lips closer in a vertical manner. This simple action resembles the iconic "fishy lips" motion, which not only delights babies and makes them giggle but also serves an important therapeutic purpose.
By approximating the lips, this exercise helps to enhance muscle tone around the mouth, promoting better feeding and sucking mechanisms, which are crucial in infants with lip or tongue-ties. The gentle pressure applied should be enough to encourage movement but not discomfort, allowing the baby to accept the exercise as a natural and enjoyable part of their routine.
Practicing this maneuver regularly can support the development of strong oral muscles, which is essential for milestones such as transitioning to solid foods and developing speech clarity later on. Integrating this stretch into daily activities can offer a fun yet effective way to strengthen the baby's oral abilities, contributing to their overall growth and well-being.
What’s next?
Incorporating these tailored stretches into your child’s daily routine can make a significant difference in managing tongue and lip ties. Not only do these exercises help to gently loosen restrictive tissues, but they also promote better overall oral function—a crucial foundation for feeding, speech, and future dental health.
By embracing a consistent practice, parents and caregivers can support their children’s natural development while preparing them for any necessary medical interventions or avoiding them altogether. With patience and regular practice, these techniques serve as a proactive step toward enhanced comfort and improved quality of life for those affected by TOTS.
At MotherBaby Wellness Co., Dr. Chrisi Kelly is trained to help you navigate a tongue or lip tie diagnosis. We know that this can be a challenging topic for parents and we are always here to help support parents in the surrounding Twin Cities. Our gentle, nervous system focused chiropractic care is an excellent choice to help support your little one during this time and we can help guide you through the stretches and walk through the next steps together.
