What is a Tongue Tie?

If you've followed me for any length of time, you've probably heard me talking about tongue ties.  You might be wondering, what is a tongue tie anyway? How do tongue ties happen? Why do some people have tongue ties, and some people don't? We all have a frenulum under our tongue. It's a mucous membrane that limits the range of movement. 

When we're in utero, in the early stages of pregnancy, when the tongue develops, the frenulum is actually tethered all the way to the tip of the tongue. Our tongue has no movement at this point.

Late in the first trimester, the process of apoptosis occurs. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death and that removes certain cells that we don't need anymore, such as the webbing between our fingers and toes, and the frenulum under our tongue. In the process of apoptosis, the frenulum under the tongue is meant to recede all the way to the back so that we have full range of movement.

When that process doesn't occur or doesn't occur fully, that's when we are left with the restriction in the frenulum, which inhibits the free movement of the tongue, and is then defined as an oral restriction, or tongue tie. 

When you think about how critical our tongue is for eating and drinking, including swallowing, as well as breathing and speech, we use our tongue for so much. So, you can understand that if you have a restriction and you don't have a full range of movement in your tongue, this can have impacts not only for breastfeeding but across your life.

If you have had a tongue tie diagnosed in your baby or toddler, and you're considering having it released, but you're confused about the options and why costs vary so widely, I can help! I have a pre-recorded workshop available that covers everything you need to consider when looking at tie release for your infant or toddler. You can sign up here for an instant download: Navigating Tongue-Tie Release