The Tongue Is More Than a Muscle: Why Its Function Matters (Even Beyond a Tie Release)
The tongue is often taken for granted — until something interferes with how well it works. In cases of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or oral ties, releasing the restriction (via frenotomy or frenuloplasty) can be a very important step. But that procedure alone is not enough. To truly restore function, one must understand what the tongue does and why restoring its full range of motion is so critical.
1. The Many Roles of the Tongue
The tongue is one of the most versatile muscles in the body. Its essential roles include:
Swallowing & Feeding: Moving food safely and efficiently while coordinating with the palate and throat.
Speech & Articulation: Producing precise sounds such as /t/, /d/, /s/, /l/, and /r/.
Oral Hygiene: Sweeping food particles and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Jaw & Airway Development: Helping shape the palate and jaw while maintaining proper airway posture.
Breathing & Sleep: Supporting healthy breathing by resting against the palate and staying clear of the airway.
2. What Happens When Tongue Motion Is Restricted
A tongue tie occurs when tissue restricts the tongue’s mobility. This can lead to:
Feeding difficulties in infants
Speech articulation challenges
Oral hygiene issues and higher cavity risk
Narrow palate, misalignment, and orthodontic problems
Muscle strain in the jaw, neck, and face
Breathing and sleep disturbances
3. Why a Tie Release Is Important — But Not Sufficient
Releasing a tongue or oral tie is a powerful first step. Benefits often include:
Better latch and feeding in infants
Improved speech clarity
Relief from muscle strain and TMJ symptoms
Greater oral hygiene potential
Support for airway health
However, release alone does not retrain the tongue. Without therapy and guidance, scar tissue, compensatory habits, or incomplete movement patterns may limit results.
4. What to Do Before & After a Tie Release
To ensure the best outcomes, a full functional approach includes:
Pre-Release Myofunctional Therapy: Prepares muscles for optimal use after release.
Precise Functional Release: A careful surgical technique designed to maximize mobility.
Post-Release Therapy: Retrains tongue posture, swallowing, and speech while preventing reattachment.
Supportive Bodywork: Addresses muscle tension and alignment that affect tongue use.
Ongoing Monitoring: Ensures healing and adaptation over time.
5. Long-Term Benefits of Full Tongue Function
Restoring full function can lead to:
Clearer speech
Efficient swallowing and feeding
Healthier teeth and gums
Proper jaw and facial development
Reduced strain and muscle pain
Better breathing and improved sleep quality
About Dr. Brian K. Hatch and The Oral Tie Center
Dr. Brian K. Hatch is a leading authority in functional oral care, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of tongue and oral ties. At The Oral Tie Center, Dr. Hatch and his team emphasize not just surgical release, but a full-spectrum approach that includes functional release techniques, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and long-term care. Their goal is simple: help every patient achieve lasting improvements in feeding, speech, breathing, and overall health.
If you or a loved one is experiencing feeding difficulties, speech issues, or airway challenges that could be linked to a tongue or oral tie, we can help.
Contact The Oral Tie Center today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and start the journey toward full functional restoration.
References
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie)
Weill Cornell Medicine – Tongue Tie
National Library of Medicine – Effect of tongue-tie release on speech outcomes
LightScalpel – Functional Frenuloplasty and Tongue-Tie Release
Vivos – The Importance of Recognizing Tongue Tie
201 Waterfront Dental – 7 Reasons Adults Should Get Tongue Tie Release
Parkwood Clinic – What is a Tongue Tie?
Plaistow Dental – Myofunctional Therapy and Tongue Tie Release
Balance Chiropractic & Rehab – Beyond the Procedure: Bodywork and Tongue Tie Release
Contact The Oral Tie Center today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Let us guide you through a full functional approach — so you achieve real, long-lasting results. Your tongue deserves more than a cut; it deserves full support toward its full potential.
