Tongue Tie/Lip Tie After Care Instructions

Tongue Tie Release:

Goal: Increase tongue strength, flexibility, mobility and prevent a tight reattachment. Encourage your child to move the tongue in different directions, but the most important direction is up towards the roof of the mouth.
Stretching Exercises: Start tomorrow! Use clean fingers: With one hand press and hold the lower jaw open and with the other hand use firm pressure to gently push down into the floor of the mouth and then up to lift the tongue. Aim to vertically open the “diamond” shape and lengthen the tissue. It is common to see some slight bleeding.
Frequency: 4-6 times a day for 4 weeks.

Lip-Tie Release:

Goal: Improve lip mobility, flexibility and healing.
Stretching: Start tomorrow! Gently pull the lip up to press against the nose. Massage the area to keep the “diamond” open. Expect slight bleeding. This is normal.
Frequency: 4-6 times a day for 4 weeks.

Appearance of wound area: A wet, white/yellow scab forms. This does not indicate infection. The scab will shrink daily but continue stretching to avoid reattachment.
Diet: Milk (depending on age), Soft foods (especially cold food)
Pain Relief: Motrin, Tylenol, Hypericum, or Arnica may be needed for the first few days. Ice packs under the chin can be beneficial
Swelling: Minimal, but some swelling may be temporarily noticed. This is normal.

Please return within 7-10 days so we can assess the healing process and reduce the need for future treatment.
Healing time: Healing in the mouth occurs quickly which is why post-op wound management is important. Complete healing typically occurs within 2 weeks, but improvements can still be made with continued after care.
Continue treatments with speech therapists and myofunctional therapists.
Consider bodywork with a chiropractor and/or craniosacral therapist.

Tongue Tie Release:

Goal: Increase tongue strength, flexibility, mobility and prevent a tight reattachment. Encourage your child to move the tongue in different directions, but the most important direction is up towards the roof of the mouth.
Stretching Exercises: Start tomorrow! Use clean fingers: With one hand press and hold the lower jaw open and with the other hand use firm pressure to gently push down into the floor of the mouth and then up to lift the tongue. Aim to vertically open the “diamond” shape and lengthen the tissue. It is common to see some slight bleeding.
Frequency: 4-6 times a day for 4 weeks.

Lip-Tie Release:

Goal: Improve lip mobility, flexibility and healing.
Stretching: Start tomorrow! Gently pull the lip up to press against the nose. Massage the area to keep the “diamond” open. Expect slight bleeding. This is normal.
Frequency: 4-6 times a day for 4 weeks.

Appearance of wound area: A wet, white/yellow scab forms. This does not indicate infection. The scab will shrink daily but continue stretching to avoid reattachment.
Diet: Milk (depending on age), Soft foods (especially cold food)
Pain Relief: Motrin, Tylenol, Hypericum, or Arnica may be needed for the first few days. Ice packs under the chin can be beneficial
Swelling: Minimal, but some swelling may be temporarily noticed. This is normal.

Please return within 7-10 days so we can assess the healing process and reduce the need for future treatment.
Healing time: Healing in the mouth occurs quickly which is why post-op wound management is important. Complete healing typically occurs within 2 weeks, but improvements can still be made with continued after care.
Continue treatments with speech therapists and myofunctional therapists.
Consider bodywork with a chiropractor and/or craniosacral therapist.