It is well known that ankyloglossia can hinder stomatognathic functions such as sucking, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.

Although frenectomy (tongue-tie release) is an effective solution to free the tongue from the floor of the mouth, this outpatient procedure is sometimes only the initial step in the tongue rehabilitation process.

The tongue rehabilitation process aims to improve the tongue’s tone and proprioception and requires expert help from a neonatal speech therapist.

When the tongue is released through this procedure, the orofacial muscles and structures must learn to move properly. The speech therapist works to re-educate these movements, optimize tongue tone, and improve mobility and coordination of the affected oral functions.

To do this, an orofacial evaluation of the structures is first performed, observing how the baby suckles at the breast or feeds at the bottle, the possible signs and symptoms of compensations and difficulties, and finally, if necessary, determining which exercises will be appropriate in each case.

Cutting the lingual frenulum does not automatically guarantee a complete improvement in the lingual functions. In the case of not evidencing this comprehensive improvement, the visit with a neonatal speech therapist ensures that the tongue regains its optimal functionality.