Tongue-tie and Myofunctional Therapy on the MS Gulf Coast
Concerned about a tongue-tie? Let’s look at how your tongue is functioning- not just how it looks.
A tongue-tie, also called a restricted lingual frenum, may affect the way the tongue moves. But appearance alone doesn’t tell the whole story. If you or your child has concerns with tongue movement, swallowing, oral habits, or keeping the tongue comfortably at rest on the roof of the mouth, a functional evaluation can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
At Gulf South Myofunctional Therapy, Felicia Morris, COM®, takes time to listen to your concerns and assess how the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles work together. Felicia is the MS Gulf Coast’s most experienced myofunctional therapist, with over a decade of clinical experience and specialized training in tethered oral tissues (TOTS®), completed in 2021.
What happens during an evaluation?
We’ll discuss your symptoms and history, observe oral movement and function, and talk through any patterns that may benefit from therapy. If a tongue-tie release is being considered, Felicia can help you understand the role of myofunctional therapy before and after the procedure and coordinate with your other providers when appropriate. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your options and an individualized plan based on your needs.
A tongue-tie does not automatically mean a release is needed. The goal is to understand the functional concern first, then decide on appropriate next steps with the right care team.
6 Red Flags when choosing a tongue-tie provider
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The important question is whether the tissue is restricting function and causing a meaningful problem.
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Be cautious of guarantees about speech, sleep, feeding, or facial growth. Outcomes depend on the concern and the patient.
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A recommendation should be based on your child’s current symptoms and function, with time for you to ask questions and consider your options.
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You should understand why a release is being recommended, what the procedure involves, and how improvement will be assessed afterward.
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Tongue-tie concerns may call for collaboration with a pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist, or myofunctional therapist depending on the patient’s age and symptoms.
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A good tongue-tie provider welcomes input from your child’s care team and respects your choice of qualified providers.
Ready for answers?
You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Whether you’ve just noticed a possible restriction or have already been referred for a tongue-tie evaluation, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
