Are Stretches and Exercises Really Necessary after Tongue Tie Release?

The surgery commonly used to treat tongue tie and lip tie, known as a frenectomy, is straightforward and quick, typically taking just a few minutes. However, this is not the end of the process. Your child’s care provider may recommend performing exercises and stretches with your baby during their recovery period. Why are those steps necessary? This blog post explains.

The Risk of Reattachment

The human body is generally quite efficient at healing itself. However, it does not always heal in a way that is ideal! For example, after a lip or tongue tie is released, the excess tissue (called a frenulum or frenum) that was altered or removed could actually reattach. In other words, the result of the surgery could be reversed! In some cases, the modified tissues grow back even tighter than they were previously.

Stretches and exercises can do much to reduce the risk of reattachment and spare your child from a second surgery.

Why Do Some People Say Exercises and Stretches Are Not Necessary?

As your baby recovers from their frenectomy, you should do the recommended stretches with your child a few times each day. That might seem overwhelming, especially since you have so many other parental responsibilities on your plate. However, it is important to note that if anyone, including medical professionals, tells you that the stretches are not necessary, you should view that advice with a high level of skepticism.

How to Do Exercises and Stretches with Your Child

The good news is that post-op care after your child’s frenectomy should be pretty simple.  Your care team can show you what to do, but the overall concept is pretty easy. For example, one thing you may need to do is take a clean finger and run it under your child’s tongue or lip a few times each day. Carefully lifting their tongue or lip can also be helpful.

Some kids also need additional exercises, which might come in the form of myofunctional therapy. Basically, this amounts to physical therapy for the mouth. It can help them learn to use their oral structures in the best way.

Do not underestimate the importance of post-op care following your child’s frenectomy! Partner with a qualified dentist and carefully follow any instructions they give you.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Justin Welke and Bindi Vibhakar are the board-certified pediatric dentists at the Chicago Tongue-Tie Center. Our team uses advanced laser technology to provide frenectomies so the procedure is as comfortable as possible. We also provide parents with thorough post-op instructions in the hopes of facilitating a smooth recovery period. To learn more about us and what we do, contact our office at 312-248-2455.