Signs My Child Might Need a Tongue-Tie Release: My Personal Journey as a Mom and Hygienist
I’ll never forget the moment it all clicked for me.
As a dental hygienist in the San Antonio area, I had spent years looking inside mouths, studying anatomy, and educating patients about oral health. Yet when it came to my own oldest daughter, I missed something important: she had a posterior tongue-tie.
For years, we lived with subtle but nagging issues that never quite made sense. Feeding was harder than it should’ve been. Speech didn’t develop as smoothly as expected. She often looked tense, struggled with gaining weight, and became a pickier eater than other kids her age.
As a mother, I felt that gut instinct that something wasn’t right.
As a hygienist, I kept telling myself, “why does her tongue move that way?”
The truth? Even trained eyes can miss tongue-tie symptoms in children — especially when you don’t know what compensations to look for.
What I Learned From My Daughter’s Tongue-Tie
When my daughter was finally evaluated and diagnosed, I was stunned. How could I, with all my training, have overlooked it?
That moment changed everything for me. I dove into the world of tongue-ties, oral function, and ultimately, myofunctional therapy. And what I discovered was life-changing — for my daughter, for myself, and now for the families I serve at Myofunctional Mastery in San Antonio.
Here’s what I wish I had known earlier:
Common Signs of a Tongue-Tie in Children
Parents often ask me, “How do I know if my child needs a tongue-tie release?” These are the most common signs I see in my practice:
Difficulty nursing as an infant (painful latch, clicking sounds, or poor weight gain)
Struggles transitioning to solids or picky eating due to chewing/swallowing issues
Delayed or unclear speech, especially with sounds like “s,” “r,” “l,” or “th”
Chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep
Tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
Orthodontic concerns like open bite, narrow palate, or crowded teeth
Frustration or fatigue when speaking, eating, or focusing
Many kids — like my daughter — learn to compensate. They push through the challenges, and parents (and even providers) chalk it up to “just the way they are.” But underneath, a restricted tongue can be affecting development, breathing, sleep, and function every single day.
Why a Tongue-Tie Release Alone Isn’t Enough
When we finally went through the frenectomy (tongue-tie release), I learned another key lesson: the procedure is only half the battle.
Yes, the restriction was gone. But years of compensation don’t disappear overnight. Without retraining the tongue, lips, and jaw, those same patterns can continue — and sometimes the tissue can even reattach.
This is where myofunctional therapy after tongue-tie release made all the difference. With gentle, consistent exercises, my daughter learned how to rest her tongue at the roof of her mouth, breathe through her nose, and use her muscles in healthier ways. That’s when we saw the real transformation.
From Frustration to Passion
Looking back, I see my daughter’s tongue-tie as the turning point that launched my career down a new path. It turned frustration into passion.
Today, as both a mom and a myofunctional therapist, I carry that story with me into every session. I know what it feels like to miss the signs, to second-guess yourself, and to wonder if you’re doing enough for your child. I also know the relief of finding answers and watching your child thrive once the root cause is addressed.
Could Your Child Have a Tongue-Tie?
If any of the signs I mentioned sound familiar, trust your instincts. It doesn’t mean your child must have a tongue-tie — but it does mean it’s worth getting evaluated.
The earlier we identify restrictions, the sooner we can support healthy function, growth, and development. And if a release is recommended, combining it with myofunctional therapy helps ensure lasting results.
Tongue-Tie Support in San Antonio
If you’re a parent sitting where I once sat — with questions, concerns, or maybe even guilt for not seeing the signs sooner — I want you to know you’re not alone.
I’d love to help you navigate this journey. Whether your child has just had a tongue-tie release, you’re preparing for one, or you’re simply wondering if a tongue-tie could be affecting them, I’m here to guide you.
📅 Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me today, and let’s talk about the best next steps for your child.