Tongue-Tie Supportive Therapies
Supporting feeding, comfort, and function for infants
Service Overview
At Kempsey Dental Centre, we understand that tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal (cheek) ties can affect more than just the mouth. For this reason, we take a whole-body and function-focused approach when caring for infants with oral restrictions.
While a laser frenectomy may improve the movement of restricted tissues, some babies may also benefit from gentle supportive therapies. In addition, these therapies can help address muscle tension and movement patterns involving the jaw, neck, cheeks, and body. As a result, babies may adapt more comfortably during feeding and recovery.
Supportive therapies are optional and are recommended only when appropriate, based on individual assessment and family preferences.
Why Supportive Therapies Can Be Helpful
Oral restrictions can make feeding more difficult for some babies. When the tongue, lips, or cheeks cannot move freely, infants may compensate by using other muscles more than usual.
Over time, this extra effort can lead to tension in the:
Jaw
Face
Neck
Shoulders
Because of this tension, feeding may remain inefficient or uncomfortable, even after oral restrictions are released. Supportive therapies aim to reduce these effects so babies can use their improved oral movement more effectively.
Supportive Therapies and Birth History
In some cases, supportive therapies may be particularly helpful, where appropriate, for babies who experienced a physically demanding or traumatic birth.
This may include babies born after:
Long or difficult labour
Assisted delivery, such as vacuum extraction
Caesarean section (C-section)
During these births, babies may be exposed to pressure or positioning forces affecting the head, neck, jaw, or body. Consequently, some infants develop muscle tightness or imbalance that can interfere with feeding. In these situations, gentle supportive therapies may assist with easing tension and supporting adjustment after tongue-tie or lip-tie treatment.
Common Feeding Challenges Associated With Oral Restrictions
Babies with tongue-tie, lip-tie, or buccal ties may have difficulty with:
Latching deeply
Maintaining suction
Coordinating sucking and swallowing
Opening the mouth widely
Feeding comfortably without fatigue
In addition, parents may notice:
A preference for turning the head to one side
Clicking sounds during feeding
Gas, wind, or reflux caused by swallowing air
Noisy or inefficient feeding
Fussiness or arching during or after feeds
Tension in the cheeks, jaw, or neck
Limited mouth opening
These patterns may continue unless the underlying muscle tension is addressed.
Supportive Therapies Before and After Laser Frenectomy
Before the Release
Before a laser frenectomy, gentle body-based therapies may help to:
Relax tight muscles
Improve tongue, lip, cheek, and jaw movement
Prepare the baby for a smoother and more predictable procedure
After the Release
After treatment, supportive therapies may assist with:
Coordinating tongue, lip, cheek, and jaw movement
Reducing remaining muscle tightness
Supporting recommended oral stretches
Improving latch, suction, and feeding efficiency
As a result, many parents notice improvements in feeding comfort, latch depth, and overall settling. However, individual responses vary.
Our Collaborative Approach
At Kempsey Dental Centre, we work closely with trusted local practitioners who have experience in:
Infant anatomy
Feeding mechanics
Post-frenectomy support
These therapies complement laser treatment and may help families achieve better functional outcomes. Importantly, parents are free to choose any provider they feel comfortable with. The practitioners listed below are provided for convenience and continuity of care only.
For further information, you may also wish to read:
Recommended Supportive Therapy Practitioners
Osteopath – Dr Shannon Hilkemeijer
We commonly recommend that infants under 12 months of age see Dr Shannon Hilkemeijer to support feeding improvements alongside laser correction of tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal ties.
Address:
98 Lake Road
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Phone:
1300 661 863
Email:
body.iq@outlook.com
Website:
https://www.bodyiq.net.au/
Lactation Consultant – Alissa O’Keefe
Website:
http://www.thrivehealth.au
Speech Pathologist & Orofacial Myologist – Charlotte Sweet
Kids Steps Speech Pathology – Coffs Harbour
Email:
charlotte@kidssteps.com.au
Phone:
02 6651 9995
A Note on Best Outcomes
When appropriate, supportive therapies, combined with precise Waterlase laser treatment and recommended home exercises, may help improve feeding comfort, efficiency, and long-term oral function.
Every baby is different, and outcomes vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.
Contact Kempsey Dental Centre
If you would like more information about tongue-tie assessment, laser treatment, or supportive care options, please contact our team.
Kempsey Dental Centre
📍 31 Smith Street, Kempsey NSW 2440
📞 (02) 6563 1313