--- title: Tethered Oral Tissues | Riverwalk Dentistry, Downtown Milwaukee description: Get a comprehensive dental exam on your initial visit at Riverwalk Dentistry. We offer reliable regular check-up exams and professional dental cleaning. ---   [![Riverwalk Dentistry, Downtown Milwaukee Dentist](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Global_Images/main_logo.png)](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com) 414.271.1770   [![facebook logo](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images.jpg?width=30&height=30&name=images.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057370489611) [![images](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images.png?width=28&height=28&name=images.png)](http://instagram.com/riverwalkdentistry) [SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT](https://patient.modento.io/riverwalk-dentistry-sc/consult) [![Riverwalk Dentistry Logo](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Global_Images/main_logo.png?t=1446489565914)](http://riverwalkdentistry.com/) [Pay My Bill](https://riverwalkdentistry.hs-sites.com/pay-online)[414.271.1770](tel:14142711770)[Schedule an Appointment](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/request-appointment) # Tethered Oral Tissues --- Tongue, Lip and Other Restricted Oral Issues [our services](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/services) ## TOTs: Tethered Oral Tissue Initial Exam    At your initial visit [ Dr. Sofya Kats ](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/team/sofya-kats-dds) will see you and your child for the following: - a detailed symptoms and concerns discussion with the dentist - a full examination of the muscles, joints, bite, gums and tissues - airway screening and functional exam of the tongue, lips and other contributing structures The intra oral exam includes checking the soft tissues inside your mouth, as well as the muscles, throat, tongue and any indications of oral cancer.   In addition to checking for pain or sensitivity any abnormalities are noted that could require additional attention, including tongue movement and functional restriction that may require **[Myofunctional Therapy](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/myofunctionaltherapy) **and **Tongue or Lip Tie Correction. ** By completing a comprehensive airway exam, both you and your doctor will be equipped with all the information you need to ensure your achieve your oral health goals.  Please review the following Screening Questionnaire to help you decide if a consult is needed: FLIP chart,  Breastfeeding Disfunction Screening Questionnaire ![FLIP Breastfeeding Concerns Screening Tool](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FLIP%20Breastfeeding%20Concerns%20Screening%20Tool.jpg?width=520&height=677&name=FLIP%20Breastfeeding%20Concerns%20Screening%20Tool.jpg) ![FLIP Breastfeeding Concerns Screening Tool Practitioner evaluation](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FLIP%20Breastfeeding%20Concerns%20Screening%20Tool%20Practitioner%20evaluation.jpg?width=484&height=638&name=FLIP%20Breastfeeding%20Concerns%20Screening%20Tool%20Practitioner%20evaluation.jpg)   --- ## Tethered Oral Tissues Ankyloglossia, more commonly referred to as tongue tie, is when the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth by an overly short and thick lingual frenulum.  The cause of the condition is not known, but genes may play a role since it tends to run in families. Some symptoms include a tongue with limited range of motion, trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth or a tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out.  It can also cause esthetic issues by pulling the gums away from the teeth causing a gap between the lower front teeth.  Ankyloglossia in children can lead to a range of problems, such as difficulties breastfeeding, speech impediments, poor oral hygiene, and embarrassment during childhood. In cases the lingual frenulum attachment is severe enough to interfere with daily life, your doctor will work with you to develop a plan of care to correct the issue and prevent any additional complications for your infant, child or you. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that can be completed with the use of the CO2 Lightscalpel laser and sutures for adults and older children. The doctor uses sterile scissors or a laser to snip the frenulum free. The procedure is quick with minimal bleeding or discomfort. Pre and Post Operative care is extremely important for the success of any surgical procedure or release. Please use these resources provided by Dr. Richard Baxter, Dr. Chelsea Pinto and The Breathe Institute to help with recovery.  It is very important to have therapy pre and post procedure with a qualified therapist in your area or virtually, to help with success of healing. [The Breathe Myo](https://thebreatheinstitute.com/orofacial-myofunctional-therapists/) and [The Breathe Institute Youtube Videos](https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreatheInstitute) [Dr Richard Baxter and the Alabama Tongue Tie Center](https://www.youtube.com/@TongueTieAL) [Dr. Chelsea Pinto Youtube Channel and Instructional videos](https://www.youtube.com/@drchelseapinto) [Post Operative Stretches](https://youtu.be/rhjnAKMzR_A?si=dqphoS2U_uSgwGU4)   ![1](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/1.svg) ![2](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/2.svg) ![3](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/3.svg)  ![4](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/4.svg)       ![1-1](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/1-1.svg) ![2-1](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/2-1.svg) ## ![3-1](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/3-1.svg) ## ![4-1](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/4-1.svg) ## Myofunctional Therapy  Myofunctional therapy** **is a program used to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. Myofunctional therapy is a series of highly effective physical therapy exercises.  It involves strengthening of the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to engage the muscles to the appropriate position. They also help keep the airway open, especially during sleep.  Myofunctional therapy may also be an effective treatment for sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep-disordered breathing is a group of sleep conditions that cause a reduction in airflow through your upper airways. It includes heavy snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Myofunctional therapy treatment is safe and relatively inexpensive, which makes it an attractive alternative to other treatments Proper diagnosis allows for targeted and effective therapy exercises for oral posture to promote better health with the goals to improve breathing, reduce pain and enhance quality of life.  Improper patterns can lead to a host of health problems and conditions including:   - Sleep-disordered breathing (including snoring and sleep apnea) - Bruxism/Clenching - Neck and shoulder tension - Headaches - Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or Heartburn - Orthodontic relapse    ![IFP Course Certificate - Dr. Kats](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IFP%20Course%20Certificate%20-%20Dr.%20Kats.png?width=271&height=209&name=IFP%20Course%20Certificate%20-%20Dr.%20Kats.png)  ![download (3)](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/download%20(3).jpg?width=225&height=225&name=download%20(3).jpg)   ![RYmZFfonTF2YPGxE5FqL_The-Breathe-Institute-Logo-Blue](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RYmZFfonTF2YPGxE5FqL_The-Breathe-Institute-Logo-Blue.webp?width=181&height=79&name=RYmZFfonTF2YPGxE5FqL_The-Breathe-Institute-Logo-Blue.webp)                                   ![american-laser-study-club](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/american-laser-study-club.webp?width=165&height=175&name=american-laser-study-club.webp)   ![Airway circle logo](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Airway%20circle%20logo.png "Airway circle logo") ## Services [![Tongue Tie Vide](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/tongue%20tie%20image.png)](https://katsdental.com/watch?v=866) [Ankyloglossia](https://katsdental.com/watch?v=866) ### Sign Up For Patient Reminders ### Quick Tip of the Week Regular, preventative care is an affordable choice.  Don't wait until it hurts. Schedule Your Appointment Today [Contact Us](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/contact-us) [![Riverwalk_Logo_Footer](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Global_Images/Footer/Riverwalk_Logo_Footer.png?width=255&height=132&name=Riverwalk_Logo_Footer.png)](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/) [![ADA_logo](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Global_Images/Footer/ADA_logo.png)](http://www.ada.org/) [![AACD_logo](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Global_Images/Footer/AACD_logo.png)](http://www.aacd.com/) [![](https://www.riverwalkdentistry.com/hubfs/Global_Images/Footer/SPEAR_logo.png)](http://www.speareducation.com/) 735 N. Water Street, Suite 826, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Phone: 414-271-1770 Copyright ©2025 Riverwalk Dentistry, SC | All Rights Reserved. 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