Infant Tethered Oral Tissue Evaluation

A tethered oral tissue evaluation looks closely at the lip and tongue frenula — the small bands of tissue connecting the lip and tongue to the gums and mouth floor — to see whether restricted movement may be affecting an infant's feeding, latch, or comfort during nursing or bottle feeding. Parents often seek this evaluation when feeding is difficult, painful, or inefficient, and a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or family member has raised a question about tongue or lip mobility.

What the Evaluation Involves

Oral Function Assessment — observing tongue and lip movement, latch mechanics, and range of motion.
Feeding History Review — discussing feeding patterns, latch quality, and any reported discomfort.
Frenulum Inspection — examining the lip-tie and tongue-tie tissue to understand its structure and impact on function.

Who Performs the Evaluation

Dr. Jeremy Montrose, D.M.D., completed the Comprehensive Frenulum Inspection and Surgery Workshop (Infant to Adult) and Functional Frenuloplasty training at the Breathe Institute. His clinical focus includes functional frenuloplasty for tongue and lip ties in patients of all ages, including infants.

If Treatment Is Recommended

When a tie is identified as a likely contributor to feeding difficulty, Dr. Montrose can discuss options, which may include a laser-assisted frenectomy performed with the practice's soft tissue laser to support precise, minimal-discomfort treatment.

This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.