Tongue Tie and Its Impact on Pediatric Feeding

Presented by: Sarah Oriolo, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC

Recorded Webinar total 0.10 ASHA CEUs
View Recording: April 22 - 30, 2026

Abstract:
Tethered oral tissues (TOTs), commonly referred to as tongue tie, have received increasing attention in pediatric feeding practice, yet clinicians often encounter conflicting information regarding assessment and management. Speech-language pathologists frequently play a key role in evaluating feeding and swallowing function in infants and young children, but training in the functional implications of oral restrictions is often limited. This presentation will provide an overview of the anatomy and functional impact of tethered oral tissues on pediatric feeding, with an emphasis on clinical assessment and interdisciplinary management. Participants will review the role of tongue mobility in feeding mechanics and learn how oral restrictions may contribute to difficulties with breastfeeding, bottle feeding and early oral feeding development. The presentation will emphasize the importance of evaluating functional feeding performance, rather than relying solely on structural appearance, when determining the potential impact of tethered oral tissues. Assessment strategies and clinical decision-making considerations will be discussed, along with the roles of speech-language pathologists, lactation consultants and medical providers in supporting infants and families. Through case examples and discussion of clinical practice considerations, participants will gain practical knowledge to support evidence-informed evaluation and management of pediatric feeding challenges associated with tethered oral tissues.

Time-Ordered Agenda:

• 5 Minutes - Introduction
  • Presenter background
  • Session objectives
• 10 Minutes - Anatomy and Physiology of Oral Structures in Feeding
  • Lingual frenulum anatomy
  • Typical oral motor development
  • Role of tongue mobility in feeding
• 15 Minutes - Functional Impact of Tethered Oral Tissues
  • Breastfeeding mechanics
  • Bottle feeding considerations
  • Signs and symptoms of restriction in infants and children
• 15 Minutes - Assessment and Clinical Decision Making
  • Structural vs functional assessment
  • Observational feeding evaluation
  • Red flags and differential diagnosis
• 10 Minutes - Interdisciplinary Management Approaches
  • Role of SLPs, IBCLCs, physicians, and therapists
  • Feeding therapy strategies
  • When to refer for additional evaluation
• 5 Minutes - Case Example

Learner Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to …

• • Identify key anatomical and functional characteristics of tethered oral tissues (tongue tie) that may impact pediatric feeding and swallowing.
  • Differentiate between structural restriction and functional feeding difficulties when evaluating infants and children with suspected tethered oral tissues.

• Describe interdisciplinary approaches to the assessment and management of pediatric feeding difficulties related to tethered oral tissues.

Presenter Information

Sarah Oriolo, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC is a speech-language pathologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing. She has been practicing as an SLP since 2008 and has experience across hospital, outpatient, home health, and school settings.

Sarah spent five years in the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado, where she contributed to neurodevelopmental care initiatives for medically complex infants and founded the Cardiology Tube Weaning Clinic to support children transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding. She is also a co-author on a peer-reviewed publication examining neurodevelopmental outcomes and delirium in children with congenital heart disease following implementation of a cardiac neurodevelopmental care program.

Sarah is the founder of Thrive Feeding Therapy, LLC and Juniper Lactation, LLC, where she provides specialized evaluation and treatment for infants and children with feeding challenges. She has advanced training in the assessment and treatment of tethered oral tissues.

Disclosure Statement

Relevant Financial Relationships: The presenter is receiving a a free CSHA Membership from the Colorado Speech-Language-Hearing Association for this presentation. Sarah is also a salaried employee of Thrive Feeding Therapy LLC which she will be referencing during the presentation.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationships: The presenter’s son had a tongue tie.

Registration

Members $5
Non-Members $25

Members: click here to register
Non-Members: click here to register

Continuing Education

Satisfactory Completion Requirements:
Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.

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A full refund will be granted if the cancellation request is received on or before April 21, 2026.

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