When the Body Compensates

Signs of a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

Most people think of a tongue tie or lip tie as simply “tight tissue under the tongue or lip.” But the body is smart — when one part isn’t working as it should, other muscles jump in to help. These compensations may allow someone to get by in the short term, but over time they can create strain, pain, or dysfunction. They are also important clues that an individual may have incorrect orofacial patterning — the way the lips, tongue, and jaw work together.

Here are some common compensations we see in children and adults with ties:

1. Mouth Breathing Instead of Nasal Breathing

When the tongue can’t rest on the roof of the mouth, it leaves the airway less supported.
This often leads to an open-mouth posture and habitual mouth breathing.
Over time, mouth breathing can affect dental development, sleep quality, and overall health.

2. Using the Lips and Jaw for Swallowing

A restricted tongue may not elevate properly during swallowing.
To compensate, the lips press tightly, or the jaw shifts to push food back.
These incorrect orofacial patterns can cause fatigue while eating and even impact how teeth fit together.

3. Speech Adjustments

Sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” “n,” “r,” and “s” often rely on proper tongue mobility.
When the tongue can’t move freely, the jaw or lips may step in.
These altered patterns can affect clarity of speech and make therapy progress slower until the restriction is addressed.

4. Neck, Facial, and Jaw Tension

If the tongue is restricted, nearby muscles (neck, cheeks, floor of mouth) are forced to work harder.
Over years, this extra effort can develop into chronic jaw pain, clenching, or TMJ-like symptoms.
Many adults are surprised to learn that their long-standing tension or headaches may have started as early compensations from an untreated tie.

5. Feeding and Nursing Workarounds

Babies with ties often use lips, cheeks, or jaw strength instead of efficient tongue movement.
This can look like clicking while nursing, long or inefficient feeds, reflux, or discomfort for mom.
These early compensations can become ingrained patterns that persist into childhood.

6. Postural Adjustments

The tongue is connected through fascia to the rest of the body.
When restricted, it can subtly affect head and neck posture, breathing mechanics, and even core stability.
These are signs that compensations aren’t isolated — they ripple through the whole system.

Why Compensations Matter

While compensations help someone “get by,” they are often a red flag for incorrect orofacial patterning. This means the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw are not working in the way they were designed to. Left unaddressed, these patterns may lead to:

Jaw pain and tension in adolescence or adulthood
TMJ disorders and headaches
Inefficient swallowing or speech habits
Ongoing breathing or sleep challenges

Takeaway: If you or your child show signs of these compensations, it’s worth an evaluation by a provider trained in tongue ties and orofacial myofunctional therapy. Identifying and correcting incorrect patterns early can prevent a lifetime of strain and allow the body to function more naturally.