Parents receive an astounding amount of conflicting advice from well-meaning healthcare professionals when it comes to the question of normal infant oral anatomy.

No wonder many parents are left confused and vulnerable. Once the seed of doubt has been planted about an oral ‘abnormality’, it is really hard to shake.

Opinions about the diagnosis and management of tongue ties, upper lip ties and buccal ties are fierce and diverse.

Similarly, advice on post-release stretching exercises and counselling regarding risks and benefits are often contradictory.