When I became a mom, I never expected feeding my babies to be such a struggle. Both of my children had difficulty latching, and what was supposed to be a natural, bonding experience quickly turned into a stressful, emotional challenge. It was during that time—frustrated, exhausted, and deep into many late-night Google searches—that I discovered something that would change not just my personal journey, but my professional one too.
That “something” was the possibility of a lip and/or tongue tie.
As a dentist, I had studied oral anatomy but experiencing it as a parent gave me a whole new perspective. I saw how a small piece of tissue, when too tight or restrictive, could significantly impact a baby’s ability to eat, sleep, and grow. That experience lit a fire in me to learn everything I could about infant oral restrictions and dedicate my work to helping families facing the same challenges.
Around that same time, my husband, a pediatrician, would come home and tell me stories of frustrated moms in his practice who were struggling through similar issues. Many were heartbroken, feeling like they couldn’t find the support they needed to continue their breastfeeding journey. I realized then just how widespread this issue was—and how important it was to bridge the gap between families and the care they deserve.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under a baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too tight, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. A lip tie involves a similar restriction under the upper lip, preventing it from flanging out properly during feeding. These oral ties can disrupt feeding and lead to:
Difficulty latching or staying latched
Clicking sounds during nursing or bottle-feeding
Gassiness, reflux symptoms, or fussiness
Prolonged or frequent feedings with poor weight gain
Painful breastfeeding for moms
Future difficulty with speech and solid-food eating
What Can Be Done?
If you suspect your baby may have a tie, the first step is to consult with a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or a provider experienced in infant oral function. Not all ties require treatment, but when they do, a frenectomy may be recommended.
A frenectomy gently releases the tight tissue. In my practice, I use a soft-tissue laser called the LightScalpel—a precise and gentle tool that allows for improved mobility and function with minimal discomfort. The procedure is quick, performed right in the office, and typically doesn’t require anesthesia. Healing is fast, and the benefits can often be seen almost immediately. I encourage parents to stay in the office and attempt a feeding immediately following the procedure!
You’re Not Alone
As both a dentist and a mom, I want you to know you’re not alone. Feeding challenges can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything “right” and it’s still not working. But there is help—and hope.
Today, I work with families every day to help their babies eat, sleep, and thrive. Supporting healthy beginnings isn’t just my profession—it’s my passion, shaped by both my personal experience and the countless stories I’ve heard from parents like you.
If you’re struggling or have questions, I’m here to help.
Schedule a Tongue Tie Consultation at Nurture Smiles in Phoenix, AZ Today. Don’t wait to find answers. Contact our dentist Dr. Salvatore to schedule a consultation by calling us at (602) 943-4220. Early treatment can lead to lifelong improvements in oral health and development.