Does My Baby Have a Tongue Tie? What Parents Need to Know | Birth, Baby! Ep 216

Does seeing a tongue tie mean your baby needs a release? Not necessarily.

Pediatric dentist Dr. Kacie Culotta joins me to clear up some of the confusion around tongue ties and oral ties in babies. We talk about why function matters more than appearance, feeding symptoms that may signal oral dysfunction, and why a baby can be gaining weight while feeding is still incredibly difficult for the family.

Dr. Culotta also explains why she doesn't want to be the first stop when feeding problems arise, what other support may be helpful before considering a frenectomy, and what parents should know about timing, release methods, pain management, aftercare, and recovery.

If you're wondering whether your baby's feeding struggles could be related to a tongue tie or you've already been told your baby has one and don't know what to do next, this conversation will help you understand what questions to ask.

 

In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Dr. Kacie Culotta, a pediatric dentist specializing in oral ties, to discuss the signs, symptoms, diagnosis process, and treatment options for tongue ties, lip ties, and other oral restrictions in babies and children.

We cover common feeding struggles, how oral ties may affect sleep and development, what parents should know before considering a release procedure, and what recovery looks like afterward. Whether you’re currently navigating feeding challenges or simply want to feel informed, this episode offers practical education and reassurance for parents.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What oral ties are

• Signs and symptoms in babies and children

• Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding challenges linked to oral ties

• Sleep, breathing, and oral development

• How oral ties are diagnosed

• What a functional assessment looks like

• When treatment may or may not be recommended

• What happens during a tongue tie release procedure

• Laser vs scissors releases

• Recovery and healing after release

• Common misconceptions about oral ties

Dr. Kacie M. Culotta is a Doctor of Dental Medicine dedicated to helping families breathe, sleep, and thrive through airway-focused dental care. She founded two specialized practices in Austin, Texas: Latched Beginnings, which focuses on infant oral ties and feeding support, and Austin Sleep & Airway Health, where she treats older siblings and adults with dental airway disorders and sleep-disordered breathing.

A Certified Lactation Counselor and Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Culotta is also a respected educator, teaching birth professionals how to recognize airway concerns and support families before and after frenectomy procedures through collaborative, evidence-based care.

Above all, Dr. Culotta is the proud mom of two amazing young daughters, who inspire her passion for helping families achieve lifelong health.

Website: https://www.latchedbeginnings.com/
Social: @‌Latched_Beginnings 

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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com