In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Martin Kaplan, a pioneer in pediatric laser dentistry, who brings over 45 years of clinical experience to the conversation. Known for being the first U.S. dentist to perform infant frenectomy using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser, Dr. Kaplan shares the fascinating story behind how he adopted laser technology, and why not all lasers are created equal.

This episode dives deep into:

• The science and safety of laser frenotomy
• What truly makes a functional tongue tie release
• Why a collaborative, individualized approach is essential
• How bodywork, feeding therapy, and cultural/language access play roles in care
• Stories of dramatic improvements in infants and adults post-treatment
• The impact of pacifiers, posture, and symptom tracking in evaluating outcomes

Plus, we get a fun look into Dr. Kaplan’s life outside the clinic - where martial arts meets ballroom dancing.

📌 Connect with Host Lisa Paladino:

• Tongue Tie Experts Links to Freebies, Books, and Guides: https://tonguetieexperts.net/links
• Instagram: @tonguetieexperts
• Facebook: Tongue Tie Experts
• All Tongue Tie Experts Links: https://tonguetieexperts.net/links

📍 Guest Info:

Dr. Martin Kaplan

Hanover Pediatric Dentistry – Hanover, MA

📧 Email: Martin.kaplan2930@gmail.com

📍 Not big on social media - but welcomes professional questions via email or phone.

🎧 Listen Now and Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and share with a colleague or parent who needs to hear it.

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Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a baby truly needs tongue tie treatment—or if you’ve been confused by the conflicting information out there—this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC, breaks down the three essential questions every parent and professional should ask before moving forward with treatment. You’ll learn why not every frenulum is a problem, why function matters more than appearance, and how to make sure nothing else is being overlooked in your baby’s care.

By the end, you’ll feel clearer and more confident about how to approach tongue tie decisions, whether you’re a parent searching for answers or a professional guiding families.

• Why not every frenulum equals a tongue tie
• How to know if a tie is actually causing a problem
• Other factors that may mimic or complicate tongue tie symptoms
• The importance of a full, holistic assessment for both baby and parent
• Why informed decision-making matters most

• 📖 Tongue Tie for Parents eBook – Get Lisa’s new guide for parents here (only $27)
• 🎥 Free 3-Part Video Series for Professionals – Why Tongue Tie is Missed — And How You Can Learn to Spot It with Confidence
• 🌐 Visit the brand-new website: tonguetieexperts.net

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

🎥 FREE 3-Part Video Training: Why Tongue Tie Is Missed — and How You Can Learn to Spot It with Confidence

Perfect for lactation professionals, SLPs, Doulas, Therapists, and all Infant Care Providers.

👉 Watch now: https://tonguetieexperts.kit.com/free

Tongue tied babies are often misdiagnosed with thrush, leading to unnecessary treatments.In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, discusses the differences between thrush and tongue tie, focusing on the common symptom of a white tongue in infants. Tongue tied babies are often misdiagnosed with thrush, leading to unnecessary treatments.

Key Points:

• White Tongue Overview: A white tongue can indicate thrush or tongue tie. Proper diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments.
• Thrush Basics: Caused by a yeast infection (Candida), thrush presents as white patches in the mouth that don’t scrape off easily. It can cause feeding difficulties, diaper rash, and nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers.
• Tongue Tie Basics: Tongue tie restricts tongue movement, leading to milk residue on the tongue, which may appear white but can usually be wiped off.
• Differentiation: Thrush involves persistent white plaques, often with maternal symptoms. Tongue tie-related white tongue is typically milk residue that can be wiped away.
• Advice for Professionals: Honest communication with parents is key. Ensure proper referrals and follow-ups.

Join the Discussion: Lisa invites listeners to join the Tongue Tie Experts Pro Group for further discussions and resources. https://www.facebook.com/groups/tonguetieexpertspro

More from Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.