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.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast on your favorite platform!

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.

🎥 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

In this episode Lisa Paladino speaks with Dr. Piya Gandhi, a pediatric dentist from Texas, specializing in airway health and oral function. Together, they explore the deep connection between tongue ties, airway development, and overall health. Dr. Gandhi highlights the importance of recognizing compensations in oral function, taking a whole-body approach to treatment, and educating both practitioners and parents to make informed decisions.

They discuss the complexities of tongue tie treatment, the necessity of hands-on experience, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving patient outcomes. While approaches to treatment may vary, the underlying principles remain the same—prioritizing function, growth, and patient-centered care.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Tongue ties impact more than just oral function—they affect overall growth and airway health.

✔ A whole-body approach is essential for effective treatment.

✔ Practitioners must look beyond the tongue tie to assess overall health.

✔ Education empowers both parents and professionals to make informed decisions.

✔ Compensations in oral health can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.

✔ Hands-on experience is key to mastering tongue tie treatment.

✔ Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances patient care and referrals.

✔ A supportive professional community leads to better outcomes.

✔ Growth in practice requires openness to learning and change.

Join Lisa and Dr. Gandhi as they discuss how collaboration, education, and a functional approach can transform the way tongue ties and airway health are addressed.

You can find Dr. Piya Gandhi here: https://tanglewoodpediatricdentistry.com/

🔗 Tongue Tie Experts Resources & Links: https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

• The Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant – Enroll Now Save 15% with code PODCAST15

Instagram: @tonguetieexperts

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.

🎥 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

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, dives into the all-too-common issue of siloed learning and professional gatekeeping in the world of infant feeding—especially when it comes to tongue tie. From differences in training between disciplines to exclusion within the lactation community itself, Lisa explores how these barriers are harming families and professionals alike.

She shares her perspective on why interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t optional—it’s essential—and how her Tongue Tie Experts platform is intentionally built to welcome all providers supporting breastfeeding families.

Whether you're an IBCLC, CLC, SLP, OT, doula, chiropractor, therapist, or peer counselor (etc), this episode is a call to unify, collaborate, and improve outcomes through inclusive education.

Better outcomes happen when we stop working in isolation and start learning, supporting, and treating families together—across credentials, specialties, and scopes.

• The Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant – Enroll Now Save 15% with code PODCAST15

Instagram: @tonguetieexperts

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.

🎥 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

In this eye-opening episode, Lisa sits down with Staten Island-based dentist Dr. Steve Acker, a leader in airway-centered dentistry and guided growth. They discuss how dental professionals can—and should—play a critical role in identifying and preventing sleep-disordered breathing, especially in children. Dr. Acker shares his personal journey from general dentistry to airway advocacy, sparked by his own health scare, and how early intervention can change lives.

Topics Discussed:

• How a personal health diagnosis led Dr. Acker to airway-focused dentistry
• The critical connection between sleep apnea, AFib, and stroke risk
• Why collaboration between dentists, lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, and others is essential
• The role of breastfeeding and baby-led weaning in proper jaw and airway development
• How pacifier use, soft foods, and sleep position impact facial growth
• Early signs of dysfunctional growth—and how to intervene
• What parents and providers need to know about appliances
• Why craniosacral therapy is a key adjunct in treatment
• The cultural and clinical shift needed to prevent airway disorders
• Dr. Acker’s generous offer to review parent-submitted photos/videos for early intervention

Resources & Mentions:

• Finding Connor Deegan – YouTube Video
• The Kois Center for Dental Education
• Dr. Kevin Boyd & airway-centered orthodontics
• Pediatric & Adult Airway Network of New York (PAANNY)

Connect with Dr. Steve Acker:

📍Richmond Hill Dental Design Studio: 211 Richmond Hill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314

📧 Email: dracker@richmondhilldds.com

🌐 Website: https://www.richmondhilldds.com/meetthedoctors

🎁 Free parent consults available — send intake, photos, and sleep video for review.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast and leave a review if this episode helped you see the bigger picture in airway and infant development.

👉 Visit www.TongueTieExperts.net for free resources and professional education.

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.

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, speaks directly to dentists — whether you’re already performing frenotomies or considering a laser purchase. Drawing on over a decade of experience supporting families and collaborating with dentists, Lisa outlines six essential considerations for best practices in tongue tie release.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Awesome Responsibility: Recognizing the holistic and profound impact of tongue tie release on families.

🔹 Key Questions to Guide Your Practice:

🔹 Beyond the Quick Fix: Understanding that frenotomy is more than a procedure — it’s part of a larger journey requiring follow-up care, bodywork, and ongoing support.

🔹 Empowering Families: Equipping families with resources and realistic expectations to foster confidence and informed decision-making.

Lisa also shares insights about her Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant and Patient Education Resources — tools she’s honed to support both professionals and families in navigating this complex topic.

Resources & Links:

• Explore Lisa’s comprehensive Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie: https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Professional
• Patient Education Bundle for Professionals (now in Spanish & English): CLICK HERE

Connect:

Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out to Lisa at info@tonguetieexperts.net or connect on Instagram @tonguetieexperts.

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.

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, speaks with Patricia Berg, IBCLC and craniosacral therapist, about the power of combining bodywork and lactation care. They explore how craniosacral therapy supports breastfeeding, the importance of addressing birth trauma, and how collaboration and evidence-based practice enhance infant outcomes.

Key takeaways:

• Craniosacral therapy is gentle, holistic, and non-invasive.
• 
  
• Addressing birth trauma can support breastfeeding success.
• 
  
• Peer support and interdisciplinary teamwork matter.
• 
  
• Evidence-informed care enhances confidence and results.

Patricia Berg can be found here: 800lactate.com

Resources & Links:

🔹 Learn more about tongue tie & professional education: https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/

🔹Tongue Tie Experts Insiders

https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Insiders

Patient Education Bundle for Professionals (now in Spanish & English): CLICK HERE

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, CaboCréme

Learn more IG: cabo_creme FB: cabocremeusa

Receive 10% off with the coupon code TT2025.

Order here: https://cabocreme.com/products/extra-strength-cabbage-extract

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Cabo Creme Ad Link