San Francisco and Marin CA
At Glen Park Dental, we understand the frustration many parents feel when their baby struggles with feeding, whether it’s breast or bottle. A common suggestion from healthcare providers is to simply switch to a bottle to avoid breastfeeding pain and issues, assuming this will resolve feeding problems. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Switching to a bottle may alleviate some of the challenges for the mother, like pain or supply issues, but it doesn’t necessarily fix the underlying feeding issues caused by a tongue-tie.
Tongue-ties and lip-ties can create a range of difficulties for babies, including poor latch, milk leaking out, reflux, excessive gas, colic, and slow feeding. These challenges may continue with bottle-feeding, as a restricted tongue or lip can make it difficult for babies to feed efficiently. While a bottle may seem like an easier solution, it doesn’t address the root cause, which is the physical restriction of the tongue’s movement.
If you’re facing difficulties with feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it’s worth investigating whether a tongue-tie or lip-tie is contributing to the problem. Identifying and properly treating the tie can lead to significant improvements in feeding, as well as the baby’s overall comfort and health.
Why Bottle-Feeding Isn’t Always the Answer
Switching to bottle-feeding doesn’t necessarily resolve the issues caused by a tongue-tie. In fact, many babies who are switched to a bottle still struggle with the same symptoms—milk leaking, colic, gas, and poor feeding. In some cases, the baby may still experience difficulty feeding even after trying multiple bottles. The reason? The tongue-tie is still affecting the baby’s ability to feed properly, no matter the method of feeding.
At Glen Park Dental, we often see babies who have a posterior tongue-tie (less obvious) that is undiagnosed. These babies may not have the more visible, anterior ties that are easily spotted but still experience significant feeding difficulties. In many cases, this leads to frustration for parents, as they may be told to switch to a bottle, only to find that the issues persist.
The Role of Tongue-Tie Treatment in Feeding Improvement
A recent study by Dr. Bobby Ghaheri emphasized the importance of addressing tongue-ties properly. In his randomized controlled trial (RCT), Dr. Ghaheri found that babies who underwent a posterior tongue-tie release with a CO2 laser showed improved feeding efficiency, better adaptation to feeding changes, and more coordinated sucking. The mothers also reported less nipple pain and increased confidence in feeding their babies. Additionally, babies experienced fewer instances of spit-up, hiccups, and fussiness after the procedure.
This study confirms what we see in our office—treating tongue-ties can have a profound impact on a baby’s ability to feed effectively, even if they are bottle-feeding. Proper treatment can also help alleviate discomfort for both the baby and the mother, improving overall feeding success.
When to Seek Help for a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
If your baby is struggling with feeding, whether nursing or bottle-feeding, and you suspect a tongue-tie or lip-tie, we encourage you to contact Glen Park Dental for a consultation. The earlier a tie is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances for improvement. Don’t wait until feeding difficulties persist—if you notice symptoms like excessive gas, colic, slow feeding, or milk leakage, it’s time to seek professional help. We’re here to guide you through the process and help your baby thrive.
