Supporting Your Baby’s Growth: The Role of Tongue-Tie Surgery in Bethesda

Watching your baby grow and thrive is one of parenting’s greatest joys. But when feeding becomes a struggle or your child seems frustrated during nursing, it’s natural to feel concerned. For many families in Bethesda, tongue-tie may be the hidden cause of breastfeeding issues..

At Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Maddy Goodman and Dr. Heather Sholander provide expert, compassionate care for infants affected by tongue-tie. With a holistic, functional approach, they look beyond the surface to uncover how this small oral condition can significantly impact your child’s development and well-being.

Understanding Tongue-Tie and Its Impact on Infants

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually tight or short. This restriction can lead to a range of challenges that begin at birth and may persist if not addressed. Though often overlooked, tongue-tie can affect:

• Breastfeeding: Difficulty latching, prolonged feeding sessions, and maternal discomfort
• Weight gain and digestion: Inefficient feeding can lead to poor weight gain and fussiness
• Oral development: Limiting mobility and functionality of the tongue

Because each baby’s mouth is unique, evaluation for tongue-tie should be individualized. At Harmony, our board-certified team takes a family-centered approach, ensuring that parents are fully informed and supported at every step. Evaluations are gentle, thorough, and always designed with your baby’s comfort in mind.

How Tongue-Tie Surgery Supports Your Child’s Growth

When clinically indicated, a frenectomy (tongue-tie surgery) can dramatically improve feeding efficiency and comfort for infants. This minor procedure involves carefully releasing the restrictive tissue under the tongue, restoring full range of motion.

At Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, this in-office procedure is performed by skilled professionals with specialized pediatric training, using laser technology to ensure precision and shorten recovery time. The benefits of tongue-tie surgery may include:

• More effective latch and improved breastfeeding experience
• Decreased maternal nipple pain and reduced feeding duration
• Better weight gain and digestion for the baby
• Balanced oral and facial development as your child grows

Because tongue-tie affects more than just feeding, our team looks at the whole child’s development, both oral and systemic. This functional lens allows us to guide families through care plans that foster long-term wellness, not just short-term fixes.

A Sensory-Friendly Approach to Infant Care

Infant procedures can be emotional for families, especially when there are sensory sensitivities or feeding complications. At Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’ve created an environment where all children feel safe, including babies with special needs.

Our sensory-friendly space includes features like soft lighting, adaptive equipment, and a dedicated sensory room designed to reduce overload for both babies and parents. We take special care to:

• Use gentle techniques during evaluations and procedures
• Provide individualized support plans for families with unique needs
• Partner closely with lactation consultants, feeding therapists, and pediatricians in the area

Integrated Pediatric & Orthodontic Support Through Developmental Stages

Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is more than a dental office. It’s a collaborative space where pediatric dentistry and orthodontics work hand in hand. This dual-specialty model means your child can receive seamless care from infancy into adolescence, whether addressing early oral concerns like tongue-tie or monitoring jaw development and airway health as they grow. Our integrated approach allows us to:

• Assess how oral ties impact not only feeding, but speech, smiles, and growth patterns
• Create continuity of care, with your child seeing the same trusted professionals through each stage of dental development
• Work with families to address both immediate concerns and long-term wellness goals

Dr. Goodman and Dr. Sholander collaborate closely to ensure every child receives care tailored to their needs. Their board-certification and combined expertise offer peace of mind while guiding your family through even the earliest milestones.

Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation in Bethesda Today

If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding, growth, or oral development, don’t wait to seek answers. At Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, compassionate care begins the moment you walk through the door. Call (301) 664-4220 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Maddy Goodman or Dr. Heather Sholander. Your child’s health and happiness matter, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.