Surviving vs. Thriving: How Tongue Ties Impact Sleep, Speech & Breathing (w/Dr. Suraj Vatish)[Ep.149]

Episode Summary

Dr. Vatish shares his unexpected journey from implant dentistry to becoming a leading practitioner in tongue tie releases and airway-based dentistry. The conversation covers diagnosis across age groups, the role of CO2 laser in treatment, the critical importance of myofunctional therapy, and the ongoing debate around evidence-based medicine in this emerging field.

Key Topics & Concepts

• Tongue tie diagnosis across age groups — From infant nursing and latching difficulties to speech issues in toddlers, bruxism and sleep apnea in adults, and why posterior ties are often the most symptomatic despite being called "mild"
• The three pillars of physiological health — Sleep, breathing, and eating as a diagnostic framework; the critical difference between surviving and thriving
• CO2 laser and modern release techniques — How laser technology, suturing for primary tension healing, and pre-/post-operative myofunctional therapy transformed outcomes compared to traditional scissors or diode approaches
• Myofunctional therapy is essential, not optional — Why releasing a tongue tie without concurrent therapy can make things worse; the personal trainer analogy for setting realistic patient expectations on duration and intensity
• Interdisciplinary team care — Orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, speech therapists, osteopaths, lactation consultants, and ENTs working together; why no single monotherapy solves airway problems
• Evidence-based medicine beyond RCTs — The parachute analogy; Sackett's triangular epistemology of research, clinical experience, and patient values; why absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

LINKS

• Happy Kids Dental Chelsea: https://happykidsdental.co.uk/
• American Smile: https://www.americansmile.co.uk/
• Instagram: @DrSVatishDDS
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

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