Ep 77: Treatment Options for Tongue & Lip Ties with Dr. Najmeh Hannanvash, DDS, MSD

Birth Kweens

In this episode, we’re speaking with Dr. Najmeh Hannanvash, DDS, MSD about treatment options for tongue and lip ties. Dr. Hannanvash is a board certified pediatric dentist who owns and operates Little Star Pediatric Dentistry in San Diego, CA. Here’s what we cover:

• Hannanvash’s background and how she got into this field
• The anatomy of ties (what they are, where they’re located, the different types, etc.)
• Info about posterior tongue ties and how they’re different from a “regular” tongue tie
• Who’s qualified to diagnose a tie and what the diagnostic criteria are
• Long-term implications of tongue/lip ties besides just feeding issues
• How a tongue/lip tie revision is performed. What a family can expect during and after the procedure.
• The pros and cons of each revision method
• What the after care is like for a revision (healing, stretches, follow up appts, etc.)
• How often the revisions are successful and what defines success
• Whether a tie always requires a revision. The factors a family should take into consideration when making the decision.
• Hannanvash’s opinion on the reasons behind the sharp increase in tongue tie diagnoses in recent years
• Suggested resources from Dr. Hannanvash:
  • Kotlow’s website: www.kiddsteeth.com
  • Ghaheri’s website: www.drghaheri.com
  • Click here to view the study on the incidence of lingual ties that Dr. Hannanvash refers to in the episode
  • Facebook group (international): Tongue Tie Babies Support Group
  • Facebook group (California): California Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Support Group
  • H’s site (info on procedure and pre/post protocol): www.littlestardentistry.com
  • Families in the San Diego area can call or email Dr. H for more info: 619-630-4000 or [e-mail]