#380 Pediatric Tongues Ties: How They Impact Growth and Breathing with Elizabeth R. Dy, DMD

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m so excited to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Dy, DMD, a former restorative dentist turned airway wellness expert, who is now a leader in addressing oral ties, airway health, and sleep-disordered breathing for patients of all ages.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of oral ties and their impact on everything from infant feeding to sleep and behavioral health. Dr. Dy shares her journey from general dentistry to finding her passion for functional and integrative care, as well as the importance of treating function, not just anatomy, in tongue-tie releases.

We also explore how oral ties can influence sleep quality, growth, and behavior in kids and adults, the role of nervous system preparation in successful treatment, and what to look for if you suspect oral ties might be affecting you or your child.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• “We don’t grow out of oral ties; we grow around them.”
• How oral ties can contribute to issues like poor sleep, mood changes, feeding difficulties, and even migraines.
• Why function-based treatments, including myofunctional therapy, are essential for long-term success.
• The importance of nervous system prep for surgery and how it helps with healing.
• Signs to look for if you or your child might have oral ties, including behavioral concerns, mouth breathing, and tension-related symptoms.

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Elizabeth R. Dy ("Dee") is a Tufts University-trained dentist specializing in a functional and integrative approach to oral ties, orofacial pain, and sleep-disordered breathing. After 12 years in general dentistry, she transitioned to focus on airway wellness and now serves as CEO and Airway Wellness Director at the Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center in Tampa, FL.

A passionate educator, Dr. Dy teaches for The Breathe Institute and the Applied Integration Academy. Outside of work, she balances wellness pursuits with raising her three young sons and enjoys cooking, star-gazing, and connecting with loved ones. Known for her authenticity and bold leadership, she channels her passion into improving the lives of her patients.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.sleepandbreathingtampa.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tampatonguetie/ 

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Leave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: ****https://www.christabiegler.com/links

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

• Over restriction is dead
• Whole food is soul food and fed is best
• Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)

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