Finding the Right Professional
If you suspect your baby has a tongue-tie, your first instinct might be to talk to your pediatrician.
As the medical professional responsible for your child's health and development, this may seem like the obvious choice. However, not all healthcare providers are trained to recognize tongue-ties—especially posterior tongue-ties, which are harder to detect.
If your doctor dismisses your concerns without a thorough examination (under the proper conditions outlined here), you may need to consult a practitioner specifically trained in tongue-tie diagnosis.
IBCLC-certified lactation consultants are often the most knowledgeable on this topic. In some cases, dentists or ENTs (Ear-Nose-Throat specialists) may also have undergone training in tongue-tie detection.
IBCLC Lactation Consultants
Lactation consultants are usually the first to identify a possible tongue-tie.
Because of their daily work supporting breastfeeding, they frequently encounter this issue and are skilled at recognizing the signs.
If you are breastfeeding and experiencing difficulties, consulting a lactation expert is a great first step.
They can not only confirm whether a tongue-tie is present but also provide advice and support even if the issue lies elsewhere.
Trained Dentists or ENTs
If you're not breastfeeding or cannot find a local lactation consultant, you can turn to a dentist or ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat specialist).
Note: Not all dentists and ENTs have specific training in identifying tongue-ties.
To find a provider who stays up to date with the latest research and techniques, you can visit the dedicated Facebook group on tongue-ties.
Local parents can often recommend experienced professionals and share helpful tips based on their own journeys.