.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
Oral Restrictions: Signs Your Child's Struggles May Not Be "Just a Phase"
- Dr. G
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
As a parent, you know when something feels off. Maybe your baby struggles to latch or feed comfortably due to oral restrictions. Maybe your toddler only eats soft foods because of underlying oral restrictions. Or maybe your child sleeps with their mouth open, snores, or never seems truly rested—no matter how early they go to bed—all potential signs of oral restrictions that often go unrecognized.
At Agape Pediatric Dentistry, we want you to know: you're not alone. And more importantly, these challenges may not be "just a phase." They could be signs of oral or fascial restrictions—something we now have a gentle, non-invasive way to help with.
Introducing BabyLase® and OraLase® at Agape Pediatric Dentistry
We're excited to offer BabyLase® and OraLase® laser therapy in our Peachtree Corners office. These treatments use a specialized light energy to help relax tight tissues in the mouth, face, and neck—areas that are often overlooked but play a big role in how your child eats, sleeps, breathes, and speaks.
These therapies are completely non-surgical and pain-free. In fact, many children (and parents) find the experience calming and soothing. The gentle laser helps:
Improve circulation
Reduce inflammation
Release tension in the soft tissues
Support nerve function and better brain-body communication
This means your child's body can begin healing and functioning more naturally—often with noticeable improvements in feeding, breathing, speech, and sleep.
Why Might This Be Needed? Recognizing the Hidden Signs
Many parents don't immediately connect these everyday struggles to oral development. That's completely understandable. Here are some common signs we see in babies, toddlers, and children that may suggest oral restrictions:
In Infants:
Trouble latching or staying latched
Clicking while nursing or frequent spit-up
Gassiness, reflux, or arching during feeds
Short, restless sleep
In Toddlers:
Picky eating or choking on certain textures
Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation
Frequent waking or noisy breathing during sleep
In Older Children:
Mouth breathing, teeth grinding, or frequent ear infections
Ongoing speech challenges or orthodontic concerns
Headaches or jaw discomfort
At Agape, we take every concern seriously and look deeper to find the root cause—not just treat the symptom.
A Gentle Approach, Rooted in Compassion
Before considering anything surgical, we begin with the least invasive option available. Our BabyLase® and OraLase® therapies are part of that commitment to gentle, holistic care.
For some children, these therapies can reduce the need for procedures like frenectomies (tongue- or lip-tie release). For others, they provide critical support before or after a release to ensure optimal results.
We also believe in collaborative care. That means we may recommend working with trusted partners like lactation consultants, speech therapists, myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, or bodyworkers—because when we work as a team, your child gets the best possible support.
Oral Restrictions: Early Intervention Makes a Difference
The sooner we address potential oral restrictions, the better the outcomes can be. Our milestone visits are designed to catch these issues early, when they're easiest to address. These regular check-ins give us the opportunity to:
Screen for feeding, sleep, and speech concerns
Provide personalized guidance for each developmental stage
Offer preventive strategies to support optimal oral growth
Detect and address potential issues before they affect your child's quality of life
You Know Your Child Best
At Agape, we trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel quite right, let's explore it together.
A comprehensive symptom evaluation can help identify whether oral restrictions may be at the root of your child's struggles—and from there, we'll create a personalized care plan that supports their growth, development, and comfort.
Schedule a visit with us today and let's take the first step toward healing—gently, naturally, and together.
Agape Pediatric Dentistry
5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 325Peachtree Corners, GA 30092📞 678-831-5437✉ info@agapepediatricdentistry.com
Serving families in Peachtree Corners, Peachtree Station, Norcross, CC of the South, Johns Creek, DoubleGate, Duluth, Dunmoor, Embry Hills, The Fields Club, Winwood, Glenn Abbey, Berkeley Lakes, Neely Farm, Oxford Mill, Park Brook, St Ives CC, St Marlo, Sugar Mill and surrounding areas.
About the Author
Dr. Gia S. Grannum is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky after completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Education and a Master of Public Health degree at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia.
Dr. Grannum completed her pediatric dentistry specialty training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York. With years of experience as a dental hygienist prior to dental school, she discovered her passion for working with children and has dedicated her career to creating positive dental experiences for young patients.
Known for her calming presence that helps ease children's dental anxiety, Dr. Grannum is certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Basic Life Support (CPR). She specializes in caring for children of all ages, from infancy through adolescence, with a particular focus on early intervention and specialized treatments like BabyLase® therapy for oral restrictions.
At Agape Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Grannum is committed to finding the root causes of children's oral health challenges rather than just treating symptoms, ensuring each child can breathe, sleep, eat, and speak comfortably for a lifetime of optimal health.
