Dr Shereen Lim

09/05/2026

Ankyloglossia in Newborns: Clinical Implications and
Management - A Narrative Review

Highlights

What are the main findings?

✅ Neonatal ankyloglossia shows a weak correlation between anatomical appearance and functional impairment, underscoring the need for function-based assessment using validated tools and direct observation of breastfeeding.

✅ Frenotomy can provide rapid relief of maternal ni**le pain and short-term improvements in latch when significant functional restriction persists, but evidence for long-term benefits remains limited and heterogeneous.

What are the implications of the main findings?

✅ Clinical management should prioritize multidisciplinary, function-oriented evaluation and shared decision-making with families to avoid both under-treatment and unnecessary procedures.

✅ Standardized diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, and longitudinal research are essential to establish clear indications and optimize evidence-based care for affected infants.

Link to the article:
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/13/4/466

I regularly share new research and multidisciplinary perspectives on tongue-tie, oral function, facial development, and sleep and airway health in my Facebook group for healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals interested in following more research and discussion in this area are welcome to join Airway Health 4 Kids:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/276557296025595/

09/05/2026

Sleep and dreams

Last weekend, I attended a networking evening for women starting and growing businesses.

One part of the evening involved ten minutes of journaling about our lives and successes from the perspective of December 2026. It was a great reminder of the importance of getting clearer and clearer on where I’m going, and the power of vision and manifestation.

What I realised afterwards is that one idea I thought I had put to rest keeps resurfacing.

The vision of creating an integrative sleep and airway health centre. A place where different disciplines work together under one roof, collaborating to advance healthcare across all ages, while also creating opportunities for a new generation of healthcare professionals to learn, grow, and practise.

I don’t fully know what it looks like yet.

But as I sat surrounded by people pursuing their dreams, I realised this is something I need to keep imagining if I want to help more people access the kind of care they are looking for.

09/05/2026

Here’s a throwback to an interview I recorded on sleep breathing issues in women.

I became one of Australia’s first dentist to qualify in dental sleep medicine in 2013, and this video helps explain why I began to question why were we not intervening earlier, and higlighting dentistry’s bigger role promoting airway health for all ages.

28 likes, 3 comments. "Midlife Sleep & Breathing Issues: Expert Insights for Women"

02/05/2026

We are constantly asked for the names of suitable aligned colleagues who offer both early interceptive orthodontics and oral releases in other cities.

Here's my suggestions to reach out to in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Lots of people ask me or our front office team, where do I find a provider in Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney?

These are dear dental colleagues that are from those cities.

We may not practice completely identically, but we have travelled and learned together over the years, and they are a good starting point if you’re local to them.

They are Dr Marjan Jones from Enhance Dentistry in Brisbane, Dr Alexandra Kotlar from the Myofunctional Centre in North Melbourne, and Dr Louis Chan from My Dental Care in Sydney.

02/05/2026

We’re growing our team at Sparkle Dental.

If general dentistry is starting to feel like it’s missing something, this might be for you.

This is not a typical dental role.

We’re looking for the right people across:

✅ Front Office / Reception
✅ Dental Assistant / Clinical Support
✅ Oral Health Therapist (full scope, including restorative dentistry)

Our work focuses on airway health, early intervention, and supporting children and families over time - across feeding, breathing, sleep, and development.

This is for someone who feels ready to look beyond teeth and be part of care that has a real, lasting impact on how children grow and thrive.

It’s the kind of work where you’re not just helping one patient - you’re making a difference for entire families.

You’ll be working closely with me and a highly trained team, with a strong focus on excellent care and a consistently high-quality experience for our patients.

We’re flexible on days, but ideally looking for full days (7:30am - 5:30pm, with an earlier finish on Fridays).

If this resonates, please send your CV and a short introduction to Lucie and Karli at manager@sparkle.dental

Or feel free to reach out via DM - I’m always open to connecting with people who are curious, growth-minded, and aligned with early intervention and a more holistic approach to care.

If someone comes to mind, I’d really appreciate you sharing this with them.

28/04/2026

Review of phase 1 orthodontic treatment ahead of oral releases

Happy to check in with this just turned 8-year-old, and hear the family’s wins with treatment to date today.

Intervention offered:

✅ July 2025: Fitted Biobloc palate expander
✅ September 2025: Finished active expansion
✅ October 2025: Commenced myofunctional therapy

Mum reports:

✅ Change in face and width of mouth in a short time has been amazing
✅ Impressed with sleep - always spying on her and mouth actually closed
✅ Tossing and turning reduced, no more neck hyperextension
✅ No more teeth grinding
✅ More robust - no hospitalisations over winter (was 5x last year)
✅ Taken off asthma preventer 5 months ago - Ventolin only
✅ Reduced sickness - 2 days off per term recently vs ~2 weeks prior to treatment
✅ Overall less fatigue during the day

We focused on upper expansion only, and as the arch form has improved, there has been subtle and natural improvements in the lower arch form in the region of the lower front teeth.

Disclaimer:

All orthodontic procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. A second opinion from a specialist orthodontist is recommended before proceeding with treatment.

26/04/2026

A throwback to an Instagram live with MyoMunchee - on the importance of chewing and how using the appliance fits into our patient care.

1 like. "Chew Daily For Optimal Development with Dr Shereen Lim & Kelsea Green | IG Live Full Episode"

23/04/2026

A summary on new research linking sleep-disordered breathing in children with measurable cognitive impairment.

It highlighted the need to screen early for problems like mouth breathing and snoring in children - particularly those with academic, learning, and behavioural problems.

Children with sleep breathing disorders score lower across cognitive domains, highlighting risks for learning and memory deficits, meta-analysis finds.

23/04/2026

A fantastic talk, and wonderful moment to see ENT colleague and leading tongue tie researcher Dr Soroush Zaghi celebrated, and our shared source of inspiration Dr Guilleminault honoured at the Tongue Time Congress earlier this year.

We’re excited to share this open access lecture from Dr. Soroush Zaghi at Tongue Time 2026 in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

This talk explores the evidence, clinical reasoning, and evolving framework behind tongue tie, tongue mobility, and their impact on breathing, posture, speech, feeding, and airway development.

It also honors the legacy of Dr. Christian Guilleminault and his influence on a more preventive, functional approach to sleep and breathing medicine.

A valuable watch for providers, therapists, and anyone looking to better understand the bigger picture.

Full lecture now available on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/y6VkQnMBBvc?si=E4lzaFlUqoSm1Ijp

22/04/2026

Great to review this patient today and see his big and gorgeous smile.

Intervention to date includes:

✅ August 2025: Commenced palate expansion with a Biobloc appliance (before photos)
✅ October 2025: Expansion completed
✅ March 2026: Seven releases of soft tissue restrictions including upper and lower lip, cheek, and tongue-tie releases.

The child has reported his lips, cheeks, and tongue feel looser.

The upper right lateral incisor that was previously blocked out has erupted into good alignment.

Overall, mum has reported “a huge improvement in sleep,” and her initial concerns regarding a narrow palate and limited tongue space have been alleviated.

Disclaimer:
All orthodontic procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. A second opinion from a specialist orthodontist is recommended before proceeding with treatment.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.