Expert Q&A with Dr. Brett Parks: Oral Ties & Infant Development

At Align San Diego Family Chiropractic, we believe the best outcomes for families happen when providers collaborate across disciplines. As part of our commitment to integrated, family-centered care in San Diego, we’re excited to feature Dr. Brett Parks, DDS, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and founder of Parks Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Parks is also the upcoming guest speaker at our next Inspired Birth Worker’s Alliance (IBWA) Social. This event brings together perinatal and pediatric professionals—doulas, PTs, acupuncturists, lactation consultants, and more—who are passionate about supporting and empowering our maternal and pediatric community. If you are a San Diego based provider who is looking to foster deeper connections within the birth community, join us on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 where Dr. Parks will be sharing invaluable insights on oral development, feeding, and how pediatric dentistry fits into a holistic care model for infants and children.

Register for our free event HERE!

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pediatric dentistry?

Dr. Parks: I studied dentistry at UCSF and completed my pediatric dental residency at New York University. I currently work in both public health and private practice. My focus has always been on education, prevention, and minimally invasive techniques—while also ensuring families have access to surgical care when it’s truly needed, either in-office or through Rady Children’s Hospital.

Q: What personal experiences shaped the way you practice today?

Dr. Parks: Both of my own children struggled with feeding issues due to posterior tongue ties that went undiagnosed early on. It wasn’t until after residency that I really understood how significantly oral restrictions can impact feeding, growth, and development. That experience completely changed my clinical perspective and pushed me to seek additional training so I could better support families navigating similar challenges.

Q: Why are oral restrictions such an important topic for parents and birth professionals?

Dr. Parks: Oral restrictions can affect much more than latch. They can influence airway development, digestion, sleep, craniofacial growth, and even behavior. That’s why early evaluation and thoughtful discussion of treatment options—both surgical and non-surgical—is so important. Pediatric dentists play a key role, but outcomes are best when we collaborate with lactation consultants, chiropractors, bodyworkers, and therapists.

Q: What will you be sharing at the upcoming IBWA Social?

Dr. Parks: We’ll be reviewing oral restrictions in infants from a growth and development perspective—how they impact feeding, when releases may be beneficial, and how pediatric dentists evaluate and communicate options to families. My goal is to help providers feel more confident knowing when to refer, what questions to ask, and how to support families as part of a team.

Q: What values guide your approach to pediatric dental care?

Dr. Parks: Generosity—with time, education, and options. Many parents come in with fear or prior medical trauma. I want families to feel heard, informed, and empowered. By taking a more human-centered approach and focusing on prevention, we consistently see healthier kids and more confident parents.

Q: Why is collaboration so important in pediatric and perinatal care?

Dr. Parks: No single provider sees the full picture. Oral health is connected to posture, nervous system regulation, feeding mechanics, and airway health. When pediatric dentists collaborate with chiropractors, IBCLCs, and other specialists, families get clearer answers and more effective care plans.

How AlignSD Supports This Collaborative Model

At Align San Diego Family Chiropractic, we regularly co-manage cases involving:

• Infant feeding difficulties
• Oral restrictions and tension patterns
• Airway and craniofacial development
• Postural and nervous system regulation in babies and children

If your child is struggling with feeding, latch, reflux, tension, or sleep—and you’re unsure where to start—our team helps guide the process and coordinates referrals with trusted providers like Dr. Parks.

Interested in pediatric chiropractic care or collaborative support for your baby or child? Contact Align San Diego Family Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and learn how our integrated approach supports healthier development from the very beginning.