The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 1% to 11% of newborns have signs of ankyloglossia,- A medical condition restricting tongue movements. Posterior tongue tie is also linked to it, which affects the baby’s learning ability and requires surgery.
This blog will share the posterior tongue causes, symptoms, and myths attached to it. Tongue Tie Phoenix takes pride in delivering the best services for infants and newborns. We pride ourselves on offering thorough diagnosis and tongue tie release services to help struggling kids and mothers.
Read: How to fix tongue-tie naturally
What is a “Posterior” Tongue Tie?
A posterior tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum grows in the backside of the mouth. It happens when your newborn’s abnormal frenulum restricts tongue activity.
According to a study in 2012, this condition is more common in boys than girls due to genetics. It is located deeper in the mouth underneath the tongue. Moreover, it is tricky to detect as the position is beneath the mucous membrane.
Some tongue tie specialists utilize modern classification systems to diagnose the different types of tongue ties, and posterior tongue ties are referred to as type III or IV.
Posterior Tongue Tie Vs. Normal Tongue Tie:
A tongue tie is a condition where a short and tight band of tissue, known as the frenulum, restricts tongue movement. Posterior vs normal tongue tie involves a frenulum deeper in the throat. Additionally, it falls under the class 3 or 4 classification.
Posterior tongue tie causes severe breastfeeding problems in kids as compared to normal tongue tie. Moreover, the specialists better understand it with terms such as hidden tongue tie or submucosal tongue tie.
Posterior Tongue Tie Symptoms and Complications:
Anterior tongue ties are easier to spot because they are visible. The posterior tongue tie, on the other hand, being located on the back, is not easily detectable. But here are some signs that reveal that your infant may have such a condition:
If you notice any such signs in your newborns, it’s a vital sign that you need to speak to a professional. Difficulty in breastfeeding can shut out the important nutrient supply they need for proper growth. It can also cause later-life complications, such as difficulty in speaking, limited tongue movements, and eating abnormalities.
Lastly, tongue tie-in kids increase their risk of tooth decay and cavities, leading to many other oral hygiene complications.
Furthermore, posterior tongue tie complications in adults also need proper diagnoses and treatment. It reveals that not treating at an early life stage develops results in later life.
How to Diagnose Posterior Tongue Tie?
Many times, the parents neglect common tongue-tie symptoms such as breastfeeding difficulty and slow weight gain. Only a specialist or tongue-tie professional can help in such circumstances.
The posterior tongue tie is diagnosable with some simple tests, such as lifting the tongue with both index fingers on either side of the tongue. If the connective tissues bunch up, making an appearance of the frenum, it reveals a tongue tie.
Additional signs such as trouble feeding, pain during nursing, and significant tongue restrictions confirm its presence.
Health practitioners also use grading systems and assessment tools to evaluate the situation. Furthermore, they will need to gather information about the baby’s tongue movements and issues faced by the mother, such as:
Lactation consultants, pediatricians, and ENT professionals all work together to diagnose the issue with a simple in-office observation to offer you the best treatment options.
Posterior Tongue Tie Treatment:
Tongue tie treatment depends on several factors, such as the severity of the condition, the type of tongue tie, and its signs and symptoms. Not all people treat it right away but some prefer living with it for some time.
Likewise, only some professionals treat it immediately; instead, they track signs and symptoms before finalizing the right treatment choice.
Posterior tongue tie surgery is a quick, low-impact procedure to treat this issue. Further, ear, nose, and throat professionals, lactation consultants, and speech therapists recommend treating it immediately.
Here are the two most common procedures to treat tongue ties:
1: Frenuloplasty
It is one of the most common and expensive treatment options that is effective for a thick frenulum. A frenectomy is performed on children with a thin frenulum.
Frenuloplasty often requires general anesthesia for a successful operation. Meanwhile, surgeons use sterilized surgical tools to release the frenulum. Further, sutures repair the incisions, and speech therapy exercises are suggested for fast recovery.
2: Frenectomy
The most common treatment to treat tongue tie is a surgical procedure, frenectomy. Studies reveal a 92% success rate of frenectomy for children with anterior and posterior tongue ties.
For kids under the age of six months, the surgeons perform frenectomy with a sterilized knife or scissor without any anesthesia. However, the children of age 4 or 5 show no significant symptoms of tongue tie.
Read: What Is the Best Age for Tongue-Tie Surgery in Infants?
Conclusion:
A tongue tie problem is common in newborns and requires immediate attention. If new mothers feel latching issues during the first week, they must consult the midwife and look for the signs. Posterior tongue tie is not easy to diagnose by mothers but true signs and symptoms can help.
Often, lactation consulting can help adjust your positions and help your baby overcome latching challenges. Furthermore, pediatric dentists can also diagnose the issue and recommend the right solutions.
Read: Does a Frenectomy Hurt? Symptoms, Advantages, and Recovery
FAQs
Does the posterior tongue need treatment?
Depending on the severity, the posterior tongue tie needs fixing through the available options. The available treatment options include surgical treatment, speech therapy, and oral exercises.
What is the difference between anterior and posterior tongue-tie?
The anterior tongue tie is located in the front of the mouth, while the posterior tongue tie is located in the back of the mouth. It is easy to differentiate with names but have different signs and symptoms.
What is the right age to cut tongue-tie?
Two to six weeks is ideal for cutting the membrane, and restricting mouth movements. The earlier you perform the surgery, the easier to retrain the baby on new latching techniques.
