I am sure you were quite startled when I said that your baby may be a posterior tongue-tie. This can be the cause of many concerns and questions. To be honest, this is a hidden condition because it is a posterior rather than anterior tongue-tie. A posterior tongue-tie is often mistaken for a baby who is not growing well, or one who is constantly frustrated at the breast.
To help you, we have prepared a little guide where we outline the features of a posterior tongue-tie, signs of a posterior tongue-tie, a method to self-diagnose the condition, and the kinder treatments for a posterior tongue-tie.
What is the posterior tongue-tie?
A posterior tongue-tie is a disorder in which the thin strip of tissue (frenulum) under the tongue of your baby is tight, thick, or is placed more posteriorly than normal. This limits tongue movement.
A posterior tongue-tie, as opposed to a visible Tongue-Tie on the front (anterior), is sometimes referred to as a hidden Tongue-Tie because it cannot be easily observed when looking at the oral cavity during a brief oral assessment.
Such tongue action may influence how a child feeds, swallows, and even grows in the mouth.
Tongue-tie types: Anterior and Posterior Tongue-tie
Knowing different types of tongue-ties can help you better understand what your baby may be experiencing if your child has a tongue-tie.
Anterior tongue-tie:
This type is visible at a glance. The frenulum is attached at the tongue’s tip, which can look like a heart or a narrowing.
Posterior tongue-tie:
This lies deeper under the tongue and is less visible. You may be surprised that it also can be very movement-restricting.
One bigger difference between anterior and anterior Tongue-Tie is not severity but visibility. Posterior tie can be as strong during the feeding phase.
Posterior TongueTie Symptoms
As a complication of the Tongue-Tie, it may also cause symptoms in the posterior part of the tongue.
Due to the difficulty in visualizing, it is important to identify the symptoms of an anterior Tongue-Tie. The symptoms can be manifested in infants and in mothers (when breastfeeding).
In Babies:
- Problems with breastfeeding onset.
- Constant falling off the breast.
- When feeding, one hears clicking.
- Poor weight gain
- Gassiness/reflux-like symptoms.
- Fussy after or during feedings.
In Mothers:
- Nipple pain or damage
- Prolonged or prolonged feeding times.
- Incomplete breast emptying
The symptoms of Tongue-Ties may at times resemble other feeding problems and therefore they are to be evaluated.
Checking for a Posterior Tongue-Tie
Parents may wonder how to check at home for the presence of a tongue-tie. Of course, a trained professional should always be the one to make a diagnosis after a proper examination. However, these are some of the signs that you can notice:
Is it hard for the baby to lift the tongue?
Can the tongue be stuck out beyond the lower gums?
Do you feel that there is tension or tightness in the tongue?
Is there a problem with feeding all the time even after trying different positions?
Posterior Tongue-Ties are so thin that they remain unnoticed during a normal examination. Certain methods can be implemented by a lactation consultant, pediatric dentist, or ENT specialist to more accurately evaluate the functioning of the tongue. Many professionals also improve their assessment skills through specialized Lactation Consultant Training Courses focused on infant feeding and oral function.
Is there a Link between Posterior Tongue-Tie and Speech Problems?
One of the questions raised is: Can posterior Tongue-Tie cause speech problems?
The answer is: yes, but not always.
Untreated anterior Tongue-Tie might be linked to some kids;
Speeches are hard to understand because they hardly manage to articulate certain sounds.Speech development is delayed.Tongue mobility is poor which affects articulation.
Nonetheless, children with Tongue-Tie do not necessarily have speech issues. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent the risk.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Early diagnosis of a posterior Tongue-Tie in a baby can be of significant help.
Early support can:
- Improve feeding success
- Lessen the stress of the baby and the parent.
- Favor the correct development of the mouth.
- Possibly prevent future speech or tooth problems.
When you feel something is wrong during feeding, go with your intuition and get a second opinion.
When to See a Specialist?
This would necessitate professional assistance where:
- The feeding is painful or hard.
- The baby is not gaining weight properly.
- Adjustments do not help in eliminating the symptoms.
- You think there is some sort of Tongue-Tie.
The team strategy, such as pediatricians, lactation consultants, and dental specialists, usually offers the most successful results.
Final Thoughts
A posterior Tongue-Tie can be concealed, not in a literal sense, but the effects are real. Being a parent and recognizing the signs and knowing how to check for an extended Tongue-Tie is both empowering and educational on the options of treatment.
Keep in mind that all babies are unique. The key point is not how detailed your support and care plan are; it is about discovering what suits you and your child.
FAQs
1. What is after Tongue-Tie in infants?
A posterior Tongue-Tie. When a tight or thick frenulum is found higher back under the tongue, it may result in a restriction and limit the movement of the tongue, and may impact feeding.
2. What would I know to know whether my baby has a posterior Tongue-Tie?
Check for symptoms such as a poor latch, clicking every time he or she feeds, crying, and slow weight gain. It is best proved by a professional assessment.
3. Should the posterior Tongue-Ties be released?
Not always. Slight cases can be cured through support and exercises. However, if feeding problems persist, a posterior tongue-tie release is a safe and effective intervention.
