Cosmetic Dentist AL Mobile

Posterior Tongue Tie

When a person is tongue-tied, this usually means that a person is timid or maybe it at a loss for words.  But if you are speaking of an infant being tongue-tied, this means something quite different.  A tongue-tied infant will have a limited range of movement in their tongue.

There are different types of tongue ties, and this is defined by where the tissue that restricts movement is attached.  Anterior tongue tie is much more common, but an infant having a posterior tongue tie is possible, too.

So what is a posterior tongue tie?  The type is defined by where or how the tongue is attached to the floor of the jaw. A posterior tongue tie can be difficult to detect and often is misdiagnosed.  When a tongue tie is posterior, it is located beneath a mucous membrane, so you can’t see it.  You or your baby’s doctor would have to feel around in the infant’s mouth to detect it.  An anterior tongue tie is easy to spot.  It’s usually attached anywhere from the tip of the tongue to the base of the tongue.  Cosmetic Dentist AL Mobile

Tongue Tie Complications

The biggest issue a baby faces with a tongue tie is difficulty breastfeeding or eating.  The baby is limited in moving their tongue, preventing them from placing it in the right position while feeding.  Instead of being able to suck, they might chew on the nipple.  This will prevent an infant from getting the food that they need.  Chewing is also very painful for the mother.

Without treatment, tongue tie can cause some problems later in life.  Limited tongue movement can make speech difficult.  When a child is tongue-tied, they will have trouble pronouncing “the, I, R, and other consonant sounds.  Being tongue-tied can also increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral hygiene issues. Cosmetic Dentist AL Mobile

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