Anterior Versus Posterior Tongue Tie

Dimpled tongue on dorsal surface especially during movement.

Anterior versus posterior tongue tie. This can be harder to see but can still cause the same symptoms. Therefore any tongue tie causing breastfeeding problems is truly a. A classic anterior tongue tie always has a posterior component behind it. A posterior tongue tie can cause the same problems as an anterior tongue tie even though it isn t as easily.

Although some anterior ties are associated with heart shaped tongues tongue tips can look rounded or squared if there is posterior tie posterior ties are often misdiagnosed as a short tongue. It is possible to have both an anterior frontal tie and and posterior one. An anterior tongue tie is easier to see as it is located near the bottom of the baby s gumline when they raise their tongues. 100 of the tongue is tethered to just 25 of the tongue causing the tongue to poorly elevate and squaring the tip.

A posterior tongue tie is located deeper in the mouth and further underneath the tongue. Anterior vs posterior tongue tie. Anterior tongue ties can be of varying degrees. I like to use a sailboat analogy to help describe tongue tie.

A tongue tie involves the string of tissue that connects your tongue to the floor of the mouth. A posterior tongue tie is located deeper in the mouth further underneath the tongue. Upper lip tie may also be present causing breast feeding problems due to an inadequate seal of the infant mouth to the breast. There are many myths about lip and tongue ties but here are some facts.

Therefore any tongue tie causing breastfeeding problems is truly a posterior tongue tie. Reworded every tongue tie that affects breastfeeding is a posterior tongue tie. In my experience every anterior tongue tie has a posterior tongue tie behind it. This string of tissue is called a frenum and everyone has one.

From 100 where the frenulum is attached to the tip of the tongue i e. Square heart shaped or indented tip of tongue at rest and or upon attempted protrusion this is often indicative of anterior tongue ties but as noted by dr. As i wrote in a previous post a classic anterior tongue tie always has a posterior component behind it. Breast and bottle feeding.

Posterior tongue tie treatment is recommended only if it is causing a problem. A posterior tongue tie is the presence of abnormal collagen fibers in a submucosal location surrounded by abnormally tight mucous membranes under the front of the tongue. Ghareri the posterior restriction my still be present. Difficulty latching and or slow feeding.

Posterior sometimes called sub mucosal or hidden tongue tie is where a wide band. Some of those also have an anterior thin membrane but there is always a posterior component.