Does a posterior tongue tie need to be fixed?

Posterior tongue ties may be referred to as type III or type IV. Tongue tie affects up to 11 percent of newborn babies. Many babies born with tongue tie don’t have any symptoms or complications. Others need speech therapy or an outpatient surgical treatment to release the tongue tie.

How can you tell if you have a posterior tongue tie?

The posterior tie is most easily identified by coming from behind the patient and lifting the tongue with both index fingers on either side of the tongue. The fascia or connective tissue bunches up and forms the appearance of a string or frenum, and often there is a good bit of tension as well.

What is the difference between tongue tie and lip tie?

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia (AG), is a congenital condition in which an abnormally short frenulum restricts the tongue’s ability to function properly. A lip tie is an unusually tight labial frenulum, which keeps the upper lip tethered to the gum line.

How common is tongue tie and lip tie?

It occurs in 4 to 11 percent of newborns. A lip tie—a related condition—is an unusually tight labial frenulum, the piece of tissue that keeps the upper lip tethered close to the gum line. Tongue and lip ties often occur in tandem.

What’s the difference between anterior and posterior tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie can be described as being anterior or posterior. With anterior tongue-ties the tongue is held down all the way to the tip. These are usually very noticeable. Posterior tongue-ties are situated nearer to the base of the tongue, and are not as visible.

Does lip tie need to be corrected?

A lip tie does not always need treatment. Parents and caregivers should assess whether or not the baby is having trouble breastfeeding. If other measures do not help, a lip tie revision may foster longer and healthier breastfeeding.

What are the different types of Tongue ties?

Some doctors use a classification system when referring to tongue ties. Anterior tongue ties may be referred to as type I and type II. Posterior tongue ties may be referred to as type III or type IV.

What causes tongue tie?

Tongue tie is caused by the frenum—an area of skin that may be too tight and can restrict movement of the tongue or the mouth. There is a frenum connected to the upper lip as well as one connected to the tongue, which may prohibit proper suckling .

What does tongue tied mean?

Tongue-tie or tongue tied can refer to: ankyloglossia, a medical condition in which the lingual frenulum (a membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually short, causing restricted movement of the tongue.

What is the posterior tongue?

The posterior tongue, or the pharyngeal part, is the base of the tongue that is located farthest back in the mouth, close to the opening of the throat. A tongue is usually divided into two sections: the part of the tongue that is able to move is named the anterior tongue and the immobile base is called the posterior tongue.