Do You Have a “Hidden” Tongue Tie

Do you have a “hidden” or what dentists refer to as a posterior tongue tie? A posterior tongue tie is when the band of tissue causing the tongue tie is found toward the back of the mouth and further under the tongue. 

Anterior tongue ties, which are more common and easier to diagnose, are in the front of the mouth near the gumline but a posterior tongue tie is deeper in the mouth and can be hidden by mucous membranes.  This makes it harder to identify and why it has been dubbed a “hidden” tongue tie.

In fact, some cases may not be visible at all, even when the whole tongue is lifted and the entire lingual frenulum is visible.

Signs of a Hidden Tongue Tie  

If you suspect you or your child has a posterior tongue tie, set up a consultation with a dentist who specializes in tethered oral tissues like Dr. Abeyta in Albuquerque, NM.  A dentist can give you a conclusive diagnosis to ensure that you or your child gets the best treatment to correct the tongue tie.

Here is a List of Possible Symptoms:

• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Speech impairment
• Excessive drooling
• A square, heart shaped, or indented tongue shape the tongue is stuck out
• Messy eating
• An open bite
• Colic
• Over-use of the lips
• Swallowing

How Do You Treat a Tongue Tie?

The most common treatment for a posterior or hidden tongue ties is a surgery called a lingual frenuloplasty. Dr. Abeyta’s technique for lingual frenuloplasty is based on precision; releasing the appropriate amount of tissue for maximal relief – not too much, and not too little.

Alongside surgery, Dr. Abeyta integrates myofunctional therapy, and sometimes craniosacral therapy, both before, during, and after surgery.

Addressing the compensatory muscular and joint tension through manual therapy can significantly help optimize rehabilitation in cases of tongue tie.

Come in for a consultation today! 

For more information on hidden tongue ties, call Dr. Abeyta at (505) 293-7611.  She will examine you or your child’s mouth, identify any potential issues, and provide you with a customized treatment plan to ensure that the condition is resolved safely and quickly. 

We are the reason someone smiles today.