“Hidden” Tongue Ties: What You Need To Know

At Colorado Tongue Tie, we’re experts at treating tongue ties, lip ties, and other cases of Tethered Oral Tissue (TOT). TOTs can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and even breathing and airway difficulties, in some cases.

One very common TOT condition is the “hidden” tongue tie. Dr. Jesse and the team at Colorado Tongue Tie want to help parents understand and recognize this common  (yet often undiagnosed) issue, and what you should do if you think that your child may have a hidden tongue tie.

What is a “Hidden” Tongue Tie?

The medical term for a “hidden” tongue tie is “posterior tongue tie”. This is in contrast to the most common type of tongue tie, which is the “anterior tongue tie.”

As the name suggests, anterior tongue ties are located in the front of the mouth, and posterior tongue ties are located in the rear of the mouth, making them less visible because they are often hidden by mucous membranes. Posterior tongue ties harder to identify and diagnose, hence the term “hidden” tongue tie.

These types of tongue ties are typically located far behind the tip of the tongue, which makes traditional at-home diagnosis quite difficult. In some cases, the tongue tie may not even be visible at all, even when the entire tongue is lifted, and the entire lingual frenulum is visible.

How to Recognize a Hidden Tongue Tie  

The best way to diagnose a hidden tongue tie is to bring your child in for an appointment at Colorado Tongue Tie. Dr. Jesse is a specialist in tethered oral tissues and tongue ties, and he can give you a conclusive diagnosis to make sure that your child gets the proper treatment to remove their posterior tongue ties.

If you recognize the following symptoms, call us today to schedule a consultation:

  • Difficulty latching on the breast when feeding
  • Poor ability to properly coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing patterns when feeding
  • Excessive drooling
  • A square, heart shaped, or indented tongue shape when your child sticks their tongue out
  • An open bite
  • Messy eating
  • Over-use of the lips

How Are Hidden Tongue Ties Treated?

Hidden tongue ties are typically treated using the same treatment as a standard tongue tie. Dr. Jesse will use a non-invasive cold laser to destroy the excess tissue, which helps minimize discomfort and speeds up the healing process. Immediately after this treatment, your child’s tongue will be able to move freely and properly.

Come In For A Consultation Today – Get Help For Tongue And Lip Ties!

At Colorado Tongue Tie, we focus exclusively on treating children and infants who are suffering from tongue and lip ties, and other TOT conditions. For a complete diagnosis and assessment, we recommend that you bring your child into our office today.

Dr. Jesse will examine your child’s mouth, identify any potential issues, and provide you with a customized treatment plan to ensure that your child’s condition is resolved safely and quickly. Learn more from our past patients now.

Contact us at (720) 507-0077, or come in for an office visit at 4704 Harlan Street, Denver, CO 80212 to schedule your appointment in-person.

Healthy Tongues, Healthy Lives

At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.