The lip of tissue attached between the front teeth is called the labial frenulum.
The labial frenulum is a fold of mucous membrane that extends from the inner surface of the lip to the gingiva (gums), specifically between the two upper or lower central incisors (front teeth). It's a normal anatomical structure, but its size and attachment point can vary.
Here's a breakdown:
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Location: Found in both the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) arches.
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Function: While it doesn't have a significant functional role, it can sometimes impact speech, oral hygiene, and the alignment of teeth if it's abnormally large or tightly attached.
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Variations:
- A normal frenulum is thin and doesn't extend too far down the gums.
- A prominent or thick frenulum might attach lower on the gums, sometimes even extending between the teeth.
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Problems Associated with a Prominent Frenulum:
- Diastema: A gap between the front teeth can occur if the frenulum is too thick or attached too low.
- Speech Difficulties: Rarely, a very restrictive frenulum can impact lip movement and speech articulation.
- Difficulty with Oral Hygiene: A prominent frenulum can make it difficult to clean between the front teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease.
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Treatment: If the frenulum causes problems, a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy can be performed to release the tissue.
In some cases, especially with a prominent maxillary labial frenulum, the tissue may attach at the interdental papilla (the gum tissue between the teeth). The reference mentions types of papillary frenulum, including:
- Papillary: Tissue is attached at the gums between the front teeth (interdental papilla).
- Papilla Penetrating: Tissue goes down between the teeth, crosses over the bone, and extends back into the palate.
Therefore, while generally called the labial frenulum, a prominent frenulum can be more specifically described based on its attachment point relative to the gums and teeth.
