A labial frenulum tear occurs when the small piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, known as the labial frenulum, tears. This thin fold of mucous membrane is located above the two upper front teeth and provides stability to the lip as facial bones develop. While visible bleeding can be alarming, these tears are common, especially in babies and toddlers, and usually not severe. They often heal on their own without medical intervention.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Labial frenulum tears often result from trauma, particularly in young children learning to walk. A fall or a direct blow to the mouth can cause the upper lip to be forcefully stretched, leading to a tear. Lower labial frenulum tears can also happen if someone falls and bites their lower lip, a situation more common in individuals with an overbite. Less common traumatic causes include aggressive brushing or forceful pacifier placement.
Feeding issues can also contribute to a labial frenulum tear, particularly if an infant has a tight frenulum, often called a lip tie. A lip tie restricts the upper lip’s movement, making it difficult for a baby to latch properly during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This strain can sometimes lead to a tear.
Immediate symptoms include sudden bleeding from the mouth, which can appear more severe than it is due to mixing with saliva. The injured area may also show swelling of the upper lip and cause the child to become fussy or cry from pain. A baby might also make clicking sounds while nursing if a lip tie contributes to feeding difficulties.
At-Home Management and Healing
Upon discovering a labial frenulum tear, the first step is to stop any bleeding. Apply gentle, firm pressure to the outer lip against the teeth with a clean, damp cloth or gauze for about 10 minutes. Avoid pulling the lip back to inspect the injury, as this can restart bleeding. For children over 12 months, ice pops or chips can help reduce pain and minor bleeding.
Clean the area gently with water after meals and snacks to maintain oral hygiene. If the child is old enough to rinse, a saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water) can be used. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be administered as needed for discomfort, following dosage instructions.
These tears heal quickly on their own, often within a few days to a week, due to the mouth’s rich blood supply. Stitches are rarely required. During healing, offer soft foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or applesauce for three to five days. Avoid crunchy, salty, spicy, or acidic foods, as these can irritate the wound.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most labial frenulum tears heal without professional intervention, some signs warrant medical advice. Contact a healthcare provider if bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure. Persistent or worsening pain not relieved by medication, or difficulty swallowing fluids (including saliva), also warrants a medical evaluation.
Signs of infection, such as pus, increased redness or swelling after the first day, or a fever, require a doctor’s consultation within 24 hours or immediately if severe. If the tear appears very large or deep, or if the injury resulted from significant trauma that might have damaged teeth, seek professional care. For infants with ongoing feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or a suspected restrictive lip tie, consult a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or pediatric dentist.