A frenulum is a small fold of tissue or mucous membrane that anchors a mobile body part to a more fixed structure. Several frenula are present in the mouth, where they limit the movement of the tongue and lips. They perform an important function in ensuring proper oral function, including eating and speaking.
Where Are the Oral Frenula Located?
The oral cavity contains three primary types of frenula, defined by the structures they connect. The lingual frenulum is a thin band of tissue beneath the tongue, attaching the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This position directly affects the tongue’s range of motion.
The labial frenula connect the inner surface of the lips to the gum tissue. The most prominent is the maxillary labial frenulum, which attaches the upper lip to the gum between the two front teeth. There is also a mandibular labial frenulum connecting the lower lip to the gum below the front teeth.
The buccal frenula connect the inner cheek tissue to the gums in the molar and premolar regions. These structures anchor the soft tissues, offering stability to the lips, cheeks, and tongue as they move. Dental professionals routinely assess their specific attachment points during examinations.
The Role of Frenula in Mouth Movement
The purpose of the oral frenula is to stabilize and regulate the extent of movement of the tongue and lips. These tissues ensure that the tongue remains properly positioned for swallowing and speech articulation. This controlled mobility is necessary for clear communication.
The labial frenula stabilize the lips against the gums, which is important for maintaining a proper seal around teeth and during speech. They also contribute to proper dental development by influencing the growth and alignment of the jaw structures. A healthy frenulum allows the oral structures to operate within a functional range.
Common Problems Associated with Oral Frenula
Issues arise when a frenulum is unusually short, thick, or tight, known as a restrictive frenulum. A tight lingual frenulum results in ankyloglossia, or “tongue tie,” which restricts the tongue’s ability to lift, protrude, or move side-to-side. In infants, this restriction can severely impede feeding, causing difficulties with latching and efficient milk transfer.
In older children and adults, ankyloglossia may lead to speech impediments, particularly affecting sounds that require the tongue to touch the upper palate. A restrictive labial frenulum, or “lip tie,” can pull the gum tissue away from the teeth, leading to gum recession or causing a noticeable gap (diastema) between the front teeth. These restrictions can also contribute to jaw tension and sleep disturbances.
Correcting Restrictive Frenula
When a restrictive frenulum causes functional problems, a surgical procedure is typically recommended to release the tension. The two main procedures are the frenectomy and the frenuloplasty. A frenectomy is the simpler approach, involving the complete incision or removal of the frenulum tissue, often performed with a scalpel or laser.
Frenuloplasty is a more involved surgical revision where the frenulum is lengthened or repositioned using specific tissue cuts and closed with sutures. This method is often used for complex cases requiring tissue rearrangement to achieve full functional release. Treatment is performed on infants to improve feeding and on older patients to address speech, dental, or myofunctional issues. Recovery is generally quick, with patients returning to normal activities within a few days to a week, supported by exercises.