The human mouth contains small anatomical features that connect different parts. These subtle folds of tissue play a role in how the mouth moves and functions. Understanding them provides insight into overall oral health.
The Oral Frenum: Understanding This Connection
The connective tissue band that links the lip to the gums is called a frenum, or frenulum. These bands are typically the same color as the surrounding gums and vary in size and appearance. Frenums are composed of fibrous connective tissues rich in collagen, providing strength, along with elastic fibers for flexibility. Some frenums also contain muscle fibers that assist in movement.
Two primary types of frenums connect the lips to the gums: the maxillary labial frenum and the mandibular labial frenum. The maxillary labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gum tissue and bone of the upper jaw, just above the front teeth. It originates from the orbicularis oris muscle, providing stability to the upper lip.
The mandibular labial frenum connects the lower lip to the gums below the lower front teeth. While smaller and thinner than its upper counterpart, it is considered more active due to its attachment to the orbicularis oris muscle. Both labial frenums allow for lip movements and provide stability during actions like speaking, eating, and swallowing.
The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This thin fold of mucous membrane arises near the base of the tongue and extends towards its tip. It stabilizes the tongue and supports its movements for speaking, eating, and swallowing.
When a Frenum Requires Attention
While frenums are normal anatomical structures, they can sometimes be unusually short, thick, or tight, leading to functional issues. A restrictive labial frenum, often called a “lip-tie,” can limit upper lip movement. This may interfere with an infant’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, potentially causing feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, and discomfort for the nursing parent.
For older children, a tight labial frenum can contribute to a gap between the upper front teeth (diastema) or impact oral hygiene by pulling on the gum tissue, causing recession. It can also make it difficult to move the upper lip fully, affecting smiling, licking lips, or pronouncing certain sounds. Similarly, a restrictive lingual frenum, known as a “tongue-tie” or ankyloglossia, can limit the tongue’s range of motion.
Tongue-tie can affect an infant’s breastfeeding ability, making it hard to latch or causing clicking sounds during feeding. It can also lead to speech difficulties, particularly with sounds requiring precise tongue placement, or impact oral hygiene by making it challenging for the tongue to clear food debris. While not all variations require intervention, professional evaluation from a dentist, pediatrician, or lactation consultant is advisable if these issues arise.
If a frenum causes significant problems, a surgical procedure called a frenectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves releasing or modifying the restrictive tissue, typically using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a laser. The procedure is quick, often taking 15 minutes or less, and aims to improve the mobility and function of the affected lip or tongue.