What is a maxillary frenum?



 


The frenulum is a piece of skin that may restrict the movement of the tongue.  When this occurs it is referred to as being tongue-tied.  This means the “frenula,” strong cords that is attached at the back of the tongue, are too tight. This excess skin can also be attached in the front of the mouth between teeth.  This condition can create trouble for babies to feed. As children get older some possible consequences are speech delays along with low self-esteem for your child. According to Dr. Cameron Fuller, D.D.S., M.S., “Sometimes the skin will thin and disappear on it’s own. However, other times it is necessary to seek further medical attention in order to cut the skin so it is no longer attached.”


If you reach your tongue up between your teeth and your upper lip you can feel this very strong piece of skin that has such an important purpose. The frenula helps, to create the mouth structures during gestation. After you are born the frenula then helps to make sure your baby teeth are in the correct position in your mouth.

Infants that have too long of a frenula may have trouble moving the tongue from side to side, touching the roof of their mouth or sticking their tongue out. A frenectomy, the procedure where the tissue is removed is best completed when your child is young. “Waiting can make it possible for the skin to grow thicker creating more problems,” says Dr. Fuller.

Contact his team today for more information.
Contact his team today for more information.

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