Today on the show Dr. B gets a question from a listener about whether it is necessary to do surgery on a one-year-old due to the formation of their frenum attachment. The frenum, in simple terms, is the web-like skin tag that connects the upper lip to the upper gum. Dr. B busts a few myths about the frenum attachment to the upper gum and the role this plays in causing gaps in teeth. He talks about the fact that gaps in teeth in young children are normal and also makes sure to suggest which types of associated conditions related to the frenum attachment are cause for concern. Tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- A question about whether it is necessary to intervene in a diastema in a one-year-old.
- Whether a piece of skin joining the upper lip to the gums will cause a gap tooth.
- It is typical to expect spaces between teeth in children around the age of one.
- Issues that can become serious because of a frenum tie.
- When to see a specialist who deals with lip and tongue ties.
How to Submit Your Question:
Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist
Tweetables:
“If the frenum attaches too low to the edge of the gums close to the teeth, the thinking is, and again this is a bit of a myth, that that could cause separation of those two teeth, otherwise known as a diastema.” — @askthedentist [0:01:30]
“The space that you are seeing between E and F now is probably a good thing.” — @askthedentist [0:01:30]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Ask the Dentist Website
About Dr. Mark Burhenne
Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist
Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist
Ask Dr. B a Question
Functional Dentist Directory
