Assessment of maxillary labial frenum morphology in primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions in Wardha district

Abstract

Background: Frenal attachments are folds of mucous membrane enclosed with muscle fibers that attach the lips to the alveolar mucosa and underlying periosteum. They mostly go unnoticed by the dentist during the oral examination of the patient. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate maxillary labial frenum morphology in primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions among schoolchildren in Wardha district. Materials and Methods: Thousand healthy school children between 3 and 14 years of age were included in this study. The maxillary labial frenum was examined using direct visual method and classified according to Sewerin′s typology. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test. Results: Simple frenum (88.3%) was found to be the most common maxillary labial frenum. No sex-wise or dentition-wise differences were found in frenum morphology. Statistically significant difference was seen with persistent tectolabial labial frenum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Simple frenum was found to be the most prevalent maxillary labial frenum morphology. Dentists should give due importance for frenum assessment during oral examination of children.

Keywords

Frenal morphology - maxillary labial frenum - schoolchildren

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