Description of the Upper Labial Frenulum Characteristics in Preschool Children of Passo Fundo, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Objective: To describe the morphological and insertion characteristics of the Upper Labial Frenulum in preschool children of Passo Fundo, Brazil. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study performed clinical tests in 304 children aged 0-6 years enrolled in Early Childhood Education Schools of Passo Fundo. The five investigators were previously trained and calibrated. Children were examined in the classroom with natural light. The clinical examination consisted of upper lip distension for viewing and classification according to morphologic criteria and upper labial frenulum insertion. Demographic (ethnicity, age and gender) and clinical variables (morphologic aspects and the upper labial frenulum insertion) were collected. Data were processed and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Most of the evaluated preschoolers were white (71%) and aged 37-60 months (50%). The most prevalent labial frenulum type was simple, found in 77.3% of children, followed by simple with appendix (8.6%), and persistent tectolabial frenulum (8.6%). The most prevalent insertion type was attached gingiva in 51% of cases. Conclusion: This study found that in the study sample, considering simple, simple with nodule and single with appendix, they are the majority. In most cases, labial frenulum insertion is found in the attached gingiva. Only a small proportion shows penetrating insertion. Thus, the prevalence of normal labial frenulum is high, suggesting the follow-up of the labial frenulum characteristics in preschool children.