Types fo the Maxillary Labial Frenulum and the Median Diastema in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of different types of the maxillary labial frenulum in children aged 4-13 years and whether they have an effect on the median diastema. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 723 children aged 4-13 years who presented to the Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Inonu University for examination. The examination of the children participating in the study was performed by having them sit upright under normal light. The patient's frenulum type was determined by performing the blanch test. The spacing of the diastema in the maxillary central teeth was measured with orthodontic calipers. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0 (IBM, Armonk, N.Y., USA). The Pearson Chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between upper lip frenulum types, gender, and the dentition period. The Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test was employed to examine the association between median diastema and dentition period, as well as frenulum types. Results: The present study encompassed a total of 343 male subjects and 380 female subjects. The most prevalent maxillary labial frenulum type observed in the study population was the gingival frenulum type, accounting for 57% of cases. In contrast, the least prevalent type was the papillary penetrating frenulum type, representing a mere 2% of the sample. In the present study, the spacing of the diastema was examined. The median diastema was predominantly between 0 and 2 millimeters in the primary dentition, while it was predominantly absent in the mixed and permanent dentition. A statistically significant discrepancy was identified between the maxillary labial frenulum type and diastema spacing (p=0.00). Conclusion: Consequently, a substantial correlation was identified between frenulum type and median diastema. It is incumbent upon dentists, particularly pediatric dentists, to carefully check that frenulums do not cause median diastema when examining pediatric patients