Frenum (Frenulum in Mouth)

What is a frenum?

A frenum (or frenulum) is a thin, ropelike piece of tissue that connects two bodily structures. You have frenums in various areas of your body, like your genitals, digestive tract and brain. You also have them in your mouth — and you might notice them whenever you brush your teeth or smile in front of a mirror.

There are two types of oral frenums:

• Tongue (lingual) frenulum: This thin band of tissue connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth. If you open your mouth and lift your tongue, you can see your lingual frenulum.
• Lip (labial) frenulum: This piece of tissue connects your lips to your gums. You have several lip frenulums, but the one between and just above your upper front teeth is the most noticeable.

If a frenum gets irritated or injured, you might develop pain and swelling in the area. This common issue usually goes away on its own.

Some people are born with a frenum that’s too thick or abnormally attached. If a frenum attaches too high or too low, it can interfere with proper function like chewing, speaking and even brushing your teeth.

What does a frenum do?

The main purpose of frenulums in your mouth is to stabilize and provide support for your lips and tongue. Without your frenums, everyday tasks like chewing and speaking would be difficult.

How many frenums are in the mouth?

Most people have several oral frenums. The most prominent ones are the:

• Lingual frenulum under your tongue.
• Labial frenulum above your two upper front teeth.
• Labial frenulum below your two lower front teeth.

You also have smaller buccal frenums (“buccal” means “cheek”) going all the way back on both sides of your mouth. They support and give structure to your cheeks and lips.

What does a frenum look like?

An oral frenum is a ropelike band of tissue, usually about the same color as your gums. Frenums vary in size — some thin, some thick. They can also be short or long, depending on the person.

Frenums contain elements that make them small but mighty:

• Fibrous connective tissues, which contain high concentrations of collagen (a protein that provides strength and support).
• Elastic fibers, which increase resilience and elasticity (flexibility).
• Striated muscle fibers, which aid in forceful movement.

What are common conditions that can affect frenums?

Dentists commonly treat these conditions related to frenums:

• Frenum tear. Frenums can tear if you bump or snag them. This can happen after a sports injury or car accident. They can also tear from doing things like eating or kissing or from wearing braces.
• Lip-tie. This is when your labial frenulum is too short, limiting your lip movement.
• Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). If your lingual frenulum is too short, it can restrict your tongue’s movement. This can lead to speech issues in children and breastfeeding (chestfeeding) challenges in babies.
• Tooth gap. When a labial frenulum is too thick, it can push your teeth apart and cause a space.
• Gum recession. If you have a labial frenulum that’s too short, it can cause your gums to recede (pull away from your teeth) and expose the underlying roots.

Common symptoms of frenum conditions

The conditions listed above can cause a wide array of symptoms, including:

• Sore or swollen frenum.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Speech issues.
• Snoring.
• Mouth breathing.
• Difficulty sticking out your tongue.
• Developmental abnormalities in your mouth (like malocclusion, misshapen teeth or malformed jaws).

How do healthcare providers treat frenum conditions?

There are two hallmark treatments for most frenum conditions:

• Frenotomy involves snipping and relocating the affected frenum.
• Frenectomy involves removing the affected frenum altogether.

Both procedures share the same goal: to stop or reverse any unwanted symptoms of a frenum that’s too short, too thick or abnormally attached.

In some cases, you might need additional procedures. If a frenum causes gum recession, your surgeon may need to remove the frenum and place a gum graft to replace lost tissue.

How can I keep the frenulums in my mouth healthy?

The best way to keep your frenums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing helps reduce harmful bacteria that may cause tissue inflammation.

Remember, though — even diligent hygiene won’t fix a frenum that’s abnormally attached. If you notice frequent symptoms or issues, talk to your dentist. You may benefit from a frenectomy.

What is the difference between frenum and frenulum?

A frenum is a band of tissue that connects two bodily structures. A frenulum is simply a small frenum. Most healthcare providers use these terms interchangeably.

Both terms come from the Latin word “frēnulum,” which means “little bridle.”

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Chances are, you don’t think about your frenums very often. In fact, if you’ve never had anything wrong with them, you might not recognize the term at all.

Frenums are tiny bands of tissue with big jobs. They help babies breastfeed. They help toddlers learn how to form words. They keep your lips and tongue exactly where they should be, so you can eat, chew and speak without worry.

If you develop a sore or swollen frenum — or if your child has difficulty breastfeeding or speaking — tell your healthcare provider. If a frenum is the culprit, a simple procedure can usually help.