Midline diastema and frenum morphology in the primary dentition.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of different types and insertions of labial frenums as well as midline diastema in Peruvian children between 0 and 6 years of age.


METHODS
A sample of 1,355 children was selected for the study. A clinical examination was done to classify the labial frenum, measure gingival insertion levels, and quantify midline diastema. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman test were used.


RESULTS
The most prevalent frenums were the simple frenum (59%) and the persistent tectolabial frenum (25%). The level of gingival insertion moved apically with age. The midline diastema was wider in younger children and decreased with age. A significant inverse relationship (r=-0.27; P=.001) was found between the level of gingival insertion and the midline diastema.


CONCLUSIONS
The most prevalent frenum was the simple frenum. A significant inverse correlation between the gingival insertion level and the midline diastema was found.
Díaz-Pizán
Maria E
ME
Department of Children and Adolescent, Dentistry Faculty, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru. mariaediazp@terra.com.pe
Lagravère
Manuel O
MO
Villena
Rita
R
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003970:Diastema / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology*; D007223:Infant; D007742:Labial Frenum / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D010568:Peru; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology*