The Influence of the Maxillary Frenum on the Development and Pattern of Dental Caries on Anterior Teeth in Breastfeeding Infants: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

In breastfeeding infants, an abnormal attachment of maxillary frenum has the potential to become a significant factor in contributing to facial caries formation on the maxillary anterior teeth. This is in part due to the inability of infants to remove residual milk from the area between the lip and facial surfaces of the maxillary central and lateral incisors at the completion of nursing. Early diagnosis and treatment of an abnormal frenum attachment with the simple and quick revision technique using the Erbium: YAG or Diode laser can prevent these from occurring and does not present any significant risks to the infant. J Hum Lact. 26(3):304-308.