Association Between Maxillary Frenum Attachment and Anterior Tooth Caries in Children: A South Texas Oral Health Network Pilot Study.

Purpose: This study investigated whether the position of the maxillary frenum is associated with the presence and severity of anterior tooth caries in children aged 6 to 36 months. Methods: Five dentists from the South Texas Oral Health Network (STOHN) assessed 319 children using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and classed frenum attachment. Results: Of 319 patient children, 170 (53.9%) exhibited no anterior caries, while 149 (46.1%) demonstrated varying levels of decay with higher caries grades observed in older children (P<0.001). Most participants (79%) were enrolled in Medicaid. Frenum attachment was classified as Class III or IV in 57% of cases. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between caries grade and frenum attachment (P=0.32), nor between caries and insurance status (P=0.31). Conclusion: In the population studied, maxillary frenum attachment classification does not significantly correlate with the severity of anterior caries in children aged 6 to 36 months.