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.