Midline diastema and frenum morphology in the primary dentition.

Purpose: 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.

Conclusion: The most prevalent frenum was the simple frenum. A significant inverse correlation between the gingival insertion level and the midline diastema was found.