Anatomy
Frenum (frenulum)
A frenum, or frenulum, is a thin band of tissue that connects two body parts. In the mouth, one joins lip to gum and another joins tongue to floor.
A frenum is a small fold of tissue that gives support and limits movement. The mouth has several. The lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The labial frenula connect the upper and lower lips to the gums. Smaller ones sit in the cheeks.
In most people these bands cause no trouble. Some people have a frenum that is short, thick or attached too close to the tip. A short band under the tongue is called tongue-tie. A thick band between the upper front teeth can leave a space, which is a diastema.
When a frenum causes feeding, speech or gum problems, a dentist or doctor may suggest a frenectomy.