Short upper labial frenulum is associated with which consequence?

• A. Formation of diastema
• B. Slowing in the development of mandible
• C. Appearance of oral breathing
• D. Appearance of infantile swallowing

Answer: (A)

A short upper labial frenulum can pull on the tissue between the two upper front teeth as they erupt and develop, creating and maintaining a gap between them. The tight, high-attached frenum exerts traction on the peri‑gingival tissue of the central incisors, which can prevent their contact and closure, leading to a midline diastema. In practice, this is why a prominent or restrictive frenum is considered when a child has a persistent gap between the upper central incisors and may be addressed to facilitate later orthodontic closure. The other options don’t stem from the frenum’s effect: it doesn’t slow mandible development, cause oral breathing, or drive infantile swallowing.