As parents, we are all probably a little overprotective of our little ones. And how could we not be? It is unbearable to have to see a child in pain, and even worse if the injury also involves blood. This is why a lot of parents end up taking their child to the ER when they sustain a frenulum injury.
What is a frenulum?
If you are not familiar with the lingo, the frenulum is the little piece of tissue that joins the upper lip to the gum. A frenulum tear is actually a very common occurrence, even in children. These injuries occur for any number of reasons, from accidents to aggressive brushing, and anything in between.
When a child has such an injury, a lot of parents’ inclination is to head to the ER. Most parents fear the tear will require some type of suture. While it is good to be cautious, heading to the ER for a frenulum injury will only result in time and money spent unnecessarily.
How do you treat a frenulum injury?
While it might seem like a serious injury, there really isn’t any treatment for a torn frenulum. The injury will simply heal itself over time. It is important to note that during the healing process, if you try to pull the lip back to inspect it, it will probably begin to bleed again. The best treatment is just to leave it alone.
Disclaimer: You should always use your best judgment when assessing an injury. If your child does sustain an injury to his or her mouth, inspect the entire area before taking action. If your child has a deep cut, puncture, or continuous bleeding, then a doctor or ER visit might be required.
As always, if you have any other questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, we welcome you to give us a call!
Creve Coeur Office – 314-567-1122 St. Charles Office – 636-946-5225
