A frenum (also called frenulum), is a band of tissue that connects the gums to the tongue, lip or cheeks. The band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is called the lingual frenum, while the band connecting the lip to the gum in front of teeth is called the labial frenum.
Occasionally, a frenum might be exceptionally short, thick or tight, or may extend too far down along the tongue or the gums. When a frenum is positioned in such a way as to interfere with the normal alignment of teeth or to construct the movement of the tongue or lips, it can be excised with a very simple surgery called a frenectomy. This procedure is usually done with a laser, often requiring minimal or no local anesthesia.
