Skin Between Baby's Front Teeth: When to Seek Evaluation

Tissue appearing between an infant's upper front teeth is not typical. Possible causes include:

• Prominent maxillary labial frenulum: Normal variant; may cause diastema (gap) but rarely requires intervention before permanent teeth erupt.
• Epulis (congenital gingival granular cell tumor): Benign, usually regresses.
• Eruption cyst/hematoma: Over erupting tooth.
• Rare lesions: Fibroma, hemangioma, teratoma.

Action: Schedule a pediatric dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth. The dentist will differentiate normal anatomy from pathology and advise on monitoring or treatment. Do not attempt self-removal.