What do I do if my child cuts or tears the piece of skin that connects the upper lip to the gums?

This small, seemingly insignificant piece of connective skin, called the maxillary frenum, is vulnerable to injury. When damaged, it tends to bleed quite a bit. Preschoolers commonly tear their maxillary frenum. Usually, the injury is minor and bleeding will end in approximately 20 minutes. However, in rare cases, stitches are required.