If your child’s tooth has fallen out prematurely due to disease or an accident, it is critical to preserve the space to avoid future space loss and dental difficulties when permanent teeth begin to emerge. Without the usage of a space maintainer, the teeth surrounding the open area can shift, inhibiting the eruption of the permanent tooth. When this occurs, the requirement for orthodontic treatment may increase.
What are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are orthodontic appliances used in pediatric dentistry. The primary function of these devices is to manage premature newborn tooth loss. Maintainers also aid in the prevention of malocclusions (tooth misalignment), overcrowding, and other orthodontic issues. If a child’s teeth fall out too soon, space maintainers prevent permanent teeth from erupting into the vacant gap. Tooth loss can occur as a result of trauma, disease, crowding, or decay.
Why Is It Necessary to Have Space Maintainers?
For a variety of causes, children lose their baby teeth earlier than expected. Some people get traumatized as a result of incidents such as tripping or being hit in the mouth by a ball. Others suffer from baby bottle tooth decay, often known as early childhood caries. This can occur when babies fall asleep at the breast or bottle, or when they stroll around with a bottle for extended periods. Milk’s sugar content causes enamel degradation, which can lead to tooth loss. Some main teeth may be missing as a result of a hereditary disease. It is uncommon for children to suffer from severe oral infections that result in tooth loss, but it is not impossible.
When Should You Consider Space Maintainers?
Whatever the reason for a child’s missing primary teeth, it’s critical to consider space maintainers to ensure permanent teeth form in the proper locations. If a primary tooth is missing for an extended length of time, the kid runs the danger of other teeth becoming loose because they are not properly supported. When this happens, the loose teeth may slide into places meant for other teeth. When permanent teeth erupt, this guides them into inappropriate placements. Assume your child loses primary teeth to make place for permanent teeth, which will erupt soon. In that instance, installing maintainers may not be essential. However, if permanent teeth are not expected for some time, your child’s dentist may offer space maintainers as an appropriate option.
Caring for Your Child’s Space Maintainer
- Sticky foods, such as candy and chewing gum, should be avoided by your child.
- Encourage your youngster not to use his or her fingers or tongue to push or tug on the space maintainer.
- Keep your child’s space maintainer clean by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Your adolescent should continue to visit the pediatrics dentist regularly.
We hope this blog has helped you realize the significance of space maintainers for children. If you are looking for the best pediatric orthodontic services in Spanaway, WA, come to Spanaway’s Children’s Dentistry.
