Keeping Kids Teeth Healthy with Space Maintainers

It’s tough enough trying to keep your child’s teeth healthy with brushing and flossing, but what do you do when their teeth start falling out? Losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up, but it can also lead to dental problems if not managed properly. This is where space maintainers come in. As their name suggests, these small devices help “maintain” the space left by lost baby teeth, preventing other teeth from shifting and causing dental issues. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about space maintainers and how they can keep your child’s teeth healthy.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are devices that help keep the gap caused by lost baby teeth open, ensuring proper alignment of the permanent teeth as they grow in. They come in different materials and designs, but all have the same purpose – to hold the space open until the adult teeth emerge. Space maintainers can be fixed, meaning they are cemented onto the teeth and cannot be removed, or they can be removable, allowing your child to take them out when they eat or brush their teeth.

Why Do You Need Space Maintainers?

When a baby tooth falls out prematurely, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and move into the empty space, making it difficult for the adult tooth to emerge correctly. This can lead to overcrowding, crooked teeth, and even speech problems. By inserting a space maintainer, you ensure that the other teeth remain in their correct positions and encourage proper alignment of the adult teeth. Space maintainers are particularly important for children who have lost their back teeth, as these teeth play a crucial role in chewing and maintaining the shape of the jaw.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are different types of space maintainers available depending on where in the mouth the tooth was lost. For example, a band and loop space maintainer is used for a missing molar, while a lingual arch space maintainer is used for multiple missing teeth. Removable space maintainers are often used for children who may feel uncomfortable or anxious with a fixed space maintainer. The type of space maintainer your child needs will depend on their specific situation, so it’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best option.

Taking Care of Space Maintainers

Regardless of the type of space maintainer your child has, regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensuring the device’s proper function and ensuring good oral health. Your child should continue to brush and floss their teeth regularly, paying special attention to the space maintainer and the areas around it. If your child has a removable space maintainer, they should remove it when eating and clean it with a toothbrush and warm water before placing it back in their mouth. If a fixed space maintainer becomes dislodged or damaged, contact your dentist immediately.

When Do You Need to Remove a Space Maintainer?

Space maintainers are usually removed once the adult teeth have fully emerged, or if they become uncomfortable or damaged. Your dentist will examine your child’s teeth and determine if it is time to remove the space maintainer. Once the device is no longer needed, your child’s teeth will be checked to ensure healthy growth and alignment.

Space maintainers are a crucial part of dental care for children who are experiencing tooth loss. They help to maintain the space left by lost baby teeth, encouraging proper alignment of the adult teeth and preventing overcrowding. With different types of space maintainers available, it’s easy to find one that is comfortable and effective for your child. By taking care of space maintainers and continuing regular check-ups with your dentist, you can ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy and properly aligned.