Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000
If you’re a parent with young children, we’re sure you've come up with several questions regarding their oral health.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call
either one of our offices or send us a Facebook message.
Why do children lose their baby teeth?
A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth
underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose
a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because
of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may
recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.
Why all the fuss? Baby teeth fall out eventually on their
own.
Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future
dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.
They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember:
some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.
How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent
teeth?
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may
tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down
to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a
lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. So, permanent teeth are
crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require
extensive orthodontic treatment.
What are space maintainers?
Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic
that are custom fit to your child’s mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance.
Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.
How does a space maintainer help?
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost
tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent
tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It’s more affordable – and easier
on your child – to keep the teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer
than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.
What special care do space maintainers need?
Pediatric Dentists have four rules for space maintainer
care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, don’t tug or push on
the space maintainer with your tongue or fingers. Third, keep it clean with the
conscientious brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits.
