Signs Your Child Might Need a Space Maintainer
Here are four signs your child might need a space maintainer.
Premature Teeth Loss
If your baby's tooth falls out earlier than the anticipated age of 6-7 years old, this can cause the permanent teeth to come in misaligned or without enough room for proper development. In such an event, a space maintainer may be needed; otherwise, your little one's smile won't look so perfect!
Premature baby teeth loss can be caused by conditions like Early Childhood Caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay), gum disease, problems with nutrition, and excessive thumb sucking.
Delayed Permanent Teeth Growth
If you notice that your child’s permanent teeth are coming in late, this could be an indication they need a space maintainer. Delayed tooth growth can lead to overcrowding which can lead to more serious issues like improper jaw development or impacted teeth if not treated properly.
Crowded Teeth
Another sign that your child may need a space maintainer is if they have crowded teeth with no room for the new tooth to grow in properly. Crowding can occur when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for all of the permanent teeth so they start pushing each other out of their normal spots and overlap one another, causing overcrowding and misalignment of the front teeth.
Abnormal Bite Pattern
If you notice that your child has an abnormal bite pattern, this could mean that their jaws aren’t developing properly due to early tooth loss or overcrowding issues. An abnormal bite pattern can cause pain and discomfort when chewing or talking as well as difficulty biting down on food, which can result in cavities or gum disease if left untreated for too long.
Pay attention to these four signs and take action immediately if you notice them. Early detection and treatment are key when it comes to maintaining healthy smiles for life!
If you are in Burton, Ohio and think that your child might benefit from a space maintainer, then contact Sunflower Pediatric Dentistry. Our experienced Burton pediatric dentists can assess the condition of your child’s teeth and determine if they need a space-maintaining device. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
