Dental Space Maintenance
A space maintainer is used to keep open the space needed for a permanent tooth to come through the skin during eruption. A space maintainer will be left in the mouth until the new tooth can be seen breaking through the gum area.
If a child has a space maintainer, it’s important he or she avoids eating sticky foods like taffy and gummi bears. In addition, the child will need to avoid hard items like nuts and ice. Sticky and hard foods can easily get wrapped around the wire or can even bend the wire and cause it to break. Children should also avoid poking at the wire with fingers or tongue.
It’s important for the space maintainer to be checked every once in a while to insure it’s still properly placed. If it breaks or comes off, it’s important to call the dental office immediately for a checkup and bring it in for a repair.
About the Author
Offering pediatric dental services and orthodontics to families throughout the Portland metro area. Dr. Mark Mutschler and his staff will provide information on the practice, orthodontics and pediatric dental care needs.
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