Toddler Teeth
By age three, most children will have all twenty of their primary teeth. By age five, permanent teeth will begin replacing primary teeth. However, if a primary tooth is lost early, whether to tooth decay or injury, the surrounding teeth may shift position or lean into the vacant space. If this occurs, a permanent tooth may not have enough room in which to grow properly, and can emerge crooked or partially rotated. Luckily, the space left by a lost tooth can be kept open by a space maintainer fitted and placed by us, a pediatric dentist or an orthodontist. This will allow the permanent tooth to position itself properly, and we’ll remove it when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. A space maintainer can be attached to one tooth or to teeth on opposite sides of the vacant space, and can be a removable appliance as well.
While they can detract from a nice smile, crooked teeth are also difficult to clean and more susceptible to decay. Chewing is more difficult, and crooked teeth tend to wear down quicker than straight ones. Ensuring that your child’s primary teeth remain healthy is the straightest route to healthy permanent teeth. If you have questions about your baby's teeth or if your child has lost a primary tooth, please contact us. With proper care, your child’s precious teeth can last a lifetime.