Primary Teeth
Primary Teeth
Primary teeth eventually are lost. However, early loss of these teeth can cause serious dental problems later in life:
- The teeth on either side of a lost tooth drift into the empty space. When it is time for the permanent tooth to come in, there is not enough space and it erupts out of its proper position. This is one cause of malocclusion or “crooked” teeth. Once mallocclusion has developed, correction may require a complicated and expensive orthodontic treatment.
- When teeth drift and become crooked, it is difficult to clean all tooth surfaces (inside, outside, and chewing). This can result in dental caries (tooth decay) and may contribute to periodontal (gum) disease. If a space maintainer is used, pay special attention to thoroughly cleaning teeth around the appliance.
- Tooth loss can affect a child’s appearance as well as speech. Many letters of the alphabet need assistance of teeth to form proper sounds. Teeth also help to shape the face.
You should give immediate attention to the loss of any tooth. The greatest amount of movement of teeth into the empty space occurs during the first six months after tooth loss. A space maintainer is particularly important if your child has lost the second primary molar. It is the key to the normal development of the permanent teeth. Approximately 60% of malocclusion due to lost space is caused by the loss of this tooth.