A space maintainer is a custom appliance designed to preserve the space left by a missing baby tooth, ensuring proper alignment and preventing future dental issues. Follow these instructions to maintain its effectiveness and promote your child’s oral health.
1. Initial Tenderness
- What to Expect:
- Your child may feel tenderness in their teeth for the first few days. This is normal as they adjust to the appliance.
- Avoid Poking:
- Encourage your child not to pry or poke at the appliance with their fingers, as this can loosen or damage it.
2. Avoid Harmful Foods
- Protect the space maintainer by avoiding sticky and hard foods, such as:
- Gum, toffee, Tootsie Rolls
- Corn nuts, ice, or other hard snacks
- These items can damage or dislodge the appliance.
3. Oral Hygiene
- Brush Thoroughly:
- Ensure your child brushes their teeth and the space maintainer at least twice daily to prevent plaque buildup and maintain cleanliness.
4. Contact Us for Any Issues
- Contact us immediately at 02 681 0060 if:
- The appliance becomes loose or broken.
- Your child experiences unusual pain or discomfort.
Additional Tips
- Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the appliance and ensure it remains effective.
- Teach your child to be gentle while brushing around the space maintainer to avoid dislodging it.
This instruction applies to our Pediatric Dentistry services, specifically for space maintainers.