Why do children lose their baby teeth?

 

A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place.  Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon.  A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease.  When a tooth is lost too early,

 

Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

 

What are space maintainers?

 

Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth.  They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw.  It’s more affordable – and easier on your child – to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent teeth?

 

If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space.  Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap.  When adjacent teeth shift into an empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth.  So, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked.  If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.