Space maintainers are usually only needed when a child loses a tooth before its permanent replacement has developed or is ready to erupt. This can occur due to tooth decay or injury, and sometimes it just happens naturally, too.

By the time children are about two-and-a-half years old, they usually have all 20 of their baby teeth. The eruptions of these teeth, molars especially, can be painful and uncomfortable for toddlers.

When considering your child’s oral health, you want to give them the best chance at growing up to enjoy a comfortable, functional, and healthy smile. The ideal time for a child to have braces is between ages 10 and 14, when the child is still growing, but old enough to care for their braces and teeth responsibly.

Whether your child loves skateboarding, competing in wrestling, or hitting the soccer field, safeguarding their health with a mouth guard is a simple precaution to take to ensure they keep smiling and enjoying their favorite activities.

Teeth are used for chewing, but parents and kids should also know that the types of foods they eat can affect both their chompers and the health of their gum tissue. To safeguard children from tooth decay, it’s essential that parents be mindful of the food choices they make for their children during meals and at snack time.