Good dental health is vital for everyone, and it all begins with proper teeth and gum care practices as a child. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for kids, and dental appliances here at Rigby Pediatric Dental in Rigby and Rexburg, Idaho, can help maintain the health of their teeth and gums. Dental appliances for kids go beyond the traditional orthodontics devices and can help a range of concerns, from grinding teeth to snoring.
In this blog post, we will provide a guide to the dental appliances we offer for kids and why they are necessary for your child’s oral health.
Types of Dental Appliances for Kids
There are several types of dental appliances for kids, and Rigby Pediatric Dental provides mouthguards and space maintainers for children.
- Mouthguards: Mouthguards are an essential protective tool for children involved in sports with a risk of oral injury. They act as a buffer, absorbing the shock from blows and falls and preventing broken teeth or damage to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw. Aside from sports, children who grind their teeth during sleep—a condition known as bruxism—also benefit from wearing mouthguards. They protect the teeth from wear and tear, help reduce jaw muscle pain, and improve sleep quality. Therefore, whether for sports or sleep grinding, mouthguards play a critical role in safeguarding children’s oral health.
- Space Maintainers: Space maintainers for children are dental devices that hold the space for permanent teeth when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. They play a vital role in promoting proper dental development by preventing adjacent teeth from drifting into the space, which can cause alignment issues in the future. Parents must understand the importance of these devices in ensuring their child’s long-term dental health.
Importance of Dental Appliances for Kids
Dental appliances for kids are essential for preventing issues arising from certain habits or situations. For example, wearing mouthguards when playing sports can ensure that the teeth are not damaged and help prevent tooth damage from grinding in your teeth in your sleep. Space maintainers are essential as they help keep teeth in their proper position.
When to Consider if Your Child Needs Dental Appliances
Dental appliances for kids may be necessary for various reasons, including:
- Bruxism: Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a common issue among kids and may require mouthguards to prevent tooth damage.
- Malocclusion: Malocclusion or misalignment of teeth may require space maintainers
If you notice your child’s teeth looking misaligned, have noticed them grinding their teeth at night, or have mentioned teeth pain, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kory Bingham to see how he can help your child and their smile.
Preparation for Receiving Dental Appliances
Preparing your child to receive a dental appliance requires a consultation with Dr. Kory Bingham. Before commencing dental appliance treatment, your child’s gums and teeth must be in good condition, which Dr. Bingham thoroughly examined during the consultation. Also, addressing oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, or infections is essential before the appliance is fitted. If there are any problems with your child’s gums or teeth, we have restorative solutions to help fix your child’s smile, including fillings and root canal therapy.
Caring for Dental Appliances
Once the dental appliance is fitted, it’s essential to care for it properly. Proper care includes cleaning the appliance thoroughly and regularly. For instance, mouthguards should be rinsed with water before and after use and soaked in an antiseptic solution periodically. Space maintainers should be treated like natural teeth and cleaned as such.
Dental Appliances for Kids in Rigby, ID
Protecting a child’s oral health is achievable by taking steps to keep their teeth and gums healthy, including dental appliances. With the help of Dr. Kory Bingham, your child can get the help they need and prevent oral health concerns from occurring. With dental appliances for children at our office in Rigby, your child can live with a brighter and healthier smile. Schedule a consultation today!