In order for a space maintainer to prevent your child's baby teeth from moving into the open gaps that were left by their missing teeth, it needs to be worn at all times. In order to do this, your dentist may install a fixed space maintainer. Since a fixed space maintainer cannot be removed, it will be harder to thoroughly clean under and around it. If your child's space maintainer is not kept clean, this can lead to bacteria growth around the gum line. An infection can be painful and may lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your child's fixed space maintainer remains clean.

Use An Antibacterial Rinse After Each Meal

An antibacterial rinse is designed to kill off bacteria and reach areas of your mouth that your toothbrush has difficulty reaching. There are a plethora of commercial antibacterial rinses available in the store; however, you can create your own natural antibacterial rinse from home. A natural rinse is beneficial because it is gentler on your child's teeth and gums, but it is still effective. You can create a simple rinse using peppermint leaves and lemon. Peppermint and lemon both contain antibacterial properties that allow them to fight off plaque and tartar. Place a handful of fresh peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water and allow the herb to steep for a few minutes, then add a few drops of lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours. Instruct your child to concentrate the mixture on their gumline for a few minutes before rinsing.

Use A Water Flosser to Clean Around the Space Maintainer

A water flosser uses water pressure in order to flush out hidden food and bacteria. Traditional floss works best with natural teeth, but may be difficult to clean around a space maintainer. A water flosser can access areas underneath and around the maintainer without compromising any of the surrounding teeth. The water flosser should be directed at the base of the fixed space maintainer as well as the corners. Use the water flosser after you have brushed your child's teeth in order to catch contaminants that a toothbrush may have missed.

Wearing a fixed space maintainer is beneficial to maintaining the health of your child's teeth. Therefore, use these tips to make sure that the device remains clean. For more tips, contact a company like Barnstable Dental Associates.