شبكة المعلومات العربية التربوية

The premature loss of primary teeth is one of the most common dental problems affecting the growth and development of children’s teeth. It is often caused by dental caries. Premature loss of the primary teeth results in a loss in the length of dental arch and leads to malocclusion. Space Maintainers play an important role in managing the spaces created by the early loss of primary teeth. The use of space maintainers depends on parent’s awareness and knowledge towards space maintainers. The study was goaled to define prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth among schoolchildren (6-10 years old) in the Libyan city of Bani Waleed, as well as, evaluating the awareness level of their parents toward space maintainers. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. The data were analyzed and summarized statistically using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square test was carried out to detect correlation between variables. The results revealed that (55.1%) of the children suffered of premature loss of their teeth with no significant variation among the genders (P>0.05). The highest prevalence (16.4%) was recorded at the age of 7 years old. (70.5%) caused by dental caries. (82.40%) of parent respondents that they don’t know what is (SM) appliances and when used. This study demonstrated that, prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth among school-children was high, and the Knowledge of space maintainers among Bani Waleed parents is very less. So, dentists need to create awareness about space maintenance of primary teeth and preventive orthodontic. (Published abstract)