Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) begin forming during pregnancy. Thus, a child's oral health starts using their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's very important to pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be viewed by way of a dentist for an entire exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment really helps to set up a dental home for your child – a place where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to ensure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to hold your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your son or daughter reach good oral health is a team effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort of dental problems could my baby have?
The key to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the better the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, can chew food more easily, and are prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your infant have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to get to sleep with a bottle containing anything but water. In reality, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make certain they do not drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a short time frame (not through the day), and that it's given with a meal or snack (not by itself). Remember, WATER IS BEST for your child's teeth!
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
You can begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. Whenever your child's teeth begin to come in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, use a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to realize that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure you help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. Doing so can help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months of age, even though timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth must be present by 3 years of age. Your child will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your youngster may involve some discomfort. Parents may consider employing a teething ring, an iced/wet wash-cloth, or rub the baby's gums with a clear finger.
How should I address a thumb/finger sucking habit?
Thumb sucking is normal for infants and usually stops by 2 years of age. However, thumb sucking that goes on beyond age 3 years can cause teeth in the future in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to control the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite problems that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
