Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also referred to as primary teeth) begin forming during pregnancy. Thus, a child's oral health starts with their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it's important for expectant mothers to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of the unborn child. In addition, expectant mothers should be viewed with a dentist for a whole exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Guidelines some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any additional questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained in their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to begin a dental home for your child – a place where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that you will find no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, 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 group effort that involves both 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, have the ability to chew food easier, and are more prone to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or utilizing a bottle since it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to fall asleep with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, ensure they cannot drink higher than a cup per day, they drink it over a short time frame (not through the day), and it is given with dinner 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 start cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. Whenever your child's teeth begin in the future in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to realize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing so will help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months of age, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums can become tender and your youngster may have some discomfort. Parents may consider employing a teething ring, an iced/wet wash-cloth, or rub the baby's gums with a clean 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 the age of 3 years can cause teeth to come in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to handle the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite problems that might have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
