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 expectant mothers to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, women that are pregnant should be viewed by way of a dentist for an entire exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any extra questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, make sure you 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 youngster – a spot 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 an exam to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your youngster reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort of dental problems could my baby have?
The important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your child sees a pediatric dentist, the better the chance 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 more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or employing a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth will come in and other resources of nutrition for your child 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 fact, children must certanly 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 youngster wants juice, make certain they don't drink greater than a cup per day, they drink it over a quick time period (not through the entire day), and that it's given with a meal or snack (not by itself). Remember, WATER IS BEST for the child's teeth!
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
You can begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft 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 greater than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing so may help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with full confidence!
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 timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth must 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 involve some discomfort. Parents may consider using 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 continues on beyond age 3 years could 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 correct any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
