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 using their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it is important for expectant mothers to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. In addition, expectant mothers should be seen with 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, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to establish a dental home for your child – a spot where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to ensure you can find no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, 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 dentist and parents, so start early!
What kind 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) can start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the better the chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, can chew food more easily, and are prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or employing a bottle as it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth comes in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to drift off with a bottle containing anything but water. In reality, children should be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, ensure they do not drink greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a short time period (not through the day), and that 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. Whenever your child's teeth begin ahead in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, use no higher than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to understand that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so make sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing this may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething happens whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months old, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums may become tender and your son or daughter 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 age 3 years could cause teeth in the future in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to manage the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
