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 very important to pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of their unborn child. In addition, women that are pregnant should be seen by a dentist for a complete 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. When you have any additional questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a kid should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to set up a dental home for your youngster – a spot where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to ensure there are 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 youngster reach good oral health is a group effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What type of dental problems could my baby have?
The main element to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the better the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, are able to chew food quicker, and are more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle because it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your child have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your child wants juice, make sure they don't drink more than a cup daily, they drink it over a quick period of time (not through the day), and it is given with meals 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 start cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. As soon as your child's teeth begin to come in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to recognize that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure you help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing this will help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months of age, even though timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums could become tender and your child may possess some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 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 control the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite conditions that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
