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 with their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it is essential for pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of these unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be seen with a dentist for a complete exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Listed here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to establish a dental home for your son or daughter – a location 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 an exam to ensure that there are no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, 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 sort of dental problems could my baby have?
The important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your child sees a pediatric dentist, the higher the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, are able to chew food more easily, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle because it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth will come in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your child have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package 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 quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make certain they cannot drink greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the entire day), and that it's given with dinner 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 smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. When your child's teeth begin to come in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, use no higher than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, work with a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to realize that children under the age of 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. This will help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months of age, even though timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth must be present by 3 years of age. Your child will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums can become tender and your son or daughter 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 goes on beyond age 3 years may cause teeth ahead 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 problems that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
