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 are still developing in the womb. So, it is very important to pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of their unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be seen with a dentist for a whole exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Guidelines 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, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should view a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to begin a dental home for your youngster – a location 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 ensure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, 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 team effort that involves 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) can begin the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the greater 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 likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or utilizing a bottle because it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth is available in and other resources of nutrition for your infant have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, don't allow your baby to get to sleep with a container containing anything but water. In reality, children must 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 child wants juice, ensure they don't drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a quick time period (not throughout the day), and that it's given with meals 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. As soon as your child's teeth begin in the future in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, use a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to understand that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing so will help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months of age, although the timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your child will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums could become tender and your youngster may possess some discomfort. Parents may consider employing a teething ring, an iced/wet wash-cloth, or rub the baby's gums with a clear 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 in the future in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to manage the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite conditions that might have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
