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 making use of their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of these unborn child. Furthermore, women that are pregnant should be observed with a dentist for a whole 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 additional questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is usually 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 place where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to make sure that you will find no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your child reach good oral health is a group effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What kind of dental problems could my baby have?
The main element to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the opportunity 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 prone 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 baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. In reality, children should really 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, make certain they cannot drink more than a cup per day, they drink it over a quick period of time (not through the entire 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 start cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. Whenever 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 higher than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very 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 youngster brush and floss their teeth. This may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin in the future in at about 6 months of age, even though timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth involving 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 utilizing 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 may cause teeth to come in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to manage the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite conditions that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
