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're still developing in the womb. So, it is essential for women that are pregnant to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of these unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be viewed by a dentist for a complete exam to deal with 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. When you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure to 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 contained in their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to set up a dental home for your child – a place 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 examination to ensure that you can find 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 son or daughter 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 important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin the moment 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 likely to have dental pain, are able to chew food easier, and are more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or employing a bottle as it pertains 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 more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your baby to fall asleep with a container containing anything but water. In reality, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, ensure they don't drink more than a cup each day, they drink it over a short time period (not throughout the day), and that 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 begin 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 start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to realize that children under the age of 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing so can help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months old, although the timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums can become tender and your child may have 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 continues beyond age 3 years could 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 might have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
