Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also called 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's very important to pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be seen by way of a dentist for an entire exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference 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 you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment really helps to begin a dental home for your child – a place where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to ensure that 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 team effort that involves both 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your youngster 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, can chew food easier, and are more prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or using a bottle as it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth will come in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children should really be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your child wants juice, make sure they cannot drink higher than a cup per day, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the entire day), and that it's 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 smooth 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 more than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to understand that children under age 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. This may help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs when 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 of your child's 20 baby teeth must certanly 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 in to 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 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 on 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 handle the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite issues that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
