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 making use of their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's important for women that are pregnant to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be viewed with a dentist for an entire 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. 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 visit a dentist?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should view a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment 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 have as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to make sure that there are 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 son or daughter reach good oral health is a team effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What type of dental problems could my baby have?
The key to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called 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 chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, can chew food easier, and are prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle since 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, don't allow your infant to get to sleep with a bottle containing anything but water. In reality, children must certanly be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your child wants juice, ensure they do not drink more than a cup each day, they drink it over a brief time frame (not throughout the 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 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 kids under age 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing this will help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs as soon as 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, 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 miss their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your son or daughter may have some discomfort. Parents may consider using 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 goes 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 control the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite conditions that might have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
