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're still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. In addition, women that are pregnant should be viewed with a dentist for a complete exam to deal with 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 see a dentist?
In line with 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 son or daughter – a spot 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 there are no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your youngster reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both 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 called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the better the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, are able to chew food easier, and are more likely to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or employing a bottle as it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your infant have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to drift off with a jar containing anything but water. In reality, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make certain they don't drink greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a short time period (not through the entire day), and that it is given with a meal 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 start cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. When 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 higher than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to realize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing this may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place 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 your child's 20 baby teeth ought to 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 could become tender and your youngster may involve 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 goes on beyond age 3 years may cause teeth ahead 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 could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
