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 are still developing in the womb. So, it is very important to pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Additionally, women that are pregnant should be viewed by a dentist for a whole exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself have any extra questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, make sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a kid should visit 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 you to set up a dental home for your son or daughter – a location 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 an examination to ensure that there are no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your youngster reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your child 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, are able to chew food quicker, and are more likely to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle because it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth comes in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your infant have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to get to sleep with a container 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 youngster wants juice, ensure they do not drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a brief time period (not through the entire day), and that it is given with meals 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 soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. As soon as your child's teeth begin ahead in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing so will help prevent dental cavities and allow your child 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 in the future in at about 6 months of age, although the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums can become tender and your son or daughter may have some discomfort. Parents may consider employing 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 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 improve any tooth or bite issues that might have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
