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 using their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's very important to women that are pregnant to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of the unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be viewed with a dentist for a whole exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Listed here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any additional questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see 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 set up a dental home for your son or daughter – a place where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to ensure you can find 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 youngster 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) may start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the higher the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, can chew food more easily, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or employing a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth comes in and other resources of nutrition for your infant have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. In reality, children must certanly be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your child wants juice, ensure they don't drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a short time period (not throughout the day), and it is given with a meal 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they're 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” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to understand that children under the age of 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. This may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with full confidence!
Any suggestions about 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 old, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter 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 child 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 in the future 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 issues that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
