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 with their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's important for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of these unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be seen with a dentist for an entire exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Guidelines some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any additional questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should view a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to establish 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've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that you can find 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 child reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both dentist and parents, so start early!
What type 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) can begin the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your child sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, are able to chew food more easily, and are more likely to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth is available in and other resources of nutrition for your infant have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your infant to drift off with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children must 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 son or daughter consumes. So, if your child wants juice, make sure they don't drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the day), and 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're 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” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, use a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to realize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. This will help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months old, although the timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth must certanly 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 in to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your child may possess some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 manage the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
