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're still developing in the womb. So, it's very important to pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of these unborn child. Additionally, expectant mothers should be viewed by way of a dentist for a complete exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Below are 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, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should view a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained in their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to establish a dental home for your son or daughter – a location where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to ensure you will find no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to hold your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your son or daughter reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both the 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 youngster 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, can chew food quicker, and are more prone 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 very first baby tooth comes in and other sources of nutrition for your child have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to fall asleep with a container containing anything but water. In fact, children should be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, ensure they don't drink more than a cup per day, they drink it over a short time period (not through the entire day), and that it is given with dinner 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. Whenever your child's teeth begin in the future in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. This will help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with full confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething takes place when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin in the future in at about 6 months of age, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums can become tender and your son or daughter may possess 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 continues beyond age 3 years may cause teeth to come in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to handle the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite problems that might have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
