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 with their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for expectant mothers to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of their unborn child. In addition, expectant mothers should be observed by way of a dentist for a whole exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Guidelines some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to establish a dental home for your child – a spot where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you have as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that you will 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 youngster reach good oral health is a team effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What type of dental problems could my baby have?
The main element to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your child sees a pediatric dentist, the higher the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, are able to chew food quicker, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle as it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth will come in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your infant have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. In fact, children should really be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your child wants juice, ensure they cannot drink greater than a cup per day, they drink it over a brief time frame (not throughout the day), and that it is given with dinner 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 smooth 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 greater than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to realize that children under the age of 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so be sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. This can help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile with full confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months old, even though timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth must be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums can become tender and your child may have 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 beyond age 3 years may cause teeth ahead 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 problems that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
