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're still developing in the womb. So, it is important for women that are pregnant to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of the unborn child. Additionally, pregnant women should be viewed by a dentist for an entire exam to deal with any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When 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 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 present in their mouth (this is usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment really 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 may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to ensure there are 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 the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort 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 as soon as 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 likely to have dental pain, can chew food easier, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle since it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth is available in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to drift off with a package containing anything but water. In fact, children should really be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your child wants juice, make sure they don't drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a quick period of time (not throughout the day), and that it's 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 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 age 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, use a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. This may help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething takes place when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin to come 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 miss their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your youngster may have some discomfort. Parents may consider using 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 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 correct any tooth or bite problems that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
