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're still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for women that are pregnant to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of these unborn child. Additionally, women that are pregnant should be viewed with a dentist for a complete exam to deal with any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself have any additional questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is typically between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to begin a dental home for your youngster – a location where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to ensure you will find no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your child reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort of dental problems could my baby have?
The key to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the better the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, have the ability to chew food more easily, and are prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle because it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth is available in and other resources of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your infant to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children ought to 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 child consumes. So, if your child wants juice, make sure they don't drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief time frame (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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. When your child's teeth begin in the future in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure you help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing this may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months of age, even though timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums may become tender and your son or daughter may involve some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 goes on beyond the age of 3 years may 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 fix any tooth or bite conditions that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
