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 using their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it is very important to women that are pregnant to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of their unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be viewed by way of a dentist for a whole exam to address 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. If you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young 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 you to set up 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 could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that 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 child reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both 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 called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner 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 easier, and are prone to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth will come in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your infant have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. Actually, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, ensure they do not drink more than a cup each 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 are born. As soon as your child's teeth begin in the future 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 age 3, make use of a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to realize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. This may help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething happens whenever 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, although the timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums can 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 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 on beyond age 3 years could cause teeth to come in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to control the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
