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 essential for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of the unborn child. In addition, 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 make a difference their unborn child. Listed here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself 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?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should view 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 helps you to begin a dental home for your child – a place where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your son or daughter reach good oral health is a team 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 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 son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, can chew food quicker, and are prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or employing a bottle because it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth is available in and other resources of nutrition for your baby have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to drift off with a container containing anything but water. Actually, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, ensure they do not drink higher than a cup per day, they drink it over a quick time frame (not through the entire day), and that it is given with meals 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 ahead in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no higher 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 very important to realize that children under the age of 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 child to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months old, although the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth must be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter 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 child may possess 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 beyond age 3 years can 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 problems that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
