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 making use of 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 ensure proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, pregnant women should be viewed with a dentist for a complete exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Guidelines 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 see 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 usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to establish a dental home for your son or daughter – a spot 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 an examination to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your child reach good oral health is a team effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What kind 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) may start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your youngster 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 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 initial baby tooth is available in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your child have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. In fact, children must certanly 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 son or daughter consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make sure they cannot drink greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the day), and 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. As soon as your child's teeth begin to come 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 the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to realize that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure to help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing this will help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs 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 the timing varies among children. Your entire 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 to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your child may involve 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 the age of 3 years can 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 improve any tooth or bite conditions that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
