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 consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be seen with a dentist for an entire exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you have any additional questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is typically 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 place where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to ensure you can find no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to 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 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can start as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your child sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, can chew food quicker, and are more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or employing a bottle because it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth comes in and other sources of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. In reality, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, ensure they don't drink greater than a cup per day, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the day), and it is given with a meal 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're born. Whenever your child's teeth begin ahead in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, use a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to understand that children under the age of 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 can help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs 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 old, even though the timing varies among children. All your child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your child will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums can become tender and your child may have some discomfort. Parents may consider using 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 could cause teeth in the future in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to control the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite problems that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
