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 are 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 sure proper development of these unborn child. Furthermore, pregnant women should be viewed with a dentist for an entire exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Below 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, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained in 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 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 hold 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 key to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start when 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, are able to chew food more easily, and are more prone to show off 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 sources of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to drift off with a jar containing anything but water. Actually, children should be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make certain they do not drink higher than a cup each day, they drink it over a brief time frame (not throughout the day), and that 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. Whenever 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” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to realize that children under the age of 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth well, so be sure to help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. This will help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething happens as soon as 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. All of your child's 20 baby teeth must certanly be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your youngster may involve 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 continues on beyond the age of 3 years could cause teeth ahead in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to handle the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite issues that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
