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 with their mother when they're still developing in the womb. So, it's important for pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be observed with a dentist for a complete exam to deal with any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect 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 additional questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a kid should view 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 really helps to establish 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 can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, 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 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 youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the better the chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, are able to chew food easier, and are prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or using a bottle because it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth will come in and other resources of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, don't allow your infant to drift off with a package containing anything but water. Actually, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, 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 greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a quick period of time (not throughout the day), and that it is given with meals or snack (not by itself). Remember, WATER IS BEST for your 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 age 3 years, use no more than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very 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 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, even though timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums can become tender and your child 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 goes 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 manage the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite issues that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
