Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also referred to 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's very important to expectant mothers to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, pregnant women should be viewed by way of a dentist for an entire exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you have any extra 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 young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes present in their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to set up a dental home for your child – a location where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test 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 hold your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your youngster reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both dentist and parents, so start early!
What type 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) may start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the higher 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 more easily, and are more likely to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle since it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth comes in and other resources of nutrition for your child have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to drift off with a package containing anything but water. In reality, children should be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the quantity of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make certain they cannot drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief time frame (not through the day), and that it's 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 are born. As soon as your child's teeth begin to come in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no higher than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, use a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so make sure to help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. Doing this may help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with full confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months old, even though timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth must certanly be present by 3 years of age. Your child will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your son or daughter may possess 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 can cause teeth in the future in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to handle the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite problems that might have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
