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 with their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it is very important to pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, women that are pregnant should be observed by way of a dentist for a whole exam to address 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 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?
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should view 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 to establish a dental home for your son or daughter – a location 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 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 child reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both the dentist and parents, so start early!
What type of dental problems could my baby have?
The important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start the moment 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, 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 since it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth will come in and other resources of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to get to sleep with a bottle containing anything but water. Actually, children should really be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your child wants juice, ensure they don't drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a short time frame (not throughout 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 soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. When 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 greater than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, work with a “pea-size” level of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to recognize that children under age 6 years are not able to brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so be sure to help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. Doing so will help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with confidence!
Any advice on 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 the timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your child may involve some discomfort. Parents may consider employing 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 on beyond the age of 3 years may 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 issues that might have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
