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're still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for expectant mothers to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of their unborn child. In addition, pregnant women should be observed with a dentist for a complete exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself have any extra 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 kid should view a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained in their mouth (this is usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to establish a dental home for your child – a place where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to ensure you will 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 both the dentist and parents, so start early!
What kind of dental problems could my baby have?
The important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the higher the chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, have the ability to chew food easier, and are prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth is available in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your infant have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your baby to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. In fact, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, ensure they do not drink greater than a cup each day, they drink it over a short time period (not throughout the day), and that it's given with meals 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 soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. Whenever your child's teeth begin in the future 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” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to recognize that children under age 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 may help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile with full confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin in the future in at about 6 months of age, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will lose 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 possess some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 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 conditions that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
