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're still developing in the womb. So, it is essential for pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of the unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be observed by way of a dentist for an entire exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you yourself have any extra questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained in their mouth (this is normally between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps you to establish a dental home for your youngster – a place where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you have 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 youngster reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the opportunity 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 more likely to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or employing a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your baby have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no longer occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. In reality, children ought to be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the total amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your child consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make sure they don't drink more than a cup per day, they drink it over a quick time period (not throughout the day), and that it's 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. As soon as your child's teeth begin ahead in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, use no higher than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to recognize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure you help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. Doing this will help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething happens when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months of age, although the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth ought to be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your child may involve some discomfort. Parents may consider using 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 beyond age 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 could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
