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's essential for pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, women that are pregnant should be observed by a dentist for a whole exam to deal with 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. If you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, be sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes contained 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 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. In addition, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your child 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 key to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the higher the opportunity of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, have the ability to chew food more easily, and are more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth comes in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, don't allow your baby to get to sleep with a bottle containing anything but water. In reality, children must certanly 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 son or daughter consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make certain they don't drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a quick time period (not through the entire day), and that it's given with a meal 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. Whenever your child's teeth begin to come in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under age 3 years, use no more than a “smear” level 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 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 so can help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething happens whenever 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. All of your child's 20 baby teeth should be present by 3 years of age. Your child will miss their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your youngster 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 continues beyond age 3 years can cause teeth ahead 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 could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
