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 are still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for women that are pregnant to eat a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. Additionally, women that are pregnant should be seen by a dentist for a whole exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you have any extra questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
According to 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 set up a dental home for your child – a location where your child's dental needs/issues can be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an examination to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, 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 group effort that involves the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort 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) can begin 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 likely to have dental pain, have the ability to chew food easier, and are more likely to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I learn about nursing or employing a bottle since it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth comes in and other resources of nutrition for your infant have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your infant to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. In fact, 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 youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make sure they do not drink higher than a cup per day, they drink it over a short time period (not throughout the day), and that it's given with a meal 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. As soon as your child's teeth begin to come in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over age 3, work with a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to understand that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth perfectly, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing so can help prevent dental cavities and allow your youngster to smile with confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs 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. All of your child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums can become tender and your child may have some discomfort. Parents may consider employing 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 may cause teeth ahead in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to manage the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite conditions that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
