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 making use of their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's very important to pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, women that are pregnant should be viewed by a dentist for a complete exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference 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, make sure to ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a kid should see 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 set up 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 have as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to ensure that there are no tooth or gum issues present. Additionally, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to hold your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your youngster reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both the dentist and parents, so start early!
What sort of dental problems could my baby have?
The important thing to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the better the chance of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, are able to chew food quicker, and are more prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or using a bottle since it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the first baby tooth is available in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to drift off with a container containing anything but water. Actually, children should 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 youngster consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make certain they cannot drink higher 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 your 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. Whenever 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 higher than a “smear” amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For children over the age of 3, work with a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to recognize that children under the age of 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure you help your son or daughter brush and floss their teeth. Doing this can help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething happens as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin ahead in at about 6 months of age, even though the timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth should really 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 could become tender and your child may possess 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 goes on 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 handle the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
