Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also known 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 important for women that are pregnant to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make certain proper development of the unborn child. In addition, women that are pregnant should be viewed by way of a dentist for a complete exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can impact their unborn child. Guidelines some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. If you 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?
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 you to establish a dental home for your son or daughter – a spot where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to ensure you can 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 son or daughter reach good oral health is a group 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 referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) may start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster 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, are able to chew food quicker, and are more prone to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or employing a bottle because it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth is available in and other resources of nutrition for your infant have been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your baby to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. Actually, children should 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 child consumes. So, if your son or daughter wants juice, make sure they don't drink more than a cup each day, they drink it over a short time period (not through the day), and that it is 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they are 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 higher than a “smear” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, work with a “pea-size” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to realize that children under the age of 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so make sure to help your youngster brush and floss their teeth. This can help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile confidently!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething happens whenever your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first group of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months old, even though timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth must be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt into the mouth, the gums may become tender and your son or daughter may possess 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 continues beyond the age of 3 years can cause teeth to come in crooked or create bite problems. Your child's pediatric dentist will discuss ways to control the habit, and ways to improve any tooth or bite issues that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
