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 with their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for expectant mothers to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of their unborn child. Furthermore, expectant mothers should be viewed by way of a dentist for an entire exam to deal with 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. When you have any additional questions regarding your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to view a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit 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 begin 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 could be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that you can find no tooth or gum issues present. In addition, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your child reach good oral health is a group effort that involves both dentist and parents, so start early!
What kind of dental problems could my baby have?
The main element to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the sooner your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the better the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, can chew food more easily, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle since it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth is available in and other sources of nutrition for your child have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. Actually, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. Generally speaking, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your son or daughter consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make certain they do not drink higher than a cup daily, they drink it over a quick time frame (not throughout the day), and it is given with dinner 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. 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” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, make use of a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to realize that children under age 6 years are not able to 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 youngster to smile with confidence!
Any advice on teething?
Teething takes place when your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair 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 be present by 3 years of age. Your son or daughter will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt in to the mouth, the gums could become tender and your son or daughter may involve some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 on beyond age 3 years could cause teeth in the future 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 issues that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
