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 making use of their mother when they are still developing in the womb. So, it's essential for pregnant women to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to make sure proper development of the unborn child. Additionally, women that are pregnant should be seen with a dentist for an entire exam to address any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Guidelines 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, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to visit a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see 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 really helps to establish a dental home for your child – a location where your child's dental needs/issues could be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent may be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform an exam to ensure there are no tooth or gum issues present. Furthermore, the pediatric dentist will inform you of early prevention techniques to hold your child's teeth and gums healthy. Remember, helping your son or daughter reach good oral health is a team effort that involves both the 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) will start when a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your son or daughter sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less inclined to have dental pain, can chew food quicker, and are more prone to show off their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or utilizing a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the very first baby tooth is available in and other sourced elements of nutrition for your baby have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, don't allow your child to get to sleep with a jar 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 child wants juice, make sure they cannot drink more than a cup each day, they drink it over a short period of time (not throughout the 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 start 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 start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For kids under the age of 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” number of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over age 3, use a “pea-size” number of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is very important to understand that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth very well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing this will help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile with confidence!
Any suggestions about teething?
Teething occurs as soon as 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. All your child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your youngster will miss their other baby teeth involving 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 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 handle the habit, and ways to correct any tooth or bite issues that could have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
