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 with their mother when they're 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 their unborn child. Additionally, expectant mothers should be seen by a dentist for an entire exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues can affect their unborn child. Listed here are 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 view a dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within 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 child – a spot where your child's dental needs/issues may be addressed and questions/concerns that you've as a parent can be answered.
The pediatric dentist will perform a test to make sure that you will 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 team 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 known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can begin as soon as a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your youngster sees a pediatric dentist, the higher 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 easier, and are more likely to flaunt their beautiful smile!
What should I know about nursing or using a bottle as it pertains to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth will come in and other sources of nutrition for your infant have already been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no further occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a jar containing anything but water. In fact, children should 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 youngster consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make sure they do not drink more than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief period of time (not through the entire day), and 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 soft toothbrush or wet cloth when they're born. As soon as your child's teeth begin in the future in, you can begin brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no greater than a “smear” quantity of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is essential to understand that children under age 6 years are unable to brush and floss their teeth very well, so make sure you help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing so will help prevent dental cavities and allow your child to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething happens as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first set of teeth usually begin in the future in at about 6 months old, even though the timing varies among children. Your entire child's 20 baby teeth must certanly be present by 3 years of age. Your child 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 son or daughter may possess some discomfort. Parents may consider utilizing 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 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 control the habit, and ways to fix any tooth or bite problems that may have arisen consequently of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
