Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Infant Dentistry in Tustin - Orange County CA
Baby teeth (also called 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 is important for expectant mothers to consume a nutritious diet with enough vitamins and minerals to ensure proper development of these unborn child. Furthermore, pregnant women should be observed by way of a dentist for a complete exam to handle any cavities or gum disease as these dental related issues make a difference their unborn child. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding important topics affecting your child's teeth and gums. When you have any extra questions relating to your child's teeth and gums, make sure you ask Dr. Baker.
When should I take my child to see a dentist?
Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a young child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth becomes within their mouth (this is usually between 6 and 12 months of age) or by their first birthday. This appointment helps to establish a dental home for your youngster – a place 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 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 child 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 main element to fighting dental disease is prevention. Early Childhood Caries (previously known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries) can start the moment a child's first tooth becomes present. Thus, the earlier your child sees a pediatric dentist, the greater the possibility of preventing dental problems including cavities.
Remember, children with healthy teeth are less likely to have dental pain, are able to chew food more easily, and are more prone to showcase their beautiful smile!
What should I find out about nursing or employing a bottle because it relates to my child's oral health?
Once the initial baby tooth is available in and other sources of nutrition for your infant have now been introduced, at-will breast-feeding should no more occur. Furthermore, do not allow your child to get to sleep with a package containing anything but water. In fact, children must be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. In general, minimize the amount of juice and other sugar-containing drinks your youngster consumes. So, if your youngster wants juice, make certain they cannot drink greater than a cup daily, they drink it over a brief time frame (not through the day), and it is 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 begin cleaning your child's gums with a smooth toothbrush or wet cloth when they are born. Whenever your child's teeth begin ahead in, you can start brushing their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children under the age of 3 years, use no more than a “smear” level of fluoridated toothpaste. For kids over the age of 3, make use of a “pea-size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
It is important to recognize that children under age 6 years are incapable of brush and floss their teeth well, so be sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth. Doing this may help prevent dental cavities and allow your son or daughter to smile confidently!
Any advice on teething?
Teething occurs as soon as your child begins getting his/her new teeth. A child's first pair of teeth usually begin to come in at about 6 months old, even though timing varies among children. All of your child's 20 baby teeth should really be present by 3 years of age. Your child will lose their other baby teeth involving the ages of 6 and 12 years.
When teeth erupt to the mouth, the gums may become tender and your child may have 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 continues on beyond age 3 years may 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 conditions that may have arisen as a result of the thumb/finger sucking habit.
