Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, Author at wilsonpediatric

5 Harmful Oral Habits Parents Should Discourage

Posted on September 22, 2021October 2, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists see what happens when kids possess oral habits that cause more harm than good. That’s why they’ve teamed up with parents to show kids how to help themselves. But where do you begin? Which habits are causing your kids’ dental health to deteriorate? Keep an eye out for the following habits that you can actively discourage:

Nail biting and thumb sucking: Nail biting can introduce germs and bacteria into your child’s mouth and your child could likewise transmit germs onto what they touch. Thumb sucking can cause an overbite if the habit isn’t disrupted. Positive reinforcement goes a long way to curbing the habit. Some parents have tried putting a bitter or sour food-safe solution on their child’s nail or thumb to help discourage the habit.
Aggressive brushing: Some kids can be overly aggressive with brushing their teeth. Explaining to them that brushing their teeth gently will still dislodge food or plaque on the surface of their teeth or at their gum line will help end this behavior. Most importantly, keep a close eye on them and follow up with them to make sure they’re brushing correctly.
Chewing on hard objects: It’s very tempting for kids to chew on their candy or the ice in their drink. Teach them that this could lead to them chipping or fracturing their tooth, which could mean a lot of pain and a trip to the dentist. Encourage them to drink through a straw.
Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding can do a lot of damage to kids’ teeth and you may not even know it’s an issue until a dentist sees the wear and tear. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent damage from getting any worse – so make sure that your child is seeing their dentist regularly!
Not using a mouth guard for sports or other rough activity: Your child could crack or lose their teeth if they’re not wearing a mouth guard while playing contact sports. Explain to them the importance of wearing a mouth guard and provide positive reinforcement until it becomes a habit.

Many times, kids will grow out of these habits. If they don’t, an ingrained habit can be especially hard to break. Keep a lookout for the above habits and try to disrupt or break the pattern while they are still young.

Pediatric Dentist in Knightdale, NC

If your child suffers from any of the above habits, or you’re not sure, come see us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry to check out their dental health. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” We provide kid-friendly dental examinations that can catch cavities, tooth damage, etc. before it gets any worse. Call us at 252.291.4300 to schedule an appointment, or contact us here!

6 Pediatric Dentist-Approved Snacks to Pack in Your Kids’ Lunchboxes

Posted on August 24, 2021September 3, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

With school back in session, you may be adding lunchbox snacks to your grocery list again to stock the pantry.

Buying smart snacks that are not only good for your kids’ teeth, but also high in calcium and fluoride can go a long way in saving you and your kids from a trip to see about a cavity.

Wilson Pediatric Dentistry Recommends Teeth-Healthy Snack Choices

Throughout the crackers, cookies, and snacks aisle you’ll notice much of the prepackaged foods are high in processed sugars and additives. Many ingredients hide behind unrecognizable names for a reason.

A great way to avoid these poor ingredients is to try sticking with unprocessed whole foods. If what you’re looking at is packaged in an aisle, chances are it’s been heavily processed, and these kinds of snacks can corrode enamel, cause bacteria growth, accelerate the build-up of tartar and plaque, and cause cavities.

A majority of the popular food brands are guilty of packing their snacks with high sugar content to appeal to your young ones’ tastes, but their teeth end up suffering for it. The good news is that there are plenty of tasty, teeth-friendly snacks that kids love.

6 Pediatric Dentist-Approved Tasty Snacks:

High fiber fresh fruits

Bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, etc.
1. Note that citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are high in citric acid which can erode tooth enamel, so moderation is key
Fruits add a component of sweetness to your kids’ lunchbox and are packed with vitamins

Raw vegetables

Cucumbers, celery, baby carrots, and broccoli paired with ranch or hummus
Crisp veggies help scrape away any build-up on your children’s teeth

Yogurt, milk, cheese

High in calcium and Vitamin D, these foods are usually a hit with the little ones, but be careful to avoid yogurt brands that are packed with sugar
1. Go for low-sugar options whenever possible

Nuts, seeds, and nut butters

Apple slices and celery stalks with peanut butter are lunchbox favorites and pediatric dentist-approved!
Low sodium or unsalted nuts can be a great source of protein and provide a healthier alternative to chips and other common junk foods

Naturally-flavored carbonated drinks

These are healthier alternatives to fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks

Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D and don’t contain as many calories or as much fat found in meats.

Beware of snacks that sound healthy but are not. For example, Goldfish crackers are a popular salty snack, but contain white flour that gets stuck under the gumline and between teeth which causes tooth decay. Another sneaky snack is dried or gummy fruit candies. Companies are known to add extra sugar to these treats which also becomes easily lodged between your children’s teeth. A good habit to form is researching snacks you’re interested in before buying, and always practicing moderation.

Schedule Your Next Appointment with Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

While parents can do their part to help their little ones avoid a trip to the dentist, sometimes it’s unavoidable. If your child needs a cavity treatment, teeth cleaning, or early orthodontic care, Dr. Jasmine Elmore and her team are ready to serve you. Call us at 252-291-4300 or schedule your appointment here today.

5 Misconceptions About Brushing Your Teeth

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Brushing our teeth is essential for maintaining oral health. This is true for both adults and children. Unfortunately, there are plenty of harmful misconceptions regarding the practice of tooth-brushing. Let’s debunk these misunderstandings below to help you and your family form healthy, lasting habits.

If I brush my teeth regularly, I don’t have to worry about flossing.

This is simply not true. Even if you’re a pro at brushing your teeth, the truth is, a toothbrush can’t reach the spaces between your teeth where bits of food and other debris build up. This leads to plaque formation. Coupled with professional cleaning, flossing is an essential step in preventing and removing plaque.

The harder I brush my teeth, the cleaner they’ll be when I’m done.

Brushing your teeth too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can actually wear away the natural protective enamel lining your teeth. Try not to apply too much pressure and make sure to regularly replace your toothbrush since the bristles will grow harder with continued use.

If I brush my teeth thoroughly before seeing a dentist, they won’t know I don’t brush often enough.

Not brushing your teeth regularly enough causes tartar and plaque buildup in those sensitive, hard-to-reach places. Your dentist will be able to see this even if you can’t, and the buildup may also lead to inflammation in your gums causing them to bleed when you brush or when your dentist cleans your teeth.

If I don’t eat a lot of sugar, I don’t need to worry about brushing my teeth.

Although sugar is one of the main culprits behind cavity formation and tooth decay, many sugar-free foods and beverages are known to wear away your teeth and/or lead to bad breath. Brushing is your first defense for preventing both. Learn more about our cavity treatments and other services here.

Chewing-gum and mints are good replacements for teeth-brushing

This is false. While chewing-gums and mints are often used to keep your breath fresh, they do nothing to remove debris from between your teeth or to help prevent decay. What provides real, lasting help is proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing is essential in preventing bad breath and for maintaining a healthy, bright smile.

Avoiding these 5 misconceptions about dental care makes all the difference. Now you may help your family start forming those healthy teeth care habits that dentists love. For more information and to get your children started off on the right foot with their dental health, please contact us or schedule your appointment online.

How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Child

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Finding a dentist you like can be hard enough for an adult. So its understandable that many parents are particular about finding just the right dentist for their child. Establishing a positive dental experience at a young age is important and can set a child on a path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Below are five tips for finding the right dentist for your child so that both of you can be comfortable and confident in the care they receive.

Finding the Ideal Dentist for Your Child

1. Find a pediatric dentist

There are dentists who treat children, and then there are pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in working with the small and delicate mouths of children, dealing with their behaviors and fears and creating a positive experience. Look for pediatric dentists near you when searching for a dentist for your child.

2. Look for a fun environment

A dentist’s office can be a scary place for a child, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking for a dentist for your child, visit the office in person to see the inside. Kid-friendly offices are generally decorated with bright colors and playful designs that can have a positive psychological effect on a nervous youngster.

3. Ask about their approach

Some dentists take more of a reactive approach. But young teeth and gums need a more proactive approach that uses sealants, fluoride treatments and other preventive measures to stop tooth decay and gum disease before it happens and keep your child’s oral health on the right path. Call any prospective dentist and ask about their preventive services for children.

4. See if they teach good dental habits

A children’s trip to the dentist should be more than just an appointment to have their teeth cleaned. They should also leave with some knowledge and advice about how to properly care for their teeth. When trying to find the right dentist for your child, look for one who provides education in addition to service.

5. Find one that has options for anxious children

If your child is especially nervous or anxious, some dentists offer the use of nitrous oxide or anesthesia in dosages that are safe for young patients. While this may not be for everyone, it’s something to consider for more serious dental work or particularly scared children.

Find the Right Dentist for Your Child at Wilson Pediatric

If you’re looking for dentists in Wilson, NC, you’ll find the perfect one for your child right here at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Jasmine Elmore is a pediatric dentist who takes a preventive and educational approach to dentistry in a fun and kid-friendly setting. We also provide nitrous oxide and anesthesia for children who may be especially sensitive or have high anxiety about the dentist.

Contact us with any questions about our practice or visit us on Wooten Blvd in Wilson, NC, to learn more about how we may be the right dentist for your child.

Getting Your Child Ready for a Cavity Filling in Greenville, NC

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Filling a cavity can be a scary experience. Knowing how to prepare your child for a filling will not only help your child know what to expect, but it will also help you feel more calm about the appointment as well. Continue reading to learn more.

Pediatric Cavity Filling Preparedness Tips

Consider your child’s temperament

Dental repair is a common anxiety for adults so it’s only natural that a child might feel unnerved at the idea of undergoing this procedure.

Your child’s temperament is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding how to handle those nerves. Some children can sit calmly through long dental procedures without any need for sedation while others may benefit from a light oral sedative or even nitrous oxide.

Discuss your concerns with your child’s dentist so you can develop a plan and share these expectations with your child prior to the date of the procedure.

Be honest but don’t overshare

You know that a filling requires numbing the area with a needle and using a drill to file away any damaged areas of the tooth. Rather than sharing these unpleasant details with your child, however, simply share that he will get to relax on the dentist’s chair while the dentist puts part of his mouth to sleep. Explain that he may experience some strange vibrations and sounds from the dentist’s tools, but that there shouldn’t be any pain.

Avoiding these details could lead to the child feeling blindsided in his appointment and developing a long-term mistrust or fear of the dentist. Your dentist will strive to make your child as comfortable as possible, but knowing what to expect going into the appointment will empower your child to trust what the dentist is doing.

Rely on a favorite stuffed animal

Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of the appointment. Encourage him to bring a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item he can squeeze or hug when he starts to feel nervous. Having a familiar item on hand can help him channel his attention away from the procedure towards something that brings him comfort.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

The best way to prepare for dental fillings is to avoid them in the first place. At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we will help your child develop strong oral hygiene practices for lifelong oral health. We offer pediatric dentistry services and teeth cleanings in Greenville, North Carolina. Schedule an appointment today.

3 Reasons You Should Invest in a Mouthguard at Any Age

Posted on April 30, 2021April 30, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

While it may seem obvious to encourage a mouthguard to protect your child’s permanent teeth, it might surprise you how important a mouthguard is to the long-term health of your child’s mouth — even before the baby teeth are lost. Continue reading to learn more.

The Importance of Mouthguards at Any Age

Full-Mouth Protection

While your child’s baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, his gums, jaw, and tongue will not be. A mouthguard is a simple way to provide full-mouth protection during any high-speed or contact sport.

As soon as your child begins participating in sports, you’ll want to invest in a mouthguard. This will help to ensure your child’s baby teeth remain in place until the permanent teeth are ready to come in. It will also minimize the chance that your child experiences the trauma of cut gums, tongue issues, or a broken jaw.

Your Child’s Mouth and Jaw Are Still Developing

Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders to create the necessary space for the permanent teeth to come in. Losing those teeth prematurely can directly affect the way the permanent teeth develop and could result in costly expenses such as spacers to maintain the necessary gaps.

Likewise, your child’s jaw is still developing and is not as strong as you may think. Damage to the jaw is a major trauma that could affect the way your child’s mouth develops as well as basic functions such as eating, drinking, and speaking. A mouthguard can provide added stability and protection for kids participating in contact sports.

Good Habits Last a Lifetime

Another reason to invest in a mouthguard when your child is young is to make the habit of using one second nature as he gets older. Just as you teach healthy oral hygiene habits like flossing and brushing, teach your child the importance of protecting his teeth during physical activity. This will instill healthy habits which will affect the long-term health of your child’s mouth and teeth.

Early Orthodontic Services in Greenville, NC

If your child is showing interest in high-speed or contact sports, schedule an appointment to request a custom mouthguard at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We offer early orthodontic care in Greenville, North Carolina. We also offer emergency dental care if your child experiences a sports-related injury. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Cavity Fillings | Greenville, NC

Posted on March 16, 2021April 1, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

In the seemingly endless cycle of preparing meals and snacks for your little ones, you may be tempted to grab whatever is most convenient in order to preserve time and energy. When it comes to the foods that your toddler or child likely prefers at this age, many of those go-to meals and snacks could be unexpectedly causing tooth decay. Continue reading to learn more.

Surprising Foods Which Lead to Tooth Decay

Simple Carbs

Pastas, cereals, rice, crackers, and breads all have two things in common. The first is that they are likely some of your child’s favorite foods. The second is that these are all simple carbs.

Simple carbs usually make up the white or yellow foods in your child’s diet. The structure of the grains are so simple that they begin to break down into basic sugars immediately upon entering the mouth. These sugars have a tendency of sticking to the teeth which can quickly lead to tooth decay.

Swap out your child’s favorite simple carbs with more complex options such as brown rice, and whole grain pasta, cereals, and breads.

Sticky Foods

Are you even a parent if you don’t have a half dozen bags of fruit snacks hidden away in your car or purse? These fruit snacks are a favorite treat for kids and they are considered a healthy alternative to other gummies. The problem with fruit snacks is that they are still very high in sugar and will adhere themselves to your child’s teeth for longer periods of time.

The same problem arises with dried fruits. Raisins, dried apricots, dried mango, and dates will glue themselves to your child’s teeth well after snack time is over.

Juices

Juice is one of the most common culprits of early tooth decay. Juices are packed with sugar, and when children are young, they are usually consumed through a sippy cup.

The naturally high sugar content of juice sipped from a cup which encourages the drink to slowly pool into the mouth will expose the teeth to the damaging effects of sugar for a longer period of time.

Limit the amount of juice your child drinks and try to dilute the juice with water to minimize the sugar intake. Also, encourage your child to drink her juice through a straw instead of a sippy cup since this encourages her to quickly swallow the drink.

Cavity Fillings in Greenville, NC

Even when taking every precaution, it is still necessary to have your child’s teeth checked routinely for early signs of tooth decay. Wilson Pediatric Dentistry offers a variety of services including pediatric teeth cleanings and cavity fillings in Greenville, NC. Schedule your next appointment today.

Losing Baby Teeth: What to Tell Your Child

Posted on February 3, 2021March 3, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

If your child is around six years old, it may be time to have a conversation about losing her baby teeth. Suddenly finding that her tooth is loose could be a very confusing or even frightening experience. Continue reading for some tips to help you navigate this conversation.

How to Talk To Your Child About Losing Her Baby Teeth

Look for teachable moments

For most kids, the idea of losing baby teeth is not altogether foreign. Chances are, they’ve seen plenty of older kids with missing teeth so use this as a conversation starter. Rather than forcing the conversation on your child seemingly out of the blue, look for encounters your child may have with older peers and point out when the older child has a missing or loose tooth.

This will not only demystify the experience but will help your child to realize that this is a common thing that happens to their peers, too.

Have some fun with it

Add a little magic to the experience by bringing the tradition of the tooth fairy into your home. The excitement of the tooth fairy could very easily overshadow any anxiety your child may experience about losing her teeth. Even if your child seems disinterested in the fairy herself, nearly all children can get excited about finding a little money under the pillow the next morning.

Be transparent about the process

It’s important to warm the child up to the idea of a tooth extraction. Explain that when the tooth decides it’s ready to come out, it will first become a little loose. Over time, the tooth should be able to wiggle back and forth with very little pressure. If the child feels any pain when wiggling the tooth, reassure her that the tooth will eventually fall out when it’s ready so there is no need to hurry it or rush it along.

Another important reminder for your child is that a little blood along the gum is perfectly normal after the tooth is pulled. The bleeding should stop in just a few minutes, but if unexpected, the bleeding could scare the child and cause unnecessary anxiety.

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning in Greenville, NC

Another way to prepare your child to lose her baby teeth is to schedule regular cleanings at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We will partner with you in helping your child develop lifelong habits that will promote healthy dental hygiene practices. We offer pediatric dental services such as teeth cleaning in Greenville, North Carolina.

How to Incentivize Teeth Cleaning | Greenville, NC

Posted on January 20, 2021February 3, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

There is no rule saying that brushing your teeth has to be a boring task. Continue reading to learn 4 ways you can make brushing fun for your kids.

4 Fun Tooth Brushing Strategies

Incentivize Brushing

It’s no secret that kids thrive on positive reinforcement. More than likely, you have already incentivized other tasks or chores your child completes throughout the day with some sort of reward system, so why not integrate brushing into a reward system as well?

When choosing a reward, try to avoid any sugary treats which would undermine the goal of brushing in the first place. Instead, think of something your child would be excited to work for such as stickers or extra screen time. Before you know it, brushing will become seamlessly ingrained into the daily routine.

Make It a Family Event

One reason your child may not enjoy brushing her teeth is because she has to step away from the fun to do something she sees as boring. Rather than sending her to the bathroom to brush her teeth alone, make it a family event. This will help you monitor and correct your children’s brushing techniques to promote better oral hygiene practices. Taking time to floss and brush your teeth as a family will also remove the distraction of wondering what they might be missing out on while brushing.

Find an Inspiring Toothbrush

Toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. As long as a toothbrush covers all the basics, there’s no reason not to find a toothbrush that displays your child’s favorite movie character or plays their favorite song. Give your kids some ownership over their toothbrushes by allowing them to pick out a new toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste.

Combine Brushing With a Favorite Song

Adding a song to the mix won’t just make brushing more enjoyable for your child, it will help them brush for the full 2 minutes that dentists recommend for brushing. Find a song that lasts approximately 2 minutes, or stop the song at approximately 2 minutes. Rather than becoming impatient with the task at hand, your child can focus on the tune of her favorite song.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

Partner with a dentist who makes oral hygiene fun and relatable to your kids. Wilson Pediatric Dentistry is now accepting new patients for teeth cleaning in Greenville, NC. Schedule an appointment today.

Teeth Cleaning Health Resolutions for Your Kids

Posted on December 4, 2020March 3, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

The start of a new year is the perfect time to consider what went well in the previous year and what changes you’d like to implement in the coming year. As you start to consider resolutions for your family, why not make your child’s dental health a priority this year?

New Year’s Dental Resolutions for Your Kids

Decide On Your Resolutions Together

There’s something about resolutions that make usually mundane tasks seem more exciting — especially for kids. What are some resolutions you and your kids can write together that would make their oral hygiene routine more enjoyable to them?

Start by creating a list of good oral hygiene practices to choose from. This can be an excellent learning experience for your kids and may shed light on some problem areas you can help them address together. Some of the items on this list could include:

Eating less sugar
Regular teeth cleanings
Flossing daily
Drinking less soda
Using a fluoride rinse

Don’t overwhelm your kids with an endless list of resolutions. Pick three to five of your top priorities and focus on those. Make sure these resolutions are measurable and quantifiable so you can easily monitor your family’s progress throughout the year.

Implement a Reward System

Depending on the age of your child, a reward system might be an effective way to measure and celebrate progress throughout the year. To ensure you don’t undo all of your hard work, opt for a reward system that is free from sugary treats. For younger children, consider a sticker chart. For older kids, maybe a fun experience after completing a number of resolutions would be enough to entice them to take more ownership over their oral hygiene practices.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

The most effective way to improve the health of your child’s teeth is to partner with a pediatric dentist who will help you navigate your child’s oral health while creating a warm, child-friendly environment. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We provide pediatric dental treatments near Greenville, North Carolina.

Make your first New Year’s resolution to schedule an appointment today.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Teeth Cleaning During Lockdown

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

In light of current conditions, is it safe for you to take your children to their regular dental appointments? Continue reading to learn more.

Why Teeth Cleaning Is Still Necessary During Lockdown

Your Child’s Teeth Require Preventative Care

Because children tend to consume more sugary snacks and drinks than adults, problems that may seem minor at first can escalate quickly. Your child’s cleaning appointments are not only an excellent way to prevent future cavities and tooth decay, they are a great way for dentists to identify problems that could quickly develop into cavities if no action is taken.

We take every precaution to keep your child as calm and comfortable during dental procedures such as tooth fillings, but these procedures can be quite intimidating, especially to younger patients. It is vital to honor your child’s cleaning appointments to avoid costly and more invasive procedures down the road.

We Are Taking Extra Health Precautions

If you or any of your family members have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or if you’ve recently developed symptoms, please reschedule your appointment. However, if you’ve taken appropriate precautions to stay safe and healthy, you can rest assured that we are working hard everyday to do the same.

We are closely monitoring conditions as they change and are staying up to date with the recommendations provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Some general precautions we are taking include fewer appointments to ensure there is adequate space to socially distance yourself from others in the waiting room along with shorter waiting times. Surfaces are regularly disinfected and hand sanitizer is readily available and encouraged. You’ll receive a few health screening questions via email prior to your appointment so we can help monitor the health of our patients before they arrive.

To read the full list of precautions we are taking to maintain the health of our patients and staff, you can read our Practice Health and Safety Statement.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who is taking every precaution during this pandemic, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We offer a variety of pediatric dentistry treatments in Greenville, NC. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.

When to Consider Braces for Your Child

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

It’s a common assumption that braces are a cornerstone of the teenage experience. In fact, if you have a younger child, braces may not have even crossed your mind yet.

The age at which each child may need to pursue orthodontic services is unique and dependent on a number of factors. Continue reading to explore some common reasons why you may need to start considering braces for your child.

When to Start Thinking About Braces for Your Child

Once Permanent Teeth Come In

There is really no set age as to when a child may be referred for their first orthodontic appointment. In most circumstances, it is difficult to know with certainty which orthodontic services may be required before your child’s permanent teeth start to come in — generally around the age of 7. X-Rays and imaging can provide your child’s dentist with some insight into how and when the permanent teeth may erupt.

It is important to note that just because your child may be referred to an orthodontist at a young age, this does not necessarily mean your child will immediately need braces. It just means the orthodontist will help monitor changes in your child’s teeth as they erupt to determine when the best time to use braces will be.

Teeth Are Overcrowded

If your child’s teeth appear to be overcrowded, this could affect how the rest of their permanent teeth grow in. If there is little room for the back molars or permanent teeth to erupt, your child’s teeth or bite could become misaligned without the use of space maintainers or orthodontic services.

An Uneven Bite

Orthodontists specialize in problems related to both the teeth and jaw. If your child shows difficulty chewing or swallowing because the teeth do not meet or the jaw is misaligned, this could result in earlier conversations about braces, headgear, or other orthodontic appliances.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Wilson, NC

The good news is that while it may be helpful to be aware of these factors affecting when your child may require braces, your child’s dentist is well aware of these factors and will monitor the growth of your child’s teeth during routine cleanings. If your dentist sees a need for braces, she will recommend or refer your child to a local orthodontist.

If you do not yet have a pediatric dentist for your child, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We are proud to partner with parents by providing a variety of pediatric dentistry services in Wilson, NC. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.