Pediatric Dentist Archives | Page 3 of 4

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.

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.

How to Help Your Child Develop Healthy Teeth

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

In light of the ever-growing list of responsibilities you have as a parent, helping your child develop strong, healthy teeth may seem like an enormous weight on your shoulders. The good news is that most of the steps towards a child’s healthy smile can be achieved by integrating simple yet intentional steps into your daily routine. Continue reading to learn more.

3 Steps to a Healthy Smile

1. Alter Your Child’s Diet

Many of the dental issues seen in children, such as cavities and tooth decay, can be slowed by minimizing the amount of sugary and acidic foods your child eats. Cavities and decay come from bacteria which are found naturally in the mouth. This bacteria feeds on the sugars left on the teeth and gums and leaves plaque behind which will lead to tooth decay. Likewise, acidic foods can erode the enamel which is the protective and hard layer of the teeth leaving them more exposed to potential cavities.

While altering your child’s diet will not remove the need for daily hygiene practices, it may help to maintain the health of your child’s teeth between brushing.

2. Brush, Floss, and Swish

The best way to ensure your child develops healthy teeth is to establish healthy hygiene practices early on. If your child is still a baby and does not yet have teeth, use a damp cloth to wipe the gums at least twice a day. Once your child’s first tooth comes in, practice brushing at least once a day. As your child ages and more teeth erupt, follow age-appropriate recommendations, which will eventually include daily brushing, flossing, and the use of a fluoride rinse. Make these steps a habit now so that your child will maintain these steps as an adolescent and adult.

3. Find a Pediatric Dentist

One of the most valuable steps towards helping your child develop strong, healthy teeth is to find a pediatric dentist to partner with your efforts. Regular checkups and cleanings will help establish oral hygiene as a priority in your family. The dentist will reinforce what you are teaching at home and will help correct most dental issues early on to avoid costly dental procedures down the road.

This step also gives your child a sense of ownership and accountability when it comes to taking care of their own teeth. As they grow, they will understand the value of these regular appointments and will become more comfortable going to the dentist.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

We are now accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Contact our office to schedule your child’s first appointment and take the first step towards improving the health of your child’s teeth today.

What to Do When Your Child Loses a Baby Tooth Too Soon

Posted on August 24, 2020September 1, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Most children’s primary teeth are lost at pretty standard points throughout their childhood. If, for whatever reason, one of your child’s primary teeth falls out much earlier than expected, the teeth farther back in the mouth are in danger of shifting forward. Continue reading to learn how space maintainers can help to avoid costly dental procedures later on.

An Overview of Space Maintainers

What Does a Space Maintainer Do?

One of the responsibilities of a primary tooth is to maintain a clear space for the adult tooth to grow and erupt. If a primary tooth comes out before the adult tooth behind it has developed, then that space needs to be maintained until it is ready to erupt.

Space maintainers are a simple way to protect that space and provide a temporary placeholder which can be removed once the adult tooth erupts.

How Do You Know If a Tooth Has Fallen Out Too Soon?

Most primary teeth follow a general pattern and timeline which can make it easy to predict when each of your child’s teeth will fall out. If you are unsure as to whether a tooth has fallen out too early, you can always consult with your child’s dentist. She may recommend a quick appointment to take a look at the gum and may take an X-ray to confirm. If a lost baby tooth isn’t caught quickly, your dentist will see if a space maintainer is necessary during a routine dental cleaning.

Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers can be fixed or removable depending on the recommendation of your child’s dentist.

A fixed space maintainer is cemented onto the adjacent teeth and comes in a variety of designs. Some include a wire loop with metal bands that wrap around the adjacent teeth. Others include a stainless steel crown instead of bands. Most dentists recommend a fixed design for younger kids since they are easy to maintain and are not as easy to fidget with.

A removable space maintainer closely resembles a retainer. Some designs have a false tooth attached which may be preferable if the lost tooth is still visible, particularly in older children. This design requires more personal accountability to maintain healthy dental hygiene and must be worn on a daily basis to ensure the space is maintained.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Wilson, NC

If you are looking for a new dentist for your children, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We offer a variety of pediatric dentistry services in Wilson, NC. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today.

How You Can Motivate Your Teenager to Have Good Dental Hygiene

Posted on July 14, 2020August 14, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Chances are that between a busy social life, extracurriculars, and schoolwork, dental hygiene may be the last thing on your teen’s mind. However, setting the standard for good dental hygiene early in life is crucial to long-term dental health. So how can you encourage good dental hygiene in your home? Continue reading to learn more.

How to Encourage Your Teen to Have Good Dental Hygiene

Limit Sugar and Soda

Our dental health is largely affected by the foods we eat. One of the best ways to encourage dental health is to encourage healthy food choices. Foods that are high in sugar or acids, like sodas, can encourage plaque buildup or even tooth decay. Try to limit the amount of sugars and sodas your teenager consumes.

Appeal to Their Looks

Teenagers spend much of their day preoccupied with the way they look. Appeal to this concern by reminding your teen that brushing his teeth, flossing, and scheduling regular cleanings will go a long way in maintaining a pretty smile for years to come.

Require the Use of a Mouthguard

If your teen is an athlete, then she may be at higher risk of tooth damage due to injury. If high-risk or high-impact sports are a part of your teen’s life, make it a priority to purchase a mouthguard and require it to be used during practice and games.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

One of the best ways to encourage good dental hygiene habits is to schedule regular cleanings with a pediatric dentist. This simple step will help establish these appointments as a regular part of your child’s annual routine. It will also allow your child’s dentist to partner in your efforts to help communicate and educate your child on good dental practices.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, SC

If you’re looking for a new pediatric dentist for your teen, visit Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Our staff is ready to partner alongside you to give your kids a healthy smile. We will walk you through what to expect on your first visit as soon as you schedule an appointment. Give us a call today to learn more.

5 Questions for Wilson Pediatric Dentistry’s Dr. Elmore

Posted on July 31, 2019December 22, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

You may or may not be familiar with Dr. Jasmine Elmore, the owner of Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. But if she’s provided dental care for your child or the child of someone you know in the Wilson, North Carolina, area, you know that making a positive impact on her community is her top priority. Creating a warm environment for her patients is only part of Dr. Elmore’s story, though.

We hope these questions will help fill in some of the rest.

Where is Dr. Elmore from?

Dr. Elmore is originally from Richmond, Virginia. It was there that she decided she wanted to make helping others her life’s mission.

Where did she go to school?

Dr. Elmore graduated from Radford University with a degree in Food and Nutrition. Upon graduation, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from VCU’s School of Dentistry. She completed her residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While there, she provided free dental care for uninsured children on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

What does she specialize in?

Dr. Elmore specializes in working with kids who have had a history of negative experiences with dentists. Her training allows her to create both a comfortable experience at the office and a plan for healthy dental habits at home.

She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

What are her hobbies?

Dr. Elmore is a fan of sports and “old school” music. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and cooking healthy meals when she’s not at the office. She also attends conferences and participates in “Give Kids a Smile Day,” an initiative that offers free dental care to local children.

Schedule an Appointment in Wilson, NC

If you need expert pediatric dental solutions in the Greenville, Rocky Mount, or Knightdale areas, Dr. Elmore and the rest of the team at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry has you covered. Call or schedule an appointment today.

Now that you know more about us, we’re excited to learn more about you.

10 Dental Treatments to Consider For Your Kids

Posted on June 28, 2019July 10, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Early detection and treatment is critical to the development of healthy teeth and gums. Below are 10 dental treatments for kids that every parent should consider.

Dental Treatments Your Child Might Need

1) Examinations

Like most conditions, early detection is the key to good oral health. And identifying potential problems at a young age can help steer your child toward a lifetime of bright smiles. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children begin having regular 6-month checkups as soon as they sprout their first tooth.

2) Cleanings

No matter how diligently you brush your child’s teeth or how well they get the hang of it themselves, you’re unlikely to give as thorough of a cleaning as the dentist. The special tools and treatments used at a kid’s dentist will remove the harmful bacteria that a toothbrush can’t.

3) Sealants

At an age where proper dental care is still being learned, preventive measures can be instrumental. A sealant is a thin layer of plastic that is brushed onto a child’s molars to provide a protective shield against harmful bacteria.

4) Cavity treatments

It’s important for children to have cavities properly treated, even if the teeth will fall out anyway. Cavities can affect a child’s nutrition, cause overbites and other alignment problems, prevent adult teeth from growing in correctly, and lead to infections that affect the gums and other nearby teeth.

5) Disking

Disking involves shaving off thin layers of certain teeth to allow more room for surrounding teeth to grow in straight and correctly.

6) Space maintainers

When a baby tooth falls out prematurely, surrounding teeth may begin to grow crooked into the open space. A space maintainer keeps teeth in their own lanes by blocking off that open space and helping all teeth continue to be aligned.

7) X-rays

An X-ray helps a dentist identify potential issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as tiny cavities forming in between teeth.

8) Early orthodontic treatment

Children as young as 6 can benefit from orthodontic treatments designed to aid in the early development of young teeth.

9) Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a treatment designed to help young patients get through many other types of treatments that may be too scary for them.

10) Emergency care

Kids can be rambunctious, so emergency dental treatment may be needed as a result of a fall or other accident.

Schedule an Appointment For Your Child

If your child is in need of dental care near Wilson, NC, schedule an appointment with the team at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. The proper dental treatment at a young age can set your child up for a lifetime of smiles, and Wilson Pediatric Dentistry can help.