Kids Teeth Cleaning Archives

When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Posted on October 15, 2021October 26, 2021 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Our dentists get a lot of questions from patients. One of the most common ones we get from parents with little ones is when to start brushing a baby’s teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in. Even before any teeth sprout, you should clean your baby’s gums daily using an infant toothbrush or damp washcloth.

Why Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth is Important

The day your baby’s first tooth comes in, it can begin building harmful plaque. Although your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. So, the better the baby teeth are maintained, the more likely the adult teeth will be to come in straight.

Tooth decay can also welcome harmful bacteria into the body that can lead to other health issues and may also cause the development of speech impediments. Plus, getting your baby accustomed to having their teeth brushed at an early age can help establish good oral health habits throughout childhood.

Tips for Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Brushing a baby’s teeth can be easier said than done, as they may not like you inserting anything into their mouth. But the following tips might help in your efforts.

Stick to just water with no toothpaste at first. Once your baby has several teeth you can begin to introduce a tiny amount of toddler toothpaste. Fluoride is okay, but again, keep the amount of toothpaste used to a minimum.
Use a small-headed and soft-bristled toothbrush that is specially designed for baby teeth.
Play some fun music or have your baby hold their favorite toy while you brush. This will help your baby associate brushing with happy and positive thoughts and stimuli.

Don’t Forget Your Child’s Dental Exam

Once it’s time to start brushing your baby’s teeth, it’s time to start thinking about scheduling their first dental appointment for a teeth cleaning in Greenville, NC. It’s recommended that children have their first dental checkup around their first birthday, and they should continue seeing their dentist every six months just like adults.

Wilson Pediatric Dentistry is the preferred pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC. Learn more about our practice or schedule your child’s appointment today to get them started with a great smile.

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.

What Is Dental Disking Teeth Correction?

Posted on December 31, 2019January 13, 2020 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Dental disking is when thin layers of tooth enamel are shaved off to ensure there is room for a tooth to come in straight. Either one tooth or teeth on both sides of the area are shaved off during this pediatric dentistry procedure.

The CDC recommends parents bring their children to a pediatric dentist by the time your kid is 1 year old, and dental disking is one of the many ways to set your child up for success with a focus on oral health.

By why should you consider dental disking for your child? Read the top 4 reasons below.

4 Reasons You Should Consider Dental Disking For Your Child

Potentially avoid future orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic work can be expensive. Avoid these costly treatments by doing what you can to ensure your child’s permanent teeth come in straight. When the tooth erupts, it’s important that there’s enough space for it. Dental disking is a great procedure for helping with this.

Potentially avoid future tooth decay and cavity treatments

If a child’s teeth come in crooked or misaligned, this can lead to overcrowding in the mouth. Since the teeth are so close together, decay often builds up on and around them. This can lead to a child needing more cavity fillings in the future. Thus, dental disking can often prevent this future stress and costs.

It’s a pain-free procedure

Dental disking only affects the enamel of the tooth. As this is the surface level of the tooth, the shaving process is most often pain-free. That being said, it’s always important that you choose a dentist who has experience working with children and keeping them calm throughout the procedure.

It can often be covered by insurance

While this depends on your insurance plan, pediatric dentistry procedures can often be covered by insurance. We recommend checking with your provider before you schedule an appointment.

Schedule a Pediatric Dentistry Appointment Near Greenville, NC

Learn about the disking teeth correction services available at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, located conveniently near Greenville, Rocky Mount and Knightdale, North Carolina. We also offer teeth alignment and teeth straightening procedures.

Follow up this article by exploring these other two pediatric dentistry resources below:

A Teeth Cleaning Near Greenville, NC, Is Just Down the Road

Posted on March 29, 2019November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

If you live near Greenville, NC and need a teeth cleaning for you or your child, you could search all over for a good dentist. Or you could just join us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in the nearby town of Wilson, NC.

Our team of trained and experienced professionals can make your child’s visit to the dentist a positive one and keep them smiling all the way back to Greenville. And we don’t just treat children. Patients of all ages including teenagers and even adults can have their teeth cleaned here at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry.

Teeth Cleanings at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

A professional teeth cleaning will not only brighten up your child’s smile but also remove harmful bacteria to lower their risk of cavities. Sure, a general dentist can clean your child’s teeth. But only a pediatric dentist like the ones found at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry have completed years of additional training specific to treating the small and sensitive mouths of kids.

The dentist can be a scary place for a child, even for just a routine cleaning. But the kid-friendly environment of our office combined with a staff that is specially trained and experienced treating young patients will ensure a positive experience for both you and your child.

Additional Services

If your child requires more than just a cleaning, we offer a wide range of services to get them the care they need.

Sealants. A sealant is a thin layer of plastic that serves as a protective barrier for hard-to-reach teeth.
Cavity treatment. It’s important to treat cavities in children’s teeth, even if they are going to fall out anyway. Stopping decay in children’s teeth will help adult teeth come in straight and healthy.
Disking. This treatment shaves off thin layers from the sides of permanent teeth to allow more space for surrounding teeth to come in straight and less cavity-prone.
Space maintainers. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause surrounding teeth to shift out of place and interfere with the permanent tooth trying to come in in its place. Space maintainers help keep teeth in their own lane to assist with proper growth.
Early orthodontics. Orthodontic treatments can sometimes be necessary for young children to ensure the proper development of their permanent teeth.

Put your search to rest by scheduling an appointment with Wilson Pediatric Dentistry for a teeth cleaning near Greenville, NC, today.

Follow This Checklist When Choosing a Local Dentist

Posted on June 26, 2018November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

You might need to find a new dentist for any number of reasons. Maybe you’ve just moved to the area. Maybe you’re looking for a second opinion. Maybe your insurance policy has changed. Or maybe you’re a new patient in need of a cleaning.

If you’re looking for a dentist near you, make sure you keep the following tips in mind.

How to Choose Your Dentist

Cost and Insurance

When researching different dentists, your first consideration should be cost and insurance. Do they accept your insurance? Do they offer discounts to those without insurance?

Make sure to consider the varying costs of different appointments and whether or not your insurance covers them. For instance, your insurance may cover an annual dental cleaning, but not an appointment for a filling or oral surgery at that same office.

Before you commit, give your insurance provider or the dentist’s office a call to find out about insurance coverage or costs for appointments.

Convenience

When driving to your dentist appointment, do you really want to travel an hour outside of the city when a similar practice is closer? Consider the amount of time it takes to get to and from different offices, so you can fit appointments into your busy schedule.

You should also find out their hours of operation — can you fit in a quick cleaning after work or schedule an appointment for the weekend? To find a dentist’s business hours, check their website or call their office.

Qualifications and Services

Before you let someone poke around your mouth with metal instruments, you should find out if they’re qualified to do so. Ask your prospective dentist about their qualifications, certifications, or specialty, especially when looking to have more difficult oral surgeries and procedures performed.

Every dentist office is different, so one might offer more serious oral procedures while another may not. Save yourself the hassle of shuffling from one office to another to get a surgery done, and find a dentist that provides all of the oral care services you require.

Personality

You won’t know how you feel about a dentist until you meet them — call the office you’re considering and schedule a consultation. That way, you aren’t going in blind to an appointment that sounds good on paper. You want to make sure you’re entirely comfortable with the dentist you choose.

Visit Wilson Pediatric Dentistry Today

If you run through this checklist, you’ll have a clear path to choosing a dentist office near you.

For those in Wilson County, start your search at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, a local dentist serving children and adults in Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Kenly, NC. Schedule a consultation with our office today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why Are Fluoride Treatments Important for Young Teeth?

Posted on May 29, 2018November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, fluoride treatments are a regular part of dental exams and cleanings. Most children receive anywhere from two to four treatments a year. Why? Because fluoride plays an important role in making sure your child’s teeth are strong and healthy all throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Keep reading to learn more.

The Importance of Fluoride for Your Kids

What Are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water all around the world. It’s also used to fortify public drinking water and some foods and other beverages. But a fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office is a little different.

During a treatment, the dentist will paint a small amount of fluoride onto the child’s teeth. The fluoride will quickly harden in place, and any excess is usually brushed off later that day to ensure that almost none is swallowed by the child.

After the fluoride is applied, it becomes part of the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel, to help strengthen it. When combined with good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, fluoride does a great deal to support dental health.

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

According to the American Dental Association, fluoride is a safe, effective way to prevent tooth decay. Since kids tend to consume a lot of sugar, tooth enamel erodes over time and can eventually lead to cavities.

About 27.9% of all children aged two to five and 51.17% of all kids aged six to 11 will get a cavity during childhood. However, by strengthening the tooth enamel, fluoride can help prevent, slow down, and even reverse decay.

Even though baby teeth fall out, childhood cavities can still lead to problems in adulthood. One reason why is because tooth decay may cause the baby teeth to fall out too soon, leaving an empty gap. Neighboring teeth can begin to shift, moving into the empty spot and causing misalignment of incoming adult teeth.

With regular fluoride treatments, it’s possible to minimize cavities and ensure good oral health for today and tomorrow.

Schedule a Visit at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry Today

Interested in learning more about fluoride treatments in Wilson, North Carolina? Visit Wilson Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation and meet our team.

With offices located in Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Kenly, North Carolina, our dentists are committed to instilling good oral health in kids all throughout the area. Schedule a cleaning for your child today.

What You Need to Know About Your First Kid’s Dentist Visit

Posted on January 16, 2018November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

A kid’s first dental appointment can seem like an intimidating experience. Often the parent is just as worried as their child going in. What if it goes poorly and your child develops a fear of visiting the dentist? The team at Wilson Pediatric Dentist recognize how stressful the experience can be. That’s why we work to make the whole process easy with an understanding, gentle, and kid-friendly care.

Take the fear out of the first visit to your kid’s dentist by learning what you can expect from Wilson Pediatric Dentistry.

What’s Going to Happen at Your Kid’s First Dentist Appointment?

When Should My Child See the Dentist for the First Time?

The first thing to figure out is when you should start taking your child to the dentist. We recommend scheduling their first appointment shortly after their first tooth erupts, which usually occurs after about one year.

Starting care so early lets your kid’s dentist monitor the development of new teeth from the beginning. If your child is a little older, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get started on good dental care.

When You Get to the Waiting Room

Every aspect of our dentistry is geared toward making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. This begins as soon as you enter our office. The waiting room has a fun, kid-friendly design and is filled with toys to help make their visit easier.

You and your child will be greeted by our warm and friendly staff. Every member of the team has training and years of experience working with children, and know how to ease them into treatment. We’re also careful to avoid any frightening language or tones.

When You See the Dentist

This gentle care continues into the examination room. If your child is very young, Dr. Elmore may have you hold them in your lap while she works. Older kids are encouraged to come into the office on their own so they can start to build a friendly relationship with the dentist, but you can still sit in on any appointment.

At the first appointment, we will keep treatment to a minimum and focus on examining the developing teeth. This makes sure that their first experience with a dentist is a positive one and helps them shed some of the anxiety for their next visit.

Making a Dental Care Plan

Since your child likely isn’t old enough to make their own dental care choices, you’ll need to take the lead on good dental health. That’s why the final part of your first dental visit will involve working with Dr. Elmore to create a home care plan to promote healthy tooth development.

This plan will be built around your child’s unique needs and stages of development. These typically cover:

Dental hygiene tips
Nutrition
Teething
What to do about habits like thumb sucking
Future developmental milestones
A dental examination schedule

By following the plan we create, you’ll be giving your child a great foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. The plan is also flexible and open to amendments based on observations from future appointments.

Is it time to schedule your first visit with an attentive, gentle kid’s dentist? Make an appointment with Wilson Pediatric Dentistry or contact us at (252) 291-4300.

How Parents Can Encourage Proper Dental Care for Their Kids

Posted on October 2, 2017November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Any parent knows it can feel impossible to get kids to do what you ask. When your child is a toddler, you’re likely brushing their teeth for them. Eventually, they reach an age where they start to take care of their own dental care.

Having them take care of their own oral hygiene is easier said than done when taking care of teeth gets in the way of play time. We’ve compiled some easy ways you can encourage proper pediatric dental home care for your kids.

Tips To Help Parents Encourage Better Pediatric Dental Home Care

Pediatric dental care is all about setting up good foundations for dental health as an adult. A major part of this is scheduling regular cleanings and checkups, but good home care matters even more. That is why the first few years your child is brushing their teeth for themselves are so important. They’re establishing habits that will they will stick with for years.

Lead from the Front

You shouldn’t ask your child to do anything you aren’t willing to do yourself. Be a model for your child to follow. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and eat a healthy diet. Your children admire you, and people learn most of their behaviors from their parents.

Make sure your kids see you brush and floss regularly. Let them in your bathroom when you’re getting ready in the morning. They’re picking up more from you than you think.

Answer “Why?”

Your son or daughter likely bombards you with dozens of questions a day, and most of them are probably the same one: “Why?” They’ve certainly asked this more than once about dental care.

Encourage this creativity. Tell them why brushing and flossing are necessary. Just make sure not to make it scary.

Children can have a hard time conceptualizing the invisible benefits of pediatric dental care. Invest in some plaque disclosing tablets, which temporarily dyes plaque bright colors. This makes it real for them by showing them the gunk they brush away every morning and night.

Give Them Ownership of Their Dental Care

Your little one will be a lot more likely to keep up with brushing if they feel some ownership in over the activity. Letting your child choose their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and rinse cup gives them a part in making decisions about their dental care.

Let them choose a brush with their favorite cartoon character or toothpaste that comes in a flavor they like. The minty taste of most adult toothbrushes is too harsh for kids. Childrens’ options come in milder fruit flavors. Just make they choose a fluoride toothpaste.

Turn Brushing into a Game

Anyone who has transformed a spoonful of peas into an airplane knows the benefits of visualization and playing pretend with your kids. Use a similar strategy for brushing time. Have your child make believe that the brush is a high-powered laser beam that takes out the alien invaders in his mouth. Base the game around their interests or favorite shows.

If the game doesn’t work, try writing a toothbrushing song for them. Pick a well-known melody and make up some lyrics they’ll enjoy. Make the song about brushing, family, pets, or something else in their life. You can also use one of these already written songs.

Make a Checklist and Offer Prizes

When all else fails, it may be time to resort to bribery. Make a checklist of morning and nighttime chores, and make sure brushing and flossing are included. When they complete a task, have them come to you to check off the activity on their list.

Every day they complete the list, give them a ticket to exchange for a prize at the end of the week. These can be anything. Trips to the park, visits with friends, and video game time all work great. Just make sure your prizes aren’t tooth decaying snacks like candy.

By using these simple tricks, you can instill good dental routines in your kids that will last them a lifetime. Another good pediatric dental care habit to start on early is regular check-ups and cleanings. Schedule an appointment for your son or daughter at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in North Carolina.

Get Your Child the Best Care at a Pediatric Dentist

Posted on July 7, 2017November 22, 2019 by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Your child’s first dentist appointment is an exciting step in their life, but where should you take your child? Should they see a general, a family, or a pediatric dentist? Is there even a difference between them?

How Do Pediatric Dentists Differ from General Dentists?

Children have unique dental needs compared to adults, and pediatric dentists, like Dr. Jasmine Elmore at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, have specialized training to help meet those needs.

Additional Training

Any licensed dentist who has graduated from an accredited institution is qualified to serve patients of any age. However, pediatric dentists don’t just go through different training, but additional training. These dentists require an additional two or three years of education and training focused on issues and treatments specific to children.

A Unique Focus

Children have special dental needs compared to adults. Pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to help with those issues. The primary focus for a pediatric dentist will not be on dealing with issues after they’ve happened. Instead, they will build a plan for your child based on their needs, to help foster healthy development.

Pediatric dentists also specialize in treatments that are more helpful to kids, like dental sealants, disking baby teeth, and fluoride treatment.

Friendly Setting

General dentist’s offices are often cold and clinical. This is fine for an adult, but for a younger child, this environment can be terrifying. This kind of atmosphere is the biggest contributing factor to kids hating the dental visits. Pediatric dentists create a warm, colorful setting that puts children at ease.

Most dentists also lack training or experience working with children who don’t want to be there. Pediatric dentistry offices are staffed with people who love working with kids. They have experience helping calm nervous children.

Why Should You Take Your Child to Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in Wilson, NC?

Dr. Elmore and the team at Wilson Pediatric Dentist, in Wilson, North Carolina, have years of experience helping to build healthy smiles for their young patients. With specific experience working with kids who have had negative experiences with dentists, we will make your child’s experience both comfortable and fun.

Our team looks forward to working with your daughter or son. Contact us at (252)291-4300 to learn more about how we can help your child.