Author: Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Will Cavity Treatment Prevent a Root Canal?

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s teeth are constantly bombarded by harmful substances that wear down tooth enamel and cause damage. Children tend to develop cavities, especially around the holidays. Without cavity treatment, these small recesses could lead to bigger issues. In the most serious cases, pediatric root canal treatment might be necessary. While the best course of action is to prevent cavities altogether, a cavity filling can prevent further damage to your child’s teeth.

 

Can Cavity Fillings Prevent Root Canal Issues?

Cavities Can Lead to Pediatric Root Canal Treatment

Cavities are a form of permanent tooth damage. Simple cavities break through the outer layer, the enamel. These cavities may not demonstrate any symptoms until they penetrate down to the dentin, the inner layer. However, cavities trap food and bacteria inside, which can lead to an infection deeper in the tooth. When this happens, a root canal may be necessary. A cavity filling is recommended to stop damage from spreading to this point.

 

Root canals are required when an infection develops in the pulp of the tooth. These infections cannot be treated with antibiotics as they’re too deep for medications to penetrate. Fortunately, root canals today are easy to perform and won’t cause significant pain, but we would prefer to avoid more serious treatments entirely by treating cavities as soon as they’re spotted.

 

Effective Cavity Treatments

When it comes to treating cavities, the best approach is a filling. Depending on the location of the cavity, your dentist might recommend different types of filling. The most expensive options are gold and porcelain, which are generally only recommended for adult teeth.

 

For baby teeth, amalgam fillings are preferred since they are more affordable. Another option are composite resin fillings. These appear more natural, but don’t last as long as they can also be stained like regular teeth. For baby teeth that won’t be there much longer, they’re a good option to consider. Your pediatric dentist will recommend the best type of filling given the situation.

 

Preventing Cavities Prevents Root Canals

The best approach is to be proactive and prevent cavities from forming in the first place. With no cavities, there won’t be any need to worry about treating them or potentially needing a root canal. Even if your child is a diligent tooth brusher, it’s important to come in for regular teeth cleaning. Not only does this reduce the chances of developing a cavity in the first place, but it also helps spot minor cavities before they become bigger problems.

 

If your child has been complaining about a tooth or hasn’t had a cleaning in some time, schedule an appointment with Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in Greenville, NC today.

Learn Healthy Dental Hygiene From a Pediatric Dentist

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Dental hygiene is important for overall health, especially for children. If your kids start with a good foundation for oral health, they will carry these lessons into adulthood. Healthy dental hygiene will reduce or prevent many future oral problems including ulcers, gingivitis, or even root canals. Here are some tips on how to help your kids learn good teeth cleaning in Greenville, NC.

Learn Healthy Dental Hygiene From a Pediatric Dentist

Start at an Early Age

Kids learn very quickly as they grow, and visiting a dentist at an early age helps them to understand the importance of their teeth. It is advisable to visit a pediatric dentist and book regular visits with a kids dentist as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. 

 

If you have more than one child, it’s a great idea to take your kids for a teeth cleaning service at the same time. Try combining the visit with a fun family activity on the same day to positively reinforce the dental visit.

Regular Dental Visits

Most problems with children’s teeth can be prevented by regular dental visits. This allows your dentist to maintain your child’s baby teeth. On average, a child should visit the dentist at least ten times before starting kindergarten. If your child’s baby teeth are healthy from regular checkups, their adult teeth should develop without any problems.

Lead by Example

As a parent, you are the most important role model for your kids. They look up to you for guidance, and this extends to dental care. If you demonstrate to your child the right way to brush their teeth, they will copy you. Children need to build a routine as they grow and brushing your teeth with your children together is a fun and important way to teach them great dental habits.

Provide Healthy Substitutes

Everyone loves sugar. The problem is too much sugar can cause serious damage to teeth, especially in children. As a substitute, try using little bags of healthier fruit or raw vegetables for your kids. Fruits and vegetables will provide essential vitamins and minerals, which further improve their dental health.

 

Talk With Your Dentist

Your child’s dental health is as important as their physical health. Your friendly pediatric dentist is here to help your child build a firm foundation for a lifetime of bright smiles and good dental hygiene. We also provide extra tips and advice at Serving Greenville.

 

Contact us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry to introduce your child to a lifetime of good dental hygiene and book a teeth cleaning service today.

Sparing Your Kids’ Teeth from Halloween Candy

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Sparing Your Kids’ Teeth from Halloween Candy

You might expect that a dentist will tell you to keep your kids away from all Halloween candy to help protect their teeth. While avoiding candy is generally a good idea, we understand that it is not always practical. If you want to let your children enjoy this fun holiday while sparing their teeth, we can help. The following pediatric dentistry tips will ensure your kids’ teeth (and your own) make it through Halloween strong and healthy.

Keep the Sweets in Moderation

Enjoying candy and other sweet foods is fine as long as it is done in moderation. Just like your stomach may feel sick after over-indulging in candy, your teeth can also experience problems when exposed to constant candy. Picking out just a couple pieces of candy per day will not only let you enjoy it for longer, but will help to keep your teeth strong.

Choose the Right Candies

When it comes to oral care, not all candies are the same. It is a good idea to keep your kids away from sticky and chewy candy like taffy because it tends to get trapped between teeth. It is difficult for anyone, especially kids, to remove this type of candy – even with brushing. Another type of candy to avoid is hard candies and suckers since they remain in your mouth for extended periods of time.

Candies that you can enjoy quickly and then easily rinse away (with water or brushing) are ideal. Great examples of this will include chocolates, peanut butter cups, and other similar items.

Make Sure to Brush After Enjoying Candy

When you are finished with your candy for the day, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible. Even if it isn’t part of your normal brushing routine, this will help to remove all the sugar from your mouth so bacteria and acids do not develop and cause damage to your teeth.

Schedule a Cleaning Today

One of the best things you can do to make sure your kid’s teeth are kept strong and healthy is to schedule them for regular cleanings at your dentist. We can help provide a deep cleaning that goes beyond what brushing can do. We will also look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other issues so they can be addressed as early as possible. Finally, we can offer additional tips and advice specifically for your child to help them learn better oral care. We offer pediatric dentistry in Greenville,schedule an appointment today.

Teeth-Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Love (Great for Teeth Cleaning & Health!)

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

You already know that calcium is great for strong teeth and bones…but how can you effectively get that into your kid’s diet and teeth-cleaning routine? If you’ve been looking for new ways to enhance your child’s diet and get some extra teeth-friendly benefits, we’ve got you covered. The snack ideas in this list not only save you a few extra trips to the pediatric dentist, but they’ll also get some extra midday teeth cleaning done – leaving your child with a fresh and healthy smile. 

 

Read on for our full list of snacks to protect your child’s oral health.

 

Best Teeth-Friendly Snacks for Oral Health According to a Pediatric Dentist

Looking for snack inspiration? You’re in the right place! Read on for our full list of smile-friendly snacks. 

 

1. Crispy & Crunchy Fruit or Vegetable Sticks 

They can be sweet, they can be savory, and they’re all around delicious. These healthy snack options are inexpensive, rich in nutrition, and are fantastic when paired with your child’s favorite dip or spread. Crunchy veggies and fruits offer additional teeth-specific benefits, too, giving your child’s teeth a quick brush effect. They’re also usually rich in Vitamin A & keratin for healthier enamel and less overall plaque. 

 

2. Dairy-Based Snacks 

This entry on the list likely isn’t a surprise! Cottage cheese, string cheese, plain milk, and other dairy items are great for your teeth. They are rich in both Vitamin D and calcium, which strengthens bone health. Just be sure to brush after, though, as they can also have sugars that sit on the surface of your tooth’s delicate enamel. 

 

3. Watermelon 

Watermelon is an overlooked snack suggestion for oral health, but it shouldn’t be! It’s incredibly high in antioxidants that can fight free radical damage and bacterial overgrowth in your mouth. If eaten in a high enough quantity, it can also support your body’s hydration – promoting healthy levels of bacteria-fighting saliva. 

 

4. Chicken, Eggs, and Beef 

Whether your child enjoys hamburgers, chicken nuggets, or huevos rancheros, all of these protein-heavy ingredients are great for supporting healthy enamel and bone density. Looking to go the extra mile & make your meal even healthier? Pair these once-in-awhile favorites with your child’s favorite veggie- or fruit-based side dish. 

 

Top Rated Teeth Cleaning & Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC 

Curious about your child’s oral health? Book a teeth cleaning today at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry! Our team of dental experts have been working exclusively with pediatric patients, offering them the emotional support and strategies they need for effective teeth cleaning &  lifelong healthy smile habits. For more information and to book your appointment today, please give us a call at (252) 291-4300. 

What All Parents Should Know About Baby Teeth and Pediatric Dentistry in Knightdale

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Watching your child develop is a wonderfully exciting time, and we all want to give our kids a great start in life. It’s both encouraging and sobering to know that your choices now can affect your child’s health for life, which is why it’s important to know what to expect with baby teeth. Finding quality pediatric dentistry in Knightdale for your child is crucial for your child’s future dental health. 

Good Health Begins With Teeth

Our oral health is like a gateway into our overall health, which is true for kids and adults. The human mouth contains bacteria that can get into the digestive and respiratory tract, causing disease. 

Good brushing and flossing protect your child from gum disease and tooth decay: but these habits also safeguard their overall health. 

Even Baby Teeth Need Dental Care

Some people mistakenly believe that kids don’t need dental care until their permanent teeth erupt. Yes, they will eventually replace your child’s baby teeth, but they are critical to your child’s health and welfare. 

Baby teeth enable your child to smile, speak correctly, and chew their food. And the space made by baby teeth helps the mouth form properly to allow adult teeth to come in properly.  

Pediatric Dentistry

It’s crucial that your child visits the dentist early in life, and the best time is after you see the first tooth erupt. Regular dental visits will teach you and your child how to care for teeth, help prevent cavities, and alert you to any dietary problems that are causing dental issues. They may even help you avoid expensive dental work down the line by addressing issues while they are still small. 

At-Home Care

Any tooth can decay, and baby teeth have less enamel and are therefore more at risk of decay than adult teeth. Brushing should begin as soon as the teeth erupt. Brush and floss your child’s teeth twice a day. 

Let them help and teach them how to do it as they get older. If they learn to floss while they have only a few, more widely-spaced teeth, they’ll have fewer issues flossing their permanent teeth once those come in. 

A Good Diet Is Crucial

Sugar is the worst thing for teeth, yet nearly all foods have sugar: even fruits, vegetables, and milk. That said, some foods and drinks are harder on the teeth than others. 

Children should rarely eat sticky fruit snacks and candies, sugary sodas and juices, or sour candies with ascorbic acid. Always choose foods low in sugar, encourage your children to drink water, and choose something other than sweets for snacks and meals. 

Find a Partner in Pediatric Dentistry in Knightdale

You don’t have to care for your child’s teeth alone. At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jasmine Elmore has dedicated her career to helping children achieve excellent dental health so they can thrive for a lifetime. Visit us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and get your child on the road toward good health. 

When Should Your Child Start Brushing Their Own Teeth?

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

How early should you be helping your child to brush their teeth? Afterwards, when and how should kids start brushing their own teeth? With so much information available online, it can be difficult to get the clear answer you’re looking for as a parent.

 

Read on to learn more about tips that you can use today to start good brushing habits with your kids, and to answer the question of when your children should begin brushing their own teeth. 

 

When should you begin brushing your child’s teeth? 

You can begin brushing your child’s teeth from as early as four months old, well before they even have teeth.

 

Starting early can help to stimulate blood flow in the gums, and can encourage great oral health from an early age. Simply use a wet, soft towel or even your finger. You won’t have to worry about using toothpaste until their first tooth appears. Be sure to use a very small amount on a soft-bristled brush when you brush your child’s teeth for the first time. 

 

How can I help my child have good brushing habits? 

Brushing their teeth on their own is a habit that you’ll have to support your child in learning. Your child can start learning how to brush their own teeth at age 3, while they should be brushing their own teeth morning and night by age 4. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you to stay on the right track with your child’s personal oral hygiene habits from a young age. 

 

  1. Mirror & copy 

Have your child take part in your own oral care routine. Focusing on having them mirror you can help you to instill good brushing habits, and allows you to regularly monitor their oral health. It also shows them how high of a priority oral care is when it comes to one’s overall well-being.

 

  1. Encourage & incentivize 

As your child develops, you can begin using habit trackers and other incentives to keep them on the right track. Rewards work well to solidify these habits at every stage of development.

 

  1. Visit your pediatric dentist 

Making your dentist trips a priority is key for pediatric oral health. Looking for a pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC? The team at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. With years of success and hundreds of happy patients, we’re confident that we can help you get the care you need for excellent oral health. Keep browsing our website to learn more, and feel welcome to schedule your appointment today.

Protect Your Kid’s Teeth During Summer Play

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Protect Your Kid’s Teeth During Summer Play

Now that your kids are off of school for the summer, they’ll want to get out and enjoy themselves. Summertime is a great opportunity to have fun and make memories for children, but it can also be quite hazardous if they are not careful. An accident can happen in an instant, and without proper care, could result in serious damage to your child’s teeth. Follow these tips to help protect your kid’s teeth this summer so they can return to school with a happy and healthy smile.

Buy a Custom Mouth Guard

A mouth guard that can be molded to fit your child’s teeth perfectly will provide a lot of protection throughout most types of play. Make sure they are wearing the mouth guard when roughhousing, riding bikes, using skateboards, and enjoying other activities where they might bump their mouth.

Keep Healthy Snacks Available

Summertime often means frequent snacks to keep up their energy. Rather than eating candy and drinking sugary drinks, make sure they have vegetables and other options that taste great and won’t cause problems with their teeth.

Provide Proper Protective Equipment

If your children will be playing any sports, make sure they have the right equipment to do it safely. For potentially dangerous sports like football, baseball, and hockey, make sure their helmet has a full face guard to protect their teeth.

Follow a Daily Brushing and Flossing Routine

Once school ends, the normal routine can go right out the window. If you aren’t careful, this can mean that your kids skip brushing and flossing from time to time, which can leave their teeth vulnerable to cavities. While the summer routine may be different than the normal school year one, it definitely needs to include proper oral care.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment

The summer is the perfect time of year to schedule a dentist appointment for your kids since they won’t have to miss any school. Get a summer cleaning and checkup at the best pediatric dentist in Greenville. Wilson Pediatric Dentistry serves children throughout Greenville, Rocky Mount, NC, Knightdale, NC and the surrounding area. Give us a call at (252) 291-4300 to schedule an appointment today.

Thumb Sucking and Your Child’s Teeth

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Thumb Sucking and Your Child’s Teeth

During infancy, children may turn to a variety of “sucking” behaviors in order to self-soothe. The most common of these is thumb sucking, though pacifier use is also quite common. These forms of self-soothing are usually harmless in infancy, but when they extend into early childhood, they lead to the development of dental issues.

How Sucking Thumbs or Fingers Can impact Your Child’s Teeth

In fact, there are a number of ways in which sucking behaviors can adversely impact your child’s teeth or their overall health. Some examples include:

  • The most serious effect is malocclusion, also known as an open bite. This describes a type of dental misalignment that is notable even when the mouth is closed.
  • Long-term thumb sucking may also result in an overbite, a type of malocclusion in which the top teeth cover the bottom teeth any time the mouth is closed.
  • Thumb sucking can contribute to speech impediments. Because thumb and finger sucking results in shifting to the teeth, jaw, or palette, it can affect your child’s ability to form certain sounds.

How to Stop Harmful Behaviors

There are a few tips and strategies we recommend for parents who wish to put an end to their child’s thumb sucking behaviors.

  • Reinforce positive behaviors. Sticker/reward charts can work really well for most kids.
  • Start by eliminating thumb sucking during daytime, then naps, and finally nighttime.
  • Consider the use of Mavala thumb polish and/or fabric gloves.
  • Consider painting a face on the thumb with a non-toxic marker, a gentle reminder to your child.

Talk with a Pediatric Dentist

For additional insights, or a consultation regarding early-stage dental concerns, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a pediatric dentist.

As you search for a pediatric dentist near you, keep Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in mind. We are happy to serve kids and parents throughout the Wilson, NC community. Schedule a consultation appointment with us at any time.

Are X-Rays Safe?

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

dentistry x-ray

If you have ever been to the dentist, you have likely been told that you will need to have a dental x-ray performed. These x-rays are an important tool for evaluating overall oral health, diagnosing problems, developing treatment plans, and much more. If you’re bringing your children in for dental care, you’re probably concerned about the safety of x-rays.

People worry about x-rays because they use radiation to take the image of the inside of the body. Radiation, of course, can be very dangerous to the human body. While x-rays in the past did result in a significant amount of radiation exposure, today’s machines are extremely safe. Take some time to learn about dental x-rays, how safe they are, and why they are an important part of a comprehensive dental care plan.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

According to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, children can be safely exposed to 500 millirems of radiation per year. While different x-ray machines use a different amount of radiation, all modern machines are well below this limit. On average, a single dental x-ray creates just 1.5 millirems of radiation, which is extremely little. On top of that, our pediatric dentist in Greenville takes further steps to minimize exposure, including things like:

  • Placing a lead vest over the patient to block radiation
  • Scheduling x-rays only when needed for treatment
  • Using focused x-ray imaging to get good results without having to repeat the x-ray
  • And Much more

Our goal is to make sure we keep all of our patients safe. That means minimizing the exposure to radiation while maximizing our ability to properly take care of their teeth.

Why are Dental X-Rays Important?

Dentists have a variety of tools and techniques that they use to care for your child’s teeth. X-rays are one of the most important tools because they can give dentists and hygienists visibility into areas that would otherwise be impossible. For example, dental x-rays can give a clear image of the tooth below the gumline. This can be used to discover cavities, evaluate the health of the root of the tooth, and much more. In addition, x-rays can look at the inside of the tooth to see if there are any areas that are weak or damaged. There are many other ways that dentists use x-rays to help improve your teeth. Fortunately, they are a very safe and effective diagnostic tool that we can use.

Providing Effective Dental Care in Greenville, NC

Our team works hard to make your child’s dental visit as pleasant as possible and to ensure that they are comfortable. Schedule your child’s dental x-rays today or call us at (252)-291-4300; we’ll be happy to help.

How to Comfort Your Child for Their First Dental Appointment

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Kids Dentist Visit

Most pediatric dentists agree that a child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled around the time of their first birthday. One reason for this is that it provides a way to ensure that your child’s smile is developing just the way it’s supposed to. Additionally, it creates early familiarity with dental care, helping your child to become more comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist.

 

Even if you do ensure early exposure to the dentist, however, bracing your child for a cleaning can be a little bit daunting. (After all, there are even adults who get the jitters before their trip to the dentist.) Here are a few tips for parents to keep in mind as they seek to comfort their child in advance of a dental appointment.

 

Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

 

  •   Exude positivity. If you convey anxiety, your child will doubtless pick up on it. Even if you’re not a huge fan of going to the dentist yourself, it’s important to put on a smile and adopt a cheerful tone as you drive your child to the appointment.
  •   Check out some books and shows. Try to find some children’s stories that involve (positive) trips to the dentist, which will show your child what a routine part of life it is.
  •   Schedule your appointment for earlier in the day. Generally speaking, kids do better at the dentist when they are still pretty fresh and alert.
  •   Find the right dentist. We highly recommend finding a pediatric dental practice. Pediatric dentists have special expertise in soothing children’s nerves and helping them feel safe and comfortable during their cleaning. (Naturally, for a kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, we recommend our practice!)
  •   Ask for a tour. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for a quick tour of the building before the appointment, showing your child that it’s not a scary place.
  •   Don’t talk about it too far in advance. No need to let your child’s imagination run wild for weeks before the appointment. Instead, consider telling them about the appointment on the morning of.

 

To schedule your child’s dental cleaning in Greenville, NC, we invite you to contact Wilson Pediatric Dentistry at your convenience.

Unexpected Causes of Tooth Decay in Children

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Everyone knows candy, soda, and other sugary sweets are some of the main cavity culprits for children. But there are a number of unexpected causes of tooth decay for which many people are unaware. Below we take a look at some of the lesser known causes of cavities and tooth decay in children. 

Milk

Milk is a double-edged sword as it relates to tooth health. On the one hand, milk is full of calcium and other minerals that strengthen and repair tooth enamel. On the other hand, milk contains lactose, which is a type of sugar. As the lactose is broken down, it produces acid that can cause tooth decay. 

Fruit 

Fruit is a healthy and recommended snack for kids. But fruit, particularly citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, contain citric acid that can eat away at enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to cavities. 

Bread

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a popular item on a kid’s lunch menu. While bread itself does not contain much sugar, it does contain a lot of starch. When you eat bread, your saliva breaks down the starch into simple sugar that sticks in the crevices of your teeth and exposes them to the produced sugar. 

Ice  

If you put ice in a kid’s drink, they’ll probably chew it. Chewing on hard substances, on the other hand, can wear away the protective enamel, leaving teeth prone to disease, as well as chips, cracks, and other damage.

Cereal

Cereal is loved by children, but not by their teeth. A lot of cereals marketed toward children are high in sugar, and a child consuming just an average serving per day for a year would consume more than 10 pounds of sugar with some cereals.

 

Schedule Your Child’s Cavity Treatment in Greenville, NC

Stop tooth decay before it starts by scheduling regular checkups and cleanings for your child. If they do get a cavity, our pediatric dentists can help them get the cavity treatment they need to heal tooth rot and restore their smiles.

Schedule your appointment today and ask our team about other causes of tooth decay and how you can keep your child’s teeth safe from harm. 

How to Choose Your Child’s Toothbrush

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CHILD’S TOOTHBRUSH

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush for your child, it may seem that there are simply too many options. Brushes vary not only by size and shape, but by color and by the cartoon characters shown on the box. Of course, some of these factors are purely aesthetic; we’ll leave them up to you and your child to decide. As for selecting a toothbrush that gets the job done, we do have a few suggestions.

Tips for Picking Your Child’s Toothbrush

For Babies and Toddlers

Before your child has any teeth, you don’t need to worry about brushing. Simply wipe their gums clean after a meal with a wet cloth. Once that first tooth erupts, buy them a toothbrush that has a small head and an easy-to-grip handle. Your child won’t really have the fine motor skills to brush effectively, but this is a great time to train them in proper oral hygiene habits.

Ages 5-8

Once your child reaches this age range, they should start becoming a bit more independent in their oral health care. Look for toothbrushes that have slimmer handles, suiting your child’s increased dexterity. Also keep in mind that, at this point, your child’s jaw is getting larger, meaning a larger brush head is just fine.

Preadolescence

Most of the time, kids who are eight and older should be able to brush on their own. Brushes for this age group should look a lot like adult toothbrushes, with the possible exception of a slightly larger handle or smaller head. Also note that, at this age, kids often fare well with electric toothbrushes.

Schedule Your Child for Teeth Cleaning in Greenville, NC

There are a few things you can do to help your child maintain robust oral health. Getting them a toothbrush, then showing them how to use it, is crucial. Additionally, make sure you schedule regular appointments with an oral hygienist. As soon as your child develops teeth, get them into a routine of teeth cleanings every six months.

To schedule a cleaning in Greenville, reach out to our office at your convenience. Our pediatric dentistry team is here to help.