Author: Jennifer Wells

Dr. Wells recommends her patients begin dental care when they get their first tooth or by the age of one, whichever comes first. This recommendation is based off the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. Often times parents raise concerns about how their child might behave during their initial dental appointment. We realize little ones can be unpredictable and you just never know what you’re going to get. Here at First Impressions, we do a great job of helping kids (and adults) work through their dental fear.

Start Young

This is probably the best advice we can give you! The younger the better as it is much easier to begin getting them acclimated to routine dental appointments when they start young. It’s not uncommon for a child’s first couple of appointments to consist more of showing them around than actually cleaning- and that’s totally okay!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

When it comes to brushing & flossing make sure you’re emphasizing the importance of it to your child. Explain to your child why we take care of our teeth and how to do so effectively. Teach oral hygiene as something that is a necessity, not a choice. If a child understands the importance of good oral hygiene they will view their dental appointments as something that’s not option-able.

Monitor your Wording

Rather than saying we’re going to “check for cavities” try telling your child that we are going to “count their teeth & check their smile”. You want to avoid using words like “shot” and “pain”. Let our staff introduce more “kid-friendly” verbage.

Following these tips will help even the most anxious child. Ultimately we just want our youngest patients to be comfortable, we want their dental appointment to be something they look forward to going to. Even if you’re unsure of how your child might behave, we encourage you to make an appointment.

At First Impressions Dentistry, we are here to help you achieve the best smile of your life! Feel free to call our office if you have any questions!

704-933-2115

Warmer weather is quickly approaching and everyone is wanting to get those chompers nice and bright! Although we recommend in office whitening treatment for the best, quickest, and most long-lasting results, there are a few things you can add to your diet to aid the process.

Strawberries contain malic acid and an antioxidant called ellagitannis. Both help to polish the teeth and reduce the amount of stain attracting bacteria that are present in the mouth.

Cheese, especially hard cheeses, stimulates saliva production and therefore helps to clean the teeth. Cheese also provides calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that help to strengthen and protect teeth against decay.

Raw broccoli is very crisp and therefore helps to polish teeth. Broccoli also has a lot of iron, iron coats the teeth and protects against staining and decay.

Water is great to sip and swish when drinking darker beverages such as soda, red wine, and coffee. The water rinses off any dye that might be lurking on the teeth and also works to prevent tooth decay. If you can’t brush your teeth, always rinse with water after drinking a dark colored beverage-especially if it’s sugary!

Baking Soda isn’t exactly a food, but it can still help you whiten! Once or twice a week switch your regular toothpaste out with baking soda to help remove those surface stains.

All of the above mentioned foods can aid in removing surface stains, but only in-office whitening treatments can remove those below the surface stains. If you aren’t getting the results you’d like to see, consider giving us a call. First Impressions offers 4 different whitening options, something to fit into everyone’s lifestyle and budget. Let us help you get your smile ready for spring!

At First Impressions Dentistry, we are here to help you achieve the best smile of your life! Feel free to call our office if you have any questions!

704-933-2115

Adalyn Elizabeth turned three months old this week! We are so enjoying having her in the office everyday. She will have no shortage of people to spoil her. We’d like to say a big thank you to all our sweet patients for doting on her and showering her with gifts, we appreciate all of the love.

Dr. Wells and Adalyn have been back in the office for a little over a month and the transition has gone very smoothly. Adalyn is an easy baby, but she likes to keep to her eating schedule! When she’s in the office she always eats at 9am, 12 pm, and 3pm. Adalyn enjoys tummy time, can roll over, and loves to chime in on conversation.

If you haven’t met Adalyn yet, you need to! She is sure to brighten up your day.

At First Impressions Dentistry, we are here to help you achieve the best smile of your life! Feel free to call our office if you have any questions!

704-933-2115