Dental Blog

Welcome to the SRLL Dental Blog! Where you can find the latest content on our office, oral health, and other dental-related topics! 

April 9, 2023

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from your friends at Spangler, Lambert and Lipp Pediatric Dentistry!  We hope everyone had a fun holiday and would like to gently remind everyone to brush after enjoying their candy from the Easter bunny :)

 

April 3, 2023

Sophie had her cleft lip surgery!

Dr. Kelly's daughter, Sophie, had her surgery to repair her cleft lip in March at Nationwide Children's Hospital, where Dr. Kelly completed her residency training.  Sophie is loving her new smile!

November 22, 2022

Welcome Dr. Kelly's daughter, Sophie!

Dr. Kelly's daughter, Sophie Nelson, was born on November 22nd at 5:22 pm weighing 8 lbs 6 oz and measuring 20.5 inches.  Sophie surprised everyone when she showed the world her beautiful smile: she had a cleft lip!  Both Mom and baby are happy and healthy, and Sophie is now followed by a craniofacial team to address her needs as she continues to grow and develop. 

What is a cleft lip?

A cleft lip is a craniofacial condition where the lip does not form fully during pregnancy, resulting in an opening, or cleft, in the upper lip.  Cleft lip is a relatively rare conditioning, affecting 1 in 2800 births in the USA. 

 

March 8, 2022

Happy International Women's Day!

Our team is fierce, strong, and the best when it comes to caring for our patients!  Happy international Women's Day to these incredible ladies who bring the girl power every day!

January 17, 2022

Office closed due to snow

Our office will be closed on MLK day (1/17/22) due to snow and concern for patients' safety.  If you have an urgent dental need, please call the office at (336)416-3052 to leave a message for the doctor on call. 

November 8, 2021

Christmas gift ideas

 

Christmas will be here before we know it.  We  encourage you to pick something to keep your childrens' mouth healthy!  With all the cookies and candy canes, it’s a great idea to buy your kids something that encourages good oral hygiene.  Here are some gift ideas:

Oral B Kids Electric Toothbrush

This toothbrush is extremely effective at removing plaque from teeth and can help prevent staining.  It also features a 2-minute timer which has been shown to encourage children to brush longer and more effectively.   

Purchase the Oral B toothbrush on Amazon here

Phillips Sonicare Bluetooth Connected Kids Toothbrush

This toothbrush has sonic technology to help remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, a two minute-time to encourage longer brushing, and an interactive app that helps parents track progress.

Purchase the Sonicare toothbrush on Amazon here

October 31, 2021

Happy Halloween from Spangler Rohlfing and Lambert Pediatric Dentistry!

Tips for a Tooth-Healthy Halloween

Choose Chocolate

• Some candies are better for your teeth than others.  Sticky treats cause cavities more easily than candy that melts.  Choose chocolate over sticky candy and lollipops.

Candy Time

• Pick a time of day for your child to enjoy candy with adult supervision.  Keep the "candy stash" where it can be monitored and choose a time for your child to enjoy snacking, such as immediately after dinner. 

Switch Witch

• Instead of Halloween candy lingering in the house for weeks, pick a date for the "Switch Witch" to take the leftover treats.  Let your children know that after a week or so, the "Switch Witch" will come in the night to exchange their sweet treats for a toy or gift!

August 18, 2021

Snacking tips for back-to-school!

Our office wants to with our patients the best as they return back to school!  Here are some tips for lunch box snacks that won't cause cavities:

Low Carbohydrate Snacks

• Raw vegetables with hummus
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Deli meats
• Hard boiled eggs

Snacks that Usually Won't Cause Cavities

• Fresh fruit (crunchy is best)
• Whole grain bread
• Popcorn
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Dips and sauces
• Oatmeal
• Dark Chocolate (>70% Cacoa)

Snacks that Cause Cavities Easily

• Candies
• Cookies
• Dried fruits
• Fruit snacks
• Dried flour cereals
• Pretzels
• Crackers

August 5, 2021

Wishing Richmond well as he heads back to college!

We loved having our summer intern, Richmond, work at our office!  Richmond worked in our sterilization center and will be returning to UNC-Chapel Hill for his sophomore year to study political sciences.  Richmond plans to go to dental school  and enjoyed learning about dentistry while working!  We will miss his hard work, love of learning, and contagious smile (though it was mostly hidden behind a mask and face shield!).  Richmond's accomplishments were featured in a recent article in the Clemmons Courier.  You can read more about him here. 

July 26, 2021

Does the autobrush work?

In short, it does not work nearly as well as a traditional toothbrush!

In the attached video, Dr. Kate stains the plaque on her teeth purple to visualize the amount of plaque left behind after using the Autobrush vs. a regular toothbrush.  As you will see, there is a big difference…a traditional toothbrush is much better!

For families looking to invest in a toothbrush, we recommend a Sonicare or Oral B electric toothbrush. 

 

July 21, 2021

Tethered Oral Tissues: What is a tongue tie?

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie, also known as a lingual frenum, attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.  Like lip ties, tongue ties play a major role in orofacial function, so a restrictive tongue or lip tie can cause issues with swallowing, speech, and oral development.  

 What are some signs of a restrictive tongue tie?

In infants, tongue ties can cause difficulty with breastfeeding and bottle feeding.  A restrictive tongue tie can be associated with difficulty protruding or raising the tongue and can also cause issues with speech, eating, and inability to clear the mouth of food debris.

What can you do if your child has a restrictive lip tie?

If a restrictive lip tie is noted, we will discuss potential treatment options with you.  Many children can function perfectly with restrictive anatomy; others could benefit from intervention.  If your child’s lip tie could benefit from revision, we use a state-of-the-art CO2 laser.  This allows our providers to complete the procedure quickly and ensures quick and comfortable healing.  

July 12, 2021

Tethered Oral Tissues: What is a lip tie?

 

A lip tie, also known as a maxillary frenum, is a soft tissue attachment that connects our upper lip to the gums between our two front teeth.  Lip ties play a role in orofacial function, so when these tissues are attached in the wrong position or in the a way that is too tight, then this restriction can cause issues with breastfeeding, speech, and oral development.   

What are some signs of a restrictive lip tie?

In infants, a restrictive lip tie can cause difficulty with breastfeeding and bottle feeding.  It can also cause gaps between the front teeth and may interfere with toothbrushing by limiting upper lip mobility.  

What can you do if your child has a restrictive lip tie?

At our office, we always evaluate the soft tissues during your child’s routine cleaning appointments.  If a restrictive lip tie is noted, we will discuss treatment options with you.  Some children can function perfectly with restrictive anatomy; others could benefit from intervention.  If your child’s lip tie would benefit from revision, we use a state-of-the-art CO2 laser.  This allows our providers to complete the procedure quickly and ensures quick and comfortable healing.  

July 2, 2021

Dr. Kate attends continuing education on tethered oral tissues

We love being lifelong learners! Did you know that all 4 of our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists complete numerous hours of continuing education each year to be able to provide the most up to date and clinically sound patient-based care to our amazing families?

Last weekend, Dr. Kate attended a continuing education course on tethered oral tissues.  During the course, she enjoyed learning and collaborating with many different specialties including IBCLCS, Speech and Language Pathologists, Myofunctional Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Pediatricians.  Working with these comprehensive multispecialty teams helps provide the best care to our patients with signs and symptoms of restrictive oral anatomy. Dr. Kate has been caring for patients with restrictive anatomy her entire career, and always is eager to further her education in this area. 

June 21, 2021

Our office welcomes Dr. Gina's daughter, Avery, to the team!

We are so happy to welcome Avery Spangler to our dental team!  Avery, who is Dr. Gina's daughter, graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in public health with a focus in nutrition.  She is working with our business team as she prepares to apply to dental school this Fall!

June 10, 2021

My child’s front baby tooth turned grey.  Help!

It is common for baby teeth to turn grey after a traumatic dental injury.  Maybe your child fell in the bathtub, or collided with another sibling during playtime, or maybe you weren’t even aware your child had a dental injury.  Regardless, it is a common for baby teeth to turn grey after they’ve had an injury.

 

If my child’s front tooth turns grey, what should I do?

 

Go see your dentist for an evaluation.  The grey discoloration is an indication that the nerve did not heal well following the traumatic dental injury.  If the tooth is asymptomatic and otherwise appears healthy, your dentist will recommend monitoring the tooth.  If the tooth is bothering your child or if it does not appear healthy, the dentist may recommend removing the baby tooth to protect the permanent tooth from infection.

June 2, 2021

Should I brush or floss my child's teeth first?

Our goal for parents is to brush and floss their childrens' teeth every evening.  But what order should we be completing their oral hygiene routine?  Should you brush or floss first?

Floss First, Then Brush

We recommend flossing first and then brushing afterwards.  This is because the floss will loosen the biofilm (THINK: plaque, bacteria, and food debris) between the teeth, then the toothbrush will sweep the biofilm away. 

May 11, 2021

What is SDF?

SDF or silver diamond fluoride is a newer tool in pediatric dentistry used to treat tooth decay.  SDF is a liquid that, when applied to teeth, can stop cavities from growing for up to 1 year.

Is my child a good candidate for SDF?

Your pediatric dentist may recommend SDF as a noninvasive treatment option if:

1. Your child’s baby tooth has a cavity but is going to fall out within the next year
2.  Your child is very young or nervous and wouldn’t be able tolerate a traditional filling appointment
3.  If your child’s cavity is very small and a regular filling is not yet indicated

Are there any drawbacks to SDF?

SDF does not affect healthy tooth structure, but will turn cavities from a yellow, orange, or brown color to black.  For this reason, it is usually not proposed for front teeth.  In addition, the SDF does not get rid of cavities, it merely arrests them for up to 1 year.  After 1 year, if your child’s tooth is not close to falling out, we will have to readdress treatment options for the tooth, such as reapplying the SDF or going forward with the traditional dental filling. 

Learn more about SDF here

May 3, 2021

Is laughing gas (nitrous oxide) safe for my child?

If your child is undergoing a dental procedure, such as a filling or crown, and is younger or nervous, the dentist may recommend laughing gas (nitrous oxide).  Many parents are interested in knowing more about laughing gas and its safety.  Read more below!

What does laughing gas do?

Laughing gas helps keep children relaxed and less wiggly during longer dental visits.  Children who are younger (typically under eight years old) or are prone to nervousness in a medical environment can benefit greatly from nitrous oxide.  During the procedure, your child will wear a tiny nasal mask that lets out a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen.  Your child will breathe it in and out, and the gas will begin to calm him/her within minutes.  At the end of the procedure, the nitrous oxide is switched off, and the effects of the laughing gas go away within five minutes.  

Is the laughing gas safe for my child?

In short, yes.  Laughing gas is very safe and has an excellent safety record in the pediatric dental setting.  There are very few medical contraindications to laughing gas (such as uncontrolled asthma or MTHFR deficiency), and your pediatric dentist will always review your child's medical history to make sure he/she is a candidate.  Additionally, the effects of laughing gas cease completely within five minutes, so if your child decides they don't like it, the gas can simply be turned off.  

April 21, 2021

My child needs a dental filling.  How will the appointment go?

Many parents are concerned when they find out their child has a cavity.  They want to know possible causes and how to prevent future cavities.  Moreover, parents are concerned about the filling appointment and how we are going to keep their child happy throughout the experience. 

A typical filling appointment

During the appointment, your child's pediatric dentist and highly trained assistant will go out of their way to make the visit fun.  They will use child-friendly language and avoid words like "shot," drill," or "injection."  We will give your child headphones and have him/her choose a Disney movie.  While your child is enjoying a show in the dental chair, we will work as quickly as possible, explaining each step along the way.  As soon as we are finished, we will praise your child and let him/her pick a prize from the treasure tower!

How are you going to numb my child?

The most stressful part of a dental visit, for children and adults, is typically the local anesthesia.  After years of practice, our office has perfected a pain-free technique where most children don't notice they are being numbed!  Firstly, we recommend parents not mention the needle to their children; this avoids anxiety prior to the visit.  Then, we distract your child with movies and stories.  After your child is settled in the dental chair, we apply pharmaceutical-grade topical anesthetic with a Q-tip to numb the area prior to anesthetizing.   If your child is younger or nervous, we may also recommend laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to keep him/her at ease.  Finally, we place the local anesthesia as comfortably as possible.  Many patients don't even notice the numbing is taking place!

How long will the appointment take?

Filling appointments for baby teeth are typically scheduled for one hour.  However, your child will be relaxing for most of the appointment.  The numbing takes around 10 minutes, and the dental filling takes around 15 minutes.  The rest of the appointment is used to settle your child and explain the procedure in kid-friendly terms. 

Prioritizing a good experience for dental filling appointments

Our goal is to make your child's visit the highlight of the day, regardless of whether your child is coming for a routine cleaning, dental sealants, or a filling.  We want each visit to be enjoyable, entertaining, and educational.  That way, your child can maintain a beautiful smile and look forward to their appointments at our pediatric office and their future adult office! 

April 8, 2021

Dr. Kelly welcomes home baby girl, Ella Marie!

Dr. Kelly's daughter, Ella Marie Nelson, was born on March 22nd at 5:44 am at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, weighing 7lbs 3 oz and measuring 21 inches long.  She and her husband, Blake Nelson, are thrilled to welcome home their firstborn!

Dr. Kelly is enjoying her maternity leave, but looks forward to returning to seeing patients in mid-May!

April 2, 2021

Happy Easter from Your Friends at SRLL!

• M&M's
• Reese's
• Hershey's Bars
• Hershey's Kisses
• Snickers Bars

Help your child stay away from candies that are more likely to cause cavities such as:

• Sticky Treats
• Gummies
• Starburst
• Skittles
• Laffy Taffy
• Bubblegum
• Suckers
• Tootsie Pops
• Blow Pops
• Dum-Dums
• Jolly Ranchers
• War Heads
• Jaw Breakers

March 25, 2021

Thank you for voting us Best Pediatric Dentist for Triad Moms on Main

We are honored to receive the Triad Mom's on Main 2021 Choice Awards for Favorite Pediatric Dentist!  Thank you to all our families who voted for us!  We are so grateful to recieve this wonderful recognition. 

 

February 3, 2021

February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

Though we think that dental health should be celebrated every day, in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month, we want to talk about first dental visits with our team!

During your visits with Drs. Spangler, Rohlfing, Lambert, and Lipp, we will:

• Answer any questions or concerns
• Review medical and dental history
• Assess growth and development
• Assess for cavities, gingivitis, or signs of periodontal disease
• Discuss and individualized prevention plan for your child
• Complete a thorough dental cleaning
• If indicated, take dental x-rays
• Establish a caring, committed dental home for your child!

We would LOVE to meet your family!  To schedule a new patient appointment, email us at schedule@happykidssmiles.com or call us at (336)768-1332 (Winston-Salem) or (336)992-9222 (Kernersville).   

January 13, 2021

New Dietary Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been released by the US Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Human Services (HHS).  The new American dietary guidelines emphasize no added sugar for children up to six months. 

The new guidelines advise the following for infants and toddlers:

• Exclusively feed infants breast milk for the first six months of life.  Continue to feed breast milk for the first year of life and longer if desired.  Feed infants iron-fortified formula during the first year when breast milk is unavailable.
• Provide infants with supplemental vitamin D soon after birth.
• Around six months, begin nutrient-dense foods from all food groups.
• Include foods that are rich in iron and zinc.  Two servings of infant cereal a day meets baby's needs for iron!
• Include potentially allergenic foods (peanut and egg) in the infant diet when starting foods. 

November 30, 2020

Healthy Tips to Keep Your Children Smiling Through the Holidays and into the New Year from the AAPD

The holiday season is always a busy time--especially for families.  With kids out of school, a steady stream of festivities and a new year to plan for, the rhythm of everyday life gets put on hold.  And sometimes that means good health routines and habits go out the window too.  

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) wants to remind parents and caregivers that the holiday break is a great time to help your kids establish and maintain healthy dental habits.  This includes good brushing, flossing, and eating habits that are essential for healthy teeth.  

For more information on prevention and diet from the AAPD, click the link here.  

November 9, 2020

What to Expect when You're Expecting: Dental Edition

Did you know there is a link between maternal and infant oral health? Here are some frequently asked questions for women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.  

Am I at a higher risk for cavities when I'm pregnant?

Yes, women are more likely to develop cavities or dental disease when pregnant.  Because your risk of cavities is largely determined by the frequency of fermentable carbohydrate consumption (such as added sugars, processed carbohydrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages), and because most women snack more often while pregnant (due to increased appetite, cravings, and nausea), women are more likely to develop dental decay while pregnant.  

Will my growing baby steal the calcium from my teeth while I'm pregnant?

No, your baby cannot take calcium from your teeth while pregnant.  You may have heard that if a pregnant mother does not ingest enough calcium, the baby will "steal" it from her teeth.  This is not possible, as your body does not use your teeth as a calcium reservoir for your bones or your baby's bones.  Your teeth can lose calcium, however, if your oral environment is more acidic during pregnancy.  This process is called demineralization and is caused by increased fermentable carbohydrate consumption.  It is not caused by insufficient calcium ingestion.  

Is it safe to go to the dentist while I'm pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to have dental appointments while pregnant.  You may visit your dentist for your routine cleaning and examinations at any point during your pregnancy, but you may wish to defer your check-up x-rays until after you deliver.  It is also safe to have fillings and other dental work during pregnancy, though it is advised to schedule these appointments during the second trimester, if possible.  

How can I protect my teeth while pregnant?

Continue to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss in the evenings.  Attempt to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, especially between meals, and try to choose whole foods for snacking such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheeses.  

What should I do to protect my teeth if I have hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea)?

Some women experience frequent vomiting during pregnancy.  The exposure of the stomach acid to the oral cavity can cause teeth to erode and increase cavity risk.  After vomiting, a pregnant mother should not brush her teeth for at least 30 minutes.  Brushing immediately will push the acid into the tooth surface and increase the rate of erosion.  Instead, you should swish with a cup of water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda for 60 seconds and spit.  This will neutralize the acidic environment and help protect the teeth.  

Why are my gums bleeding more when I'm pregnant?

This is a common condition called pregnancy gingivitis and is caused by increased hormone levels.  If you notice your gums bleed more easily while brushing, you should consider switching to an electric toothbrush and increasing your flossing frequency.  

How can my oral health affect the health of my baby?

Did you know that a mother with dental decay is three times more likely to have a child who has cavities in early childhood?  Additionally, periodontal or gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for preeclampsia.  The first step of infant oral health is to maintain your own oral health, so continue to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.  

What can I do for my baby's oral health once he/she is born?

Schedule your baby's first dental visit within six months of the eruption of her first tooth, and begin brushing her teeth with a tiny grain-of-rice amount of toothpaste as soon as her first tooth comes in.  To learn more about infant oral health, visit our infant oral health page.  

October 1, 2020

Tips for a "Tooth-Healthy" Halloween!

Choose chocolates over sticky candies and suckers

Some candies are better for your teeth than others.  Sticky treats and suckers can cause cavities more easily candies that can melt, such as chocolates.  Encourage your child to choose items when Trick-or-Treating such as:

• M&Ms
• Reeses
• Hersheys Bars
• Hersheys Kisses 
• Snickers Bars 

Help your child stay away from candies that are more likely to cause cavities such as:

• Sticky Treats 
  • Gummies
  • Starburst
  • Skittles
  • Laffy Taffy
  • Bubblegum
• Suckers
  • Tootsie Pops
  • Blow Pops
  • Dum-Dums
  • Jolly Ranchers
  • War Heads 
  • Jaw Breakers 

Pick a Time of Day for your child to enjoy his/her candy with adult supervision

Snacking on candies throughout the day is worse for our teeth than enjoying them during a specified period of time.  Keep the "candy stash" in an area where a parent can monitor it (not in their bedrooms!), and choose a time for your children to enjoy snacking, such as immediately after dinner. As always, make sure you child’s teeth are thoroughly brushed with fluoridated toothpaste that evening.

Have the “Switch Witch” Visit Your House!

Instead of having the Halloween candy linger in the house for weeks, pick a date for the Switch Witch to come and take the leftover treats away.  We suggest giving your children up to a week to enjoy their candy.  Let your children know that after a week,  the Switch Witch will come in the middle of the night to exchange their sweets for a toy or other gift! 

September 28, 2020

Have a Tooth-Healthy Halloween with Triad Moms on Main

Fall is here, which means Halloween is around the corner!  Our office loves to celebrate Halloween with decorations, costumes, pumpkin carving, and sweet treats, but we want our families to do it in a way that doesn't cause tooth decay.  As our main priority is keeping our patients happy, healthy, and safe, we have some advice for a "Tooth-Healthy Halloween." Check out our blog in October through our website or through Triad Moms on Main for tips on candies that are healthier for our teeth (THINK: chocolate) and other strategies for navigating our children returning home with buckets full of candies (THINK: monitoring daily consumption).   

Please note: the above photo is from Halloween 2019

September 21, 2020

COVID-19 Screening Forms

All patients are required to have a COVID-19 screening form completed prior to their appointment.  There are three ways to fill out this form:

1. Digitally via SignNow

Prior to your child's appointment, you will be emailed and texted all forms digitally to complete prior to the appointment.  If you are having a hard time finding the paperwork, look for an email from an @happykidssmiles account.  To fill out the paperwork, we use an App called "SignNow", which is similar to "Docusign."  If you would prefer to not download the app, you can open the document through your internet browser. 

2. Through Our Website

Our COVID-19 Screening Forms can also be found on our website.  Simply download the form here, print, and bring to your appointment; or you can send a digital copy to hannah@happykidssmiles.com (for Winston-Salem) and kville@happykidssmiles.com (for Kernersville).  

3. In-Person Prior To Your Appointment

If you are unable to complete the paperwork prior, we can fill out the paperwork in-person upon arrival at our office.  As this new paperwork takes additional time, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time in order to complete everything in a timely manner.   

September 14, 2020

Which electric toothbrush is best?

Many of our parents want to know when they can try an electric toothbrush for their child. When your child is younger (under five years old), a regular or manual toothbrush is sufficient at removing plaque and food from their teeth.  However, you may choose an electric toothbrush based on you and your child's preference.

The less expensive options, such as the SpinBrushes and Quip toothbrushes, can motivate your children to brush longer if they are equipped with two-minute timers.  However, these toothbrushes are not clinically proven to remove plaque better than a regular, manual toothbrush.  

The "investment" options, such as the Sonicare or OralB also can motivate your children to brush longer, as most of these brushes have two-minute timers.  They are also clinically proven to remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes.  Additionally, these toothbrushes can be equipped with pressure sensors to detect when you are applying too much force to the teeth.

If you are considering switching to an electric toothbrush, we will often recommend trying a less-expensive option first.  If your child tolerates the toothbrush well, then you may consider investing in a Sonicare or OralB.

September 8, 2020

Which toothpaste is best?

Parents commonly ask us which toothpaste is the best for their children's teeth.  Our answer is that we recommend any toothpaste with fluoride, as it provides the best protection against cavities.  To determine if your child's toothpaste has fluoride in it, look for the words "anticavity" on the front or "sodium fluoride" in the active ingredients.  

Do you recommend a certain brand of toothpaste?

We find that if your child enjoys the toothpaste flavor, he/she will probably brush longer, so choose based on flavors that your child likes!  If your child loves bubblegum, you can try Crest Blue Sparkles or Colgate Bubble Fruit.  If your child prefers milder flavors, try Tom's Silly Strawberry or HelloFresh.  If your child has hot and cold sensitivity, try Sensodyne.  

Which toothpastes should I avoid? 

We recommend not using fluoride-free toothpaste and charcoal toothpastes.  Fluoride-free toothpastes do not provide sufficient protection against cavities.  Charcoal toothpastes are too abrasive for daily use and can wear away the enamel over time.  

August 31, 2020

New Patient Appointments During COVID-19 Pandemic 

We love meeting new families!  Our office is doing everything we can to ensure that your child's first visit is filled with laughter, smiles, and fun... even during the pandemic!

What will happen during my child's first visit?

During the first visit, we will thoroughly examine your child's mouth including the hard tissues (teeth), soft tissues (gums), and growth and development (bite).  Depending on your child's age and anatomy, we may take x-rays and complete a dental cleaning.  At the end of the visit, we will discuss applying fluoride varnish to protect your child's teeth.  To read more about the first dental visit, click here.  

How have first visits changed with COVID-19?

Our office has implemented additional preventive measures to protect our patients, families, and team during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We offer a virtual check-in and check-out process with entirely paperless forms.  Prior to entering the building, we ask that your family to complete a COVID-19 prescreening questionnaire and have their temperatures taken.  All families are asked to wear a mask while in the building.  Team members are equipped with extensive PPE including facemasks, face shields, surgical caps, and surgical gowns.  To read more about how our office is protecting our families during COVID-19, click here. 

Can I go back with my child for his/her first dental visit?

We ask that school-aged children attend their appointment alone.  However, we understand that many parents want to be with their child, especially during their first visit, so exceptions will be made on a case-by-case visit.  

How can I prepare my child for his/her first dental visit?

We have made a video that explains our new "superhero" outfits in silly, child-friendly terms here.  

August 17, 2020

Fluoride Varnish at our Office

Do you remember the fluoride treatment when we were kids with the foam trays?  Now, fluoride is easier, more comfortable, and tastier than ever before!

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated, topically-applied fluoride treatment that is painted on your teeth in 30 seconds.  It is fruit flavored, painless, and doesn't cause any uncomfortale gagging.  After the fluoride varnish is applied to your teeth, you can eat and drink immediately following your appointment.  We simply ask that your child avoid sticky/crunchy foods and hot liquids for the rest of the day and refrain from brushing until the following morning.  

Do you recommend fluoride varnish for my child?

For most children, fluoride varnish is recommended every six months as it is an extremely effective way to prevent dental decay.  If your child could benefit from fluoride varnish treatment, we will discuss applying it at the end of your child's cleaning visit.  

August 10, 2020

We are sponsors for Triad Moms on Main

Our office is a proud sponsor for Triad Moms on Main, a website dedicated to all-inclusive resource for parents.  Triad Moms on Main features daily blogs, directories, local events, contests, and giveaways.  For more information, see the 'Health Section' at: https://triadmomsonmain.com/health/

 

August 3, 2020

Making every visit fun!

We strive to make every appointment fun for your children, so they recognize that this is a safe, interactive, and friendly environment where all of their oral healthcare needs are met!  We have multiple strategies to help make every visit fun:

Reception Area

• Large playhouse with play kitchen for imaginary play 
• Treasure tower filled with toys and tokens

Treatment Area

• Video games
• Interactive touch screens
• Ceiling-mounted TVs for children to watch movies during their visit
• Treasure tower filled with toys and tokens

 

At the end of each visit, your child will receive a token to “buy” a prize from our treasure tower.  Young children under the age of three are given a choice of a larger beach ball or rubber duck.  Adolescents are given the option of SPF chap stick.  

NOTE: During COVID-19, some of these amenities, such as the interactive touch screens and playhouse, have been put away to reduce high-contact surface contamination.  

 

July 20, 2020

Our 'After Visit Care Instructions' are now on our website

If your child had a dental procedure such a sealant, filling, or crown, the doctor will review how to best care for your child afterwards.  We understand it is sometimes difficult to remember all of these instructions and wanted to make it easier for our family have access to all of our information.

Now, all of our 'after visit care instructions' are available on our website.  There are written post-operative instructions for each dental procedure.  In addition, we have posted a video of one of our doctor's reviewing the information.

Click here to find the after visit care instructions for the following procedures:

• Fluoride varnish
• Front tooth build-up
• Numbing (local anesthesia)
• Pain management
• Sealants 
• Separators
• Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)
• Silver or white crowns
• Space maintainers
• Tooth colored fillings
• Tooth removal (extraction)
• Tooth trauma
• Dental surgery under general anesthesia

We hope this new addition to our website makes things easier for our parents and families! 

July 13, 2020

Tips for wearing a mask 

We are now requesting that parents and children wear a mask at our office.  We have several tips for helping make your mask more comfortable!

#1 FIND YOUR FIT 

Try multipel different masks to the see the best fit to your face.  You want the most "snug" mask that doesn't leave gaps between the mask material and your face.

#2 ADJUST THE NOSE BRIDGE

If the mask has an adjustable nasal bridge, press it against your face to shape it.  Pro tip: the better the mask is adapted to your nose, the less fog you'll get on your glasses.  

#3 ADJUST THE EARLOOPS

If your mask is too loose, try twisting the earloops before hooking on your nose.  

#4 SET IT AND FORGET IT

If you're constantly adjusting your face mask, you could be bringing germs to your face.  Spend the time to fit your mask appropriately before heading out so you don't have to touch it again until it comes off.  

July 9, 2020

Our Winston-Salem and Kernersville Offices are entirely paperless

We have prioritized becoming paperless during COVID-19 to reduce the amount of paperwork being cycled through the office and to be more eco-friendly!

We will now send all our digital paperwork to your email.  Prior to your appointment, look for an email from an @happykidssmiles address.  The email will have a link to fill out all necessary paperwork (such as consent forms, treatment plans, and COVID-19 questionnaires) without needing to print!  

For more information, or to review our paperwork, click here

June 22, 2020

Our new reception area is your car

We have made a few changes to our office clinical flow.  Think of your car as our new reception area; you'll remain in it during our virtual check-in and check-out process.  

Virtual Check-In

When you arrive in our parking lot, simply text (336)310-5114 with your child's name and the car you are driving.  Please check to make sure your paperwork (sent from an @happykidssmiles email) is completed and have everyone ready with their masks on.  One of our team members will be with you shortly to review paperwork and take a screening temperature.  If your child is school-aged, we kindly request that you remain in your vehicle during the appointment.  Exceptions will be made for new patients, anxious patients, and children with special healthcare needs.  

Virtual Check-Out

Once your child has returned to your car and all questions/concerns have been discussed, we ask that you remain parked until the virtual check-out process is completed.  A team member iwll call you to set up future appointments and take any payment over the phone.  After the check-out process is completed, you are free to enjoy the rest of your day! 

May 23, 2020

Office re-opening with new infection control protocols

We remaing committed to keeping our patients, families, and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Prior to our office reopening, we have added numerous additional infection control protocols beyond the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), and North Carolina Dental Board (NCDS).  

Additional protective measures include:

• All patients and parents are screening for COVID-19 signs and symptoms including a temperature reading prior to entering the building
• Parents of school aged children are asked to wait in the car during the appointment
• All clinical staff are equipped with N-95 equipvalent facemasks, face shields, surgical caps, and surgical gowns
• Check-in and check-out is completed virtually over phone/text
• Air purification systems have been added to the office to remove any viral particles from the air 
• Social distancing is maintained between all patients 

To read more on our updated infection control protocols, please see our COVID-19 page here. 

March 17, 2020

Office closed to all non-emergency dental visits

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Winston-Salem and Kernersville offices are  closed to all non-emergency dental clinics.  If your child is having a dental emergency (such as infection, pain, swelling, or trauma) please do not hesitate to call our Winston-Salem office at (336)768-1332 or Kernersville office at (336)992-9222.  For more information on dental emergencies, such as examples and possible treatment, see here.  

March 2, 2020

Our office welcomes Ashley to the team

Please join us in welcoming Ashley, our newest dental hygienist, to the Spangler Rohlfing and Lambert Pediatric Dental Team!

Ashley has over 15 years working as a dental hygienist and absolutely loves working with children.  She graduated from Guilford Tech for both her dental assisting and dental hygiene certifications.  

Outside of the office, she enjoys going to the beach, reading, and relaxing.  She is married to her husband, Will and has two sons and a dog named Mokka.   

September 20, 2019

Our office welcomes Rhonda to the team

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Rhonda, our newest dental assistant and clinical coordinator.  

Rhonda graduated from dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has obtained her CDA license.  She has over 30 years of dental assisting experience in pediatric dentistry.  Rhonda was one of our original dental assistants with Dr. Mark Meyer when he opened our practice in 1989 and we are so lucky that she has come back home!

Rhonda finds a certain joy in working with children and radiates warmth to all patients.  She is happily married and resides in Pfafftown with her husband Tim.  she has three grown children and four grandchildren.