Kentucky Dentistry for Kids
Wendy K. Humphrey Van Meter, DMD, Pediatric Dentistry for Infants, Children and Teens serving Lexington, KY and the surrounding areas.
Call our office at (859) 277-5437 to schedule an appointment.
Canker sores are small, red spots or bumps that can appear on the inside of your mouth. They can be sensitive and cause a burning or tingling sensation. Most sores usually heal in 7 – 10 days. However, you should give us a call if you're concerned or if the canker sore has lasted longer than 2 weeks.
Here's to the dads who go above and beyond! Your dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering support make all the difference. Today, we celebrate you and all the special moments we share. Happy Father's Day!
Who needs a smile today?! Smiling releases hormones called endorphins, making you happier, more positive, and less stressed out! Smiling has even been shown to strengthen your immune system. Keep smiling!
Turn tooth brushing into quality family time! Brushing together helps reinforce healthy habits, and you can use this time to connect with your children and share a few laughs. Happy brushing!
Did you know? Just like fingerprints, every child's smile is unique! No two sets of teeth are exactly alike. This means your child's smile is one-of-a-kind, just like them. Help your little one embrace their unique smile and keep it healthy with regular dental care.
Is your child's toothbrush due for a refresh? It's important to replace toothbrushes every three months to ensure the most effective cleaning for their teeth and gums. Don't wait until the bristles are frayed. Stock up on new toothbrushes today to keep your child's smile healthy and bright!
Don't rush when you brush! Taking the time to brush your teeth thoroughly is essential for maintaining good oral health. Please encourage your child to brush for two full minutes, making sure to reach all surfaces of their teeth and gums. Some toothbrushes have timers, or a quick search shows many YouTube videos with brushing songs that last exactly two minutes!
Can you get your child to eat green beans? We hope so because they are great for your child's teeth! Loaded with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums, the fibrous texture of green beans helps clean teeth while stimulating saliva production naturally.
Did you know that the human mouth contains over 700 different species of bacteria? Regular brushing and flossing can help keep these bacteria in check.
Did you know that children should start seeing a dentist by their first birthday, even if they don't have teeth yet? That's right - it's a common myth that children must have teeth to see a dentist. We recommend by age one or by the appearance of the first tooth, whichever comes first!
Did you know that saliva helps protect teeth from decay? Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth and helps remineralize teeth. That’s why chewing sugar-free gum, especially gum made with zylitol can help prevent cavities by producing more saliva!
Are you wondering when your child should start brushing their own teeth? We recommend supervising your child's brushing until they have the dexterity and are able to brush effectively on their own – and it’s still important to keep a supporting and encouraging eye to make certain your children are brushing for at least two minutes, twice every day.
Are you concerned about your child's teeth grinding? Bruxism can be caused by a number of issues, including stress and anxiety. We can work with you to help identify the cause and recommend a course of treatment to protect your child’s teeth.
Do you know how that fantastic oral health starts even before the first teeth emerge? You can start the oral care routine early by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after eating. Start your child's oral hygiene routine off right!
While you can’t “catch” a cavity, sharing utensils, toothbrushes, and food can transfer cavity-causing bacteria between people. Stay healthy!
Unfortunately, it’s a common myth that baby teeth aren’t important. In fact, they’re essential for speech development, self-confidence, holding proper space for adult teeth, and much more. Don't neglect your child's dental health!
Its true! Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. Are you looking for a dental home for your child? Give us a call today!
We recommend toothpaste specifically made for children that include the ADA seal of approval. As soon as the first tooth appears, you may use a tiny smear of toothpaste to brush emerging teeth gently. Adult flavors are often too “spicy” for children, and whitening toothpaste should be avoided. Choose a flavor that your children help you choose!
Have you noticed that your child's breath is consistently bad? It may be a sign of poor oral hygiene or an underlying dental issue. Let's discuss how we can address the problem.
Did you know that starchy foods like bread, chips, and crackers can harm your child's teeth as much as candy? Starchy foods can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth, leading to tooth decay. Don’t forget to brush for two minutes twice every day!
Have you heard this myth? "Baby teeth aren't important because they'll fall out anyway." False! In fact, baby teeth are crucial for proper chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth.
Teething keeping your little one up? Try a chilled teething toy or damp washcloth to soothe sore gums, a gentle gum massage, a warm bath, or some gentle rocking to help them drift off to dreamland. Sweet dreams!
Teeth grinding in kids can be caused by stress, anxiety, or an abnormal bite. If your child grinds their teeth, it's important to address the issue during their dental visit. Untreated teeth grinding can lead to dental problems in the future. Let's help our kids manage stress and maintain good oral health!
Preventing plaque buildup in your child's teeth is key to maintaining a healthy smile! Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing daily, limiting sugary drinks, and visiting us every 6 months for a cleaning can all help prevent plaque buildup!
Thumb sucking is a common habit among children, but did you know it can have a lasting impact on their teeth? Prolonged thumb sucking can cause misalignment of the teeth and bite. Here are some tips to help your child break the thumb-sucking habit:
1) Encourage positive reinforcement - praise your child when they don't suck their thumb.
2) Set up a reward system - offer a small reward for every day or week your child goes without thumb-sucking.
3) Distract your child - provide them with a toy or activity to keep their hands busy.
4) Be patient - change takes time. Be understanding and supportive in your child's journey to break the habit.
Did you know that over 300 different species of bacteria make up plaque on teeth? Brushing and flossing regularly is important to keep these little critters under control and maintain good oral health.
Need to calm dental fear? Reading fun books about the dentist, talking to your child about the process, and having your child visit our office before their visit are all good ways to ease their worries!
Take care of your teeth! When a tooth suffers damage, it loses dentin, the hard, bony tissue underneath the enamel that forms the bulk of the tooth. Your body can only manufacture small amounts of tissue while combating a cavity, injury, or infection. This is why, under normal circumstances, teeth cannot heal themselves.
Did you know that being a night owl can have a negative impact on teen oral health? Studies have shown that teens who stay up late and engage in late-night snacking are far more likely to develop cavities. A little friendly nudge to encourage your teens to keep brushing and flossing even as they become more independent.
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Our Story
Welcome to the Pediatric Dental Office of Dr. Wendy Humphrey Van Meter. Providing specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a “child-friendly” environment. As a pediatric dentist, I focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Serving infants, children and teens in Lexington, Kentucky and the surrounding cities of Georgetown, Nicholasville and Frankfort, KY.
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181 W. Lowry Lane, Suite 110
Lexington, KY
40503
Opening Hours
Monday | 9am - 5pm |
Tuesday | 8:30am - 5pm |
Wednesday | 9am - 3:30pm |
Thursday | 8:30am - 5pm |
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