Tooth decay is a common and preventable problem in children, according to Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass. Infant tooth decay, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, is also known as bottle rot, baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries. The sugars in drinks like milk, juice and formula, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, not only feed a baby, they also feed the bacteria in baby’s mouth. Bacteria that consume sugars produce acids, continues the Franklin pediatric dentist, and they can attack and break down young teeth.

Every time a baby consumes sweet drinks, points out the Franklin pediatric dentist, subsequent acid attacks can last for up to 30 minutes. With enough acid attacks, explains the Franklin pediatric dentist, teeth begin to decay. Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass reports that naptime bottle feeding and sippy cups exacerbate this sugar-powered decay.

The staff of pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King Dental Associates recommend against offering your child a bottle of sweetened liquid multiple times in one day. Tooth decay gets an unwanted head start, say the Franklin pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King, if a child is allowed to fall asleep with their bottle. A young child will suck on the sugary liquid (and this includes milk) throughout the night, explains Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass, creating a welcoming environment for tooth decay.

The dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King pediatric practice also offer parents the latest facts about pacifier habits, including thumb and finger sucking. For most infants and young children, says Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass, sucking on a finger, pacifier or other toy is a normal part of development. The Franklin pediatric dentist points out that sucking is an ancient human instinct, linked to nursing. Infants and toddlers find security in the activity, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, and also use it as a way to learn about the world around them. Infants often put things in their mouths as a form of exploration, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, because they still have poor eyesight and so they cannot visually examine the world around them. In fact, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, most babies begin sucking on their fingers or thumbs while still in the womb. The majority of children, notes the Franklin pediatric dentist, stop sucking on pacifiers, thumbs and other objects sometime between 2 and 4 years old. However, if a thumb sucking habit goes on much longer than this, the Franklin pediatric dentist recommends that parents make an appointment for a consultation at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.

Visit Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin (Cool Springs) at:
125 Cool Springs Blvd.
Suite 140
(in the Aspen Grove Medical Plaza)
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-1111

Franklin pediatric dentists are available by appointment Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

About Snodgrass-King Franklin Pediatric Dentist

With nearly 100 years of combined dental experience, the staff and pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin serve middle Tennessee with one goal in mind – excellence. Founded by Franklin pediatric dentists Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John T. King, Snodgrass-King provides excellence in service, experience and convenience.

Franklin’s Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates offers an excellent atmosphere for a first time visitor to the pediatric dentist’s chair. When stepping into the Franklin office of Snodgrass-King a child instantly experiences something above and beyond the typical pediatric dentist’s office. From the ability to watch movies during teeth cleanings to the video games to the possibility of meeting Chomp the alligator mascot, Snodgrass-King of Franklin offers something unique for children visiting one of their pediatric dentists. Additionally, the Snodgrass-King Franklin pediatric dental staff shines with their excellent experience and education.

Franklin pediatric dentist co-founder David Snodgrass has published numerous articles in several orthodontic and pediatric journals. In addition, the Franklin dentist serves as a part-time clinical professor at Vanderbilt University working with future pediatric dentists. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and the International Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Snodgrass is a recognized lecturer. He also enjoys mentoring other pediatric dentists from Franklin and participating in study clubs in the Southeastern United States.

Co-founder Dr. John T. King, a Franklin native, loves his work with fellow pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. King is Diplomat Board Certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Working with the founding pediatric dentists in the Franklin and surrounding areas are Dr. Bryan Burnside and Dr. Jennifer House. Dr. Burnside, prior to joining the Franklin pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King, completed his training at Boston University Medical Center. He is a member of American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Nashville Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. House also graduated from Boston University Medical Center before coming to work with the pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King. Her memberships include American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Tennessee Dental Association and the Nashville Dental Society.

However, the pediatric dentists at Franklin-based Snodgrass-King view their skills as having value beyond just fixing teeth. Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John King, along with other Franklin pediatric dentists, have volunteered their expertise in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Franklin pediatric dentists have also donated used dental equipment to clinics in the region. In fact, staff from Snodgrass-King have volunteered their time and services to Haiti since 2007. During a recent trip, the Franklin pediatric dentists helped over 300 patients. From Franklin to the far reaches of Haiti, the pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King are committed to serve with excellence.

The highly skilled pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King of Franklin provide orthodontic, pediatric, general and specialty dental work. The Franklin based pediatric dentists also perform general and cosmetic works along with oral and maxillofacial specialties. The website of Snodgrass-King (www.SnodgrassKing.com) provides many resources for families from their first visit to the dentist office to safety tips and general oral health. The Franklin based pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King also have offices in Cool Springs, Spring Hill, Hermitage, and Murfreesboro.