Children’s Dentistry

Dr. Kendra Hammond Yandell believes that going to the dentist should be a fun, positive experience—not something to fear. The way a child is introduced to dental care can shape their attitude toward oral health for life.

Dr. Yandell and her team are passionate about caring for young patients. They go the extra mile to ensure every child is treated with kindness, respect, and the same gentle care they would give their own. Using simple, age-appropriate language, they explain each step in a way children can understand, helping them feel comfortable and confident.

Parents and guardians are always kept in the loop, with clear communication throughout every visit. At our office, we’re committed to creating a foundation of trust and healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.

  • Infant Oral Exams
  • Children’s Cleanings & Exams
  • Digital X-rays
  • Fluoride
  • Frenectomies
  • Sealants For Children
  • Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Sports Mouthguards
  • Tooth-colored Fillings
  • Tooth Extractions
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Teen’s Dentistry

The teen years bring a unique set of challenges—dental health included. With all the physical, emotional, and social changes happening during adolescence, it’s no surprise that oral care can sometimes fall off the radar. As a parent, it’s normal to feel frustrated, but your efforts matter more than you might think.

Teens are listening—even if it doesn’t always seem that way. Your constant reminders to brush, floss, and make smart food choices do make a difference. While it might feel like nagging, those habits are taking root and can help your teen avoid long-term issues like cavities and gum disease.

Regular preventive visits every six months give us a chance to reinforce your efforts. Sometimes hearing the same advice from a trusted dental professional in a friendly, judgment-free environment can really resonate.

Helpful Tips to Support Your Teen’s Dental Health at Home:

  • Cut back on sugary drinks. Sodas and energy drinks are the leading cause of tooth decay in teens. A 20-ounce soda contains around 18 teaspoons of sugar, mixed with high acidity—an aggressive combo for tooth enamel and overall health.
  • Encourage brushing before bed. Saliva flow slows down during sleep, allowing bacteria to thrive. Brushing at night is especially important for protecting teeth and gums.
  • Teach them not to share toothbrushes. Harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities can easily spread between people.
  • Slip in a reminder. A small pack of dental floss, a toothpick, or a travel toothbrush tucked into their lunch or backpack makes oral care more accessible during busy days.

With consistent encouragement and regular dental visits, your teen can develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

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Adult’s Dentistry

Here’s a polished and patient-friendly rewrite of your content, organized for clarity and flow while keeping the educational and preventative tone:

Why “Just a Little” Decay or Gum Disease Matters

It’s easy to overlook a small cavity or a bit of gum inflammation. But here’s the truth: dental problems don’t stay small for long. Left untreated, even minor issues nearly always lead to pain, emergency treatment, and often tooth loss.

So Why Does This Happen?

It’s All About Infection

Our mouths are home to millions of bacteria. Most are harmless—and some even help keep things balanced—but a few are harmful troublemakers. These bacteria thrive on sugars from the foods we eat, turning them into energy. But like all living things, they produce waste—and that’s where the trouble begins.

  • Cavities: The acidic waste from bacteria erodes tooth enamel, eventually forming holes (cavities) in the teeth.
  • Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Some bacteria release toxins that cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and bone loss. Over time, this chronic infection damages the structures that hold your teeth in place, and it’s the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

Unlike many infections that antibiotics can clear up, oral bacteria live in biofilm (plaque) and require physical removal with professional tools. That’s why regular checkups and cleanings are essential—they let us catch problems early and eliminate harmful bacteria before damage occurs.

Beyond the Mouth: Oral Health & Your Overall Wellness

Oral infections don’t just stay in your mouth. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through inflamed gums and travel throughout your body. Studies continue to show connections between gum disease and serious health conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Certain cancers

Inflamed gums are like an open wound—bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the tiny blood vessels in the heart or brain. There, they may contribute to clots or vessel damage that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. That’s why bleeding gums should never be ignored.

Easy Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

  • Brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily.
    It may seem long, but it works. Try an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer or set one on your phone. Not a fan of flossing? Toothpicks, interdental brushes, or a Waterpik are great alternatives.
  • Rinse and replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
    Bacteria can linger on your toothbrush. A clean brush helps prevent reinfection.
  • Use a straw for sugary drinks.
    A straw limits how much sugar contacts your teeth directly.
  • Drink water after meals.
    Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria—and it’s good for your whole body.
  • Don’t wait on cavities.
    Cavities rarely hurt until they’ve advanced. Early treatment prevents bigger (and more expensive) problems later.
  • See your hygienist every six months.
    Routine cleanings help prevent emergencies. Patients who stay on a regular schedule typically enjoy better dental health and lower long-term costs.

Remember: A “little” bit of tooth decay or gum disease often turns into a lot. But with consistent care, you can stay ahead of the curve and protect both your smile and your overall health.

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Sealants

Hammond Family Dental is pleased to offer sealants for our patients.

When we apply a dental sealant, we paint a plastic coating on top of your teeth. This makes your teeth smooth, getting rid of the rough edges, depressions, and grooves that are commonly found on teeth. It is essentially a protective coating against tooth decay and cavities.

The most common place to paint sealants is on back teeth since they are often irregular. They can also be very hard to reach, even if you brush your teeth regularly. We use it more on children though we do perform sealants on adults too!

Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (918) 647-4636 if you have any questions about sealants.

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Ortho Screenings

Orthodontics can correct a wide range of tooth and jaw issues, and early observation is key. Dr. Kendra Hammond Yandell may notice signs such as crowded baby teeth or an uneven bite, which could indicate the potential need for future orthodontic treatment. While active treatment usually doesn’t begin at a very young age, early evaluation helps you prepare for what may lie ahead.

Around age 6, when permanent teeth begin to emerge, Dr. Yandell will monitor your child’s development closely. If needed, she’ll help you determine whether early orthodontic intervention could benefit your child’s long-term oral health.

Early Treatment Options

While most orthodontic treatment is associated with the teenage years, some children benefit from early care. Because permanent teeth are larger than baby teeth, they may not have enough space to come in properly. In such cases, a palatal expander can be used to gently widen the upper jaw, making room for adult teeth and helping prevent more invasive treatment later on.

Other issues, like a narrow jaw or a significant overbite, can also be addressed early. Guiding jaw development while a child is still growing can make a dramatic difference. Once growth stops—typically in the later teen years—corrective options may become limited and could involve surgery. Early action can often help avoid those more complex solutions.

The Typical Orthodontic Timeline

Most children begin orthodontic treatment after all their baby teeth have fallen out and permanent teeth are fully in. Treatment length varies, but typically lasts around two years.

Orthodontics can correct nearly any bite issue, but the best outcomes require strong patient cooperation, including:

  • Wearing elastics or appliances as directed
  • Attending all follow-up appointments
  • Practicing excellent oral hygiene around braces or aligners
  • Visiting the hygienist regularly to prevent enamel damage or cavities

At Hammond Family Dental, we specialize in supporting our orthodontic patients throughout treatment—ensuring they not only achieve a beautifully aligned smile but also maintain strong, healthy teeth along the way.

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