IN Moon Township Spring 2020 | Page 9

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT The Perfect Dentist for Kids D r. Kelly Lewis feels like her whole life has been in preparation for being a pediatric dentist. Growing up, Dr. Kelly experienced a need for extensive dental and orthodontic care. This inspired her to attend dental school, and undergo three years of advanced training during two separate residencies. In 2010 she completed her first residency in general dentistry. Her second residency concluded in 2014 and provided Dr. Kelly with specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Last year, she found an opportunity to purchase an existing practice in Robinson Township and she jumped on it. “While I loved general dentistry, I so enjoyed the children I treated. Given my personal history, it was the perfect fit for me to specialize in pediatrics,” she said. “I was the child who I now treat. I had so many dental needs as a young child, I can truly empathize with the children I see. I had to have very extensive orthodontic treatment and multiple extractions. I was in and out of the dental office quite a bit, and I was so self-conscious of my smile. I didn’t smile in my childhood photos for years because I didn’t want people to see my teeth. The day those braces came off, it gave a tremendous boost to my self-confidence.” Terrific Teeth Pediatric Dentistry sees children from infants through college. Additionally, as a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Kelly also treats patients of all ages who have special medical needs. Children are not just small adults. Everything from the office atmosphere to the examinations are child-centric, resulting in less anxiety and dental care tailored to each individual child. The entire practice is geared toward fostering an appreciation for good oral hygiene and preventative care. “Each child requires a different approach,” said Dr. Kelly. “As a pediatric dentist, I have all these different modalities at my disposal, but I still have to shape the child’s experience into a positive one so they love coming to the dentist. We seek to create an environment they enjoy so they carry that with them into adulthood. Additionally, I am a mother of an infant and a toddler, so I incorporate my clinical skills with a mother’s nurturing touch to ensure that children continue good oral health and take care of their teeth.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children see their first dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age 1. Dr. Kelly notes that older children–and their parents–need to stay vigilant in the fight against cavities. “Sometimes parents are unaware that what’s advertised as healthy isn’t really a healthy snack,” she said. “Gummy fruit snacks are so pervasive. A lot of children are eating them and they think it’s a healthy alternative, when it’s not really a great snack. It really sticks to the teeth. Liquid sugars are also a major concern. You have to think about juice and some sports drinks, which can be high in sugar content as well.” For more information on Terrific Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, including all of the forms necessary to establish your child as a new patient, go to terrificteethpd.com. You can also call or text to set up your appointment today at 412.859.3199, or email at [email protected]. Terrific Teeth Pediatric Dentistry is located at 1229 Silver Lane, Suite 2, McKees Rocks, 15136. MOON TOWNSHIP ❘ SPRING 2020 7