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Why are you bringing on another pediatric dentisty?

Dr. Jennison joining the Union Pediatric Densitry team will allow us to serve our patients with more appointment options.

Will I still see Dr. Greenhill for my apppointments?

Dr. Greenhill and Dr. Jennison will begin sharing the care of their patients. On any given appointment you may see Dr. Greenhill or Dr. Jennison, or BOTH! Dr. Greenhill is extremely confident that all of his patients will quickly enjoy Dr. Jennison’s demeanor and her approach to patient care and communication with parents.

Will anything change for me?

Not at all! The same great service you have come to depend upon is still available – same team, same office, and one more dentist to serve your needs and help care for your children’s grand slam smiles.

Does Dr. Jennison do the same treatments?

We are always looking for ways we can serve our patient’s dental needs, and while there may be additions in the future, for now you can count on us to give your smiles the same quality care you are already receiving.

Is the practice name changing.

No, we will remain Union Pediatric Dentistry, offering the same great care and environment you have come to expect from us.

Is your office location staying the same?

Yes, our office will remain in the same location! The only change is now we will have two pediatric dentists to see you and give you great care!

Does Dr. Jennison have the same philosophy of care?

Yes, Dr. Jennison shares the same philosophy of care that Dr. Greenhill has. Dr. Jennison is joining the Union Pediatric Dentistry team because she believes in the work we do and is excited to join our practice and provide exceptional care to our patients.

Too much sugar can be bad news for your health.  When left on your teeth, sugar gives bacteria the food it needs to thrive and create cavities.  Further, high sugar has been linked to obesity, diabetes and poor heart health.  And while the average American consumes 22 grams of sugar a day (that’s twice the recommended amount), it’s surprisingly not hard to take a few simple steps to dramatically reduce your intake.  Here are 5 things you can do today to reduce the amount of sugar you consume:

1. Read food labels.

A lot of times, we don’t realize how much sugar that we are consuming because we simply aren’t aware of the sugar content of the foods we consume.  Being aware of sugar content will help you make better decisions about what foods you eat.

2. Eat fresh fruit…Instead of canned.

Many times fruit that has been processed and preserved has also had sugar added.  If you do eat canned fruit, be sure that it’s been packed in 100% fruit juice instead of those labeled “light syrup” which refers more to the thickness of the syrup used and not its sugar content.

3. Drink water, not soda.

A 12 oz. can of soda often contains over 39g of sugar!  You can kick the soda habit and dramatically reduce your sugar intake by simply choosing water instead.

4. Pack your lunch and avoid fast food.

Surprisingly, nearly every item on most fast food menus has added sugar, even hamburgers!  You can keep track of exactly how much sugar you are getting and avoid hidden sugars by packing your own lunch.

5. Try Xylitol.

A recent interest in more natural sugar substitutes has resulted in more people consuming products that aren’t just better for you, they can actually promote good health.  Xylitol, for example, has actually been shown to reduce cavities.

Like us, we’re sure you LOVE chocolate.  Plus, it’s almost a required gift for holidays like Valentine’s Day. And while candy generally doesn’t mix well with keeping teeth healthy, dark chocolate (the kind with at least 70% cocoa) can actually be a cavity fighter. That’s obviously fantastic news for chocolate lovers.

Of course, it’s always important to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day and to floss daily.  But you don’t need to worry about wrecking your teeth by indulging in chocolate from time to time.  Here are a few reasons why chocolate is a great candy choice.

Chocolate contains polyphenols.

Polyphenols are a class of naturally occurring chemicals that can limit oral bacteria. They are also able to neutralize the microorganisms that cause bad breath and prevent bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid. Polyphenols have great promise for their apparent anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects as well as their ability to reduce hypertension and stroke.

Chocolate is high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are a group of molecules that keep your body healthy on a cellular level and chocolate contains a lot of them. In fact, dark chocolate can contain up to four times the level found in green tea. High amounts of antioxidants in saliva have been shown to fight periodontal disease.

Tannins are abundant in chocolate.

Tannins are plant compounds that are found in many of the foods we eat. They’re also what give dark chocolate its slightly bitter taste and dark color. Tannins have been shown to help stop bacteria from sticking to teeth because their molecules bind to bacteria before plaque has time to form.

A flavonoid compound called epicatechin is found in high quantities in chocolate.

Flavonoids are a group of plant-based antioxidants that have been shown to slow tooth decay. A recent study by researchers at the University of California showed that a particular flavonoid calledepicatechin displays a remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol, blood clots and clogged arteries.

Again, chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for most of these benefits to your teeth and body. However, almost any food can be eaten in moderation, as long as you remember to keep brushing regularly.

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Most parents understand the benefits of their child seeing a pediatrician instead of simply a general practice doctor. However, it’s often not clear why a pediatric dentist is just as important and preferable over a general family dentist.  Choosing a pediatric dentist will make sure that oral development is going as it should. Additionally, your pediatric dentist will help your, and your child, establish dental habits that will lead to a lifetime of good oral health.

Why Union Pediatric Dentistry?

Because pediatric dentists specialize in treating the dental needs of children, we have to complete an additional two years of specialized education to earn our designation. Beyond additional schooling, our pediatric dentists are board certified by the APBD. This certification shows our commitment to the highest level of care for our patients.

Everything from our baseball-inspired, kid-friendly office to our communication style, are designed to provide the best care for your child.

Our goal is to help every child feel comfortable and excited about visiting our office and to teach them how to care for their teeth. If needed, we would be happy to set up a “friendly visit” to let your child get familiar with our office and relieve any fears they may have.  Pleasant visits to our dental office help to establish trust and build confidence for future appointments.

Our pediatric dentists also have special training in helping children with special needs. We encourage you to reach out to us about your child's unique situation. Besides a designated sensory room, we want to partner with you to accommodate your child's special needs.

At what age should my child see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, along with Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison, and Dr. Britt, recommend taking your child to a pediatric dentist about six months after the first tooth comes in. For most children, this is around their first birthday.

What about teens?