As someone who studied epidemiology and public health in college, Dr. Kinnara Emmons understands the science behind how certain things become contagious and how to prevent them from spreading. But as a dentist, she understands that nothing is more contagious than a smile and she does everything she can to accelerate the spread, especially among her patients at Harpeth Dental Care.
“Being able to improve someone’s smile is very gratifying to me and, in dentistry, you can do that frequently,” says Dr. Emmons. “But dentistry is so individualized and that’s what I really love about it. I’m able to make a positive impact in small ways every day.”
Dr. Emmons grew up in Mississippi but visited the Nashville area frequently. “We have family in Clarksville, so I was here often as a child,” she says.
She met Weller, the man she would eventually marry, when they were both in high school. And while she went to Saint Louis University, he attended Vanderbilt, further strengthening her ties to the area.
They married in 2018 and spent a couple of years in Charleston, South Carolina before moving to Nashville permanently in 2021. The following year Dr. Emmons joined the team at Harpeth Dental Care, 7839 Old Harding Pike, where she sees patients of all ages, including babies.
“This office has been here for a while and I enjoy that it’s established, has a nice setting and is family oriented,” says Dr. Emmons, who occasionally is accompanied to work by Humphrey, her six-year-old red Golden Retriever.
Dr. Emmons has three hygienists and two dental assistants on her team. They provide general dentistry services along with whitening, Botox, crowns, digital dentistry and Invisalign treatments.
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Dental Dos and Don’ts
Dr. Emmons recommends following these simple suggestions for improved dental health:
· Use an electric toothbrush. “It’s worth the investment, especially if you have a lot of existing dental work.”
· Avoid restaurant toothpicks. “They are a hazard and can burrow holes in your teeth! Be careful in using them to remove stubborn food. Regular floss works great.”
· Don’t believe everything you read online. “Come see me. We believe in prevention and will do everything we can to keep you out of the chair.”
· Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. “Your gums will get used to it. The more you floss, the less you’ll bleed!”
· Avoid sugary drinks. “We live in South but try not to sip sweet tea all day. You’ll experience a decrease in decay and cavities and your teeth will thank you.”
· Don’t eat chocolate. “OK, I love chocolate so I can’t tell you not to eat it. Just remember to brush and floss!”