Cherokee Children's Dentistry

By Patti Richter

 

The first pediatric dental practice in north Cherokee County, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, was established nearly 14 years ago by a husband-wife team of dentists: Drs. Miles and Anthea Drew Mazzawi. Pediatric dentistry is their specialty, and they designed a fun and friendly environment that puts kids at ease during their visits.

 

“We’re a relationship-based practice, focused on individualized care for each patient and family,” says Dr. Miles. “Our approach allows us to build a rapport with children, gaining their confidence in the dental setting.”

 

“Family Defines Us”

Dr. Miles Mazzawi grew up in Snellville, on Atlanta’s east side. His parents, who were both dentists, demonstrated the wonderful opportunities to be found in their profession. It’s remarkable that Dr. Miles and all four of his siblings became dentists.

“You could call it a family affair,” Dr. Miles says. Growing up in the family practice, he had a front row seat to witness how his parents positively impacted their patients’ lives. He recalls his father saying, “Take great care of the patients, and the rest will take care of itself.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia and then obtaining his doctorate of medical dentistry, Dr. Miles practiced general dentistry at his family’s Snellville office for two years. His experience helped him realize how much he enjoyed working with children, so he went on to obtain additional training in pediatric dentistry, completing his residency in 2005.

Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi, who goes by “Dr. Drew” at the office, earned her dental degree from the University of Florida before completing her pediatric dentistry training in 2005 at the Medical University of South Carolina. She says, “It’s a privilege that parents entrust us with their child’s oral health care.”

“We practice my parents’ philosophy every day,” says Dr. Miles. “That is why we have a patient-centered practice. We are owner-operated, with a mom-and-pop, hometown feel. We focus on delivering comprehensive pediatric oral health care for our patients from infancy to young adulthood. Our additional training prepared us to service their unique needs.”

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry offers a range of specialized care. In addition to routine cleanings, the office provides provide sedation for young, anxious, and special-needs patients, and interceptive orthodontics for early growth and development.

 

New School Year, New Healthy Habits

Last year brought many challenges to families. With the ever-evolving school schedules, parents had to continually adapt. From an oral health perspective, this created inconsistencies.

“I’m concerned that the decay rate has shown a significant increase. Virtual learning may have provided opportunities for more frequent snacking, which influences caries risk for children of all ages,” says Dr. Miles.

“As parents of 7-year-old twin daughters, we know how hard it is to adhere to a healthy diet and remain consistent with oral hygiene habits,” adds Dr. Drew. “A new school year is a great time to jump-start good routines. Regular oral hygiene combined with a diet that includes healthy alternatives to high carbohydrates and refined sugar snacks will help mitigate cavity risk.”

Dr. Drew recommends limiting snack time to 10-15 minutes and partnering the snack with water to avoid additional sugars in liquids, which fuel cavities. She suggests that children drink primarily water, particularly between meals and near bedtime.

“Water cleanses the oral cavity and often contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens teeth to resist the cavity process,” says Dr. Drew.

Dr. Miles adds, “Young children in particular are sippers and grazers. Limiting the time kids interact with food and sugar exposure on their teeth may be one of the more important factors in preventing cavities. Children should be brushing their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once. Consistent oral hygiene definitely creates a foundation for good oral health.”

 

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

Dr. Miles and Dr. Drew are excited to be expanding their dental family. Dr. Kristin Piche joined the practice in 2020 after completing her pediatric dental residency at Dental College of Georgia. Dr. Abbey Tadros arrived recently after completing her residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry.

“Dr. Kristin has been an amazing addition, providing the same level of comprehensive care that our patients and families have come to expect,” Dr. Drew says. “She and Dr. Abbey bring new and young energy to our team. It’s been really fun.”

“Our doctors and team at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry provide the absolute best, individualized pediatric dental care,” Dr. Miles says. “We look forward to many more years of engaging our community, and teaching parents and children the value of good oral hygiene and dietary habits. Our goal is to develop confident adults who will have a healthy rapport with dentistry for life.”

 

 

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry

205 Waleska Road, Suite 2-B, Canton, GA 30114
770-479-1717 • CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com