Palmetto Dental Associates, Dr. Emily Hortman, DMD

Palmetto Dental Associates, Dr. Emily Hortman, DMD We have been Little River’s Top Dental Office since 1986! We offer a comprehensive array of dental services; family, cosmetic & emergency dental

For patients w/o insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan that makes dental care very affordable.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day weekend! We hope you get to enjoy some well-deserved rest and time w...
09/07/2026

Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day weekend! We hope you get to enjoy some well-deserved rest and time with loved ones. Remember to keep up with your oral hygiene routines, even during holiday celebrations. We'll see you back soon! 🇺🇸

☕️ COFFEE LOVERS… this one’s for you! 🦷❤️We would never dream of telling you to give up your morning coffee. 😉 But a few...
09/04/2026

☕️ COFFEE LOVERS… this one’s for you! 🦷❤️

We would never dream of telling you to give up your morning coffee. 😉 But a few simple habits can help you enjoy that cup of happiness while still protecting your smile!

Coffee can contribute to surface staining, and because it’s acidic, frequent exposure can also be tough on tooth enamel—especially when you’re sipping it little by little throughout the morning. Add sugar or sweetened creamers, and your teeth get another challenge. 😬

So what’s a coffee lover to do?

☕ Try to enjoy your coffee in one sitting rather than sipping it for hours.
💧 Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
🥛 Be mindful of added sugars and sweetened creamers.
🪥 Don’t rush to brush immediately after an acidic drink—give your saliva some time to help neutralize the acids first.
✨ Keep up with regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings to help keep your smile healthy and bright.

And if coffee has left your teeth looking a little less pearly white than you’d like, ask us about safe options for brightening your smile. 😁✨

We’re not telling you to give up your coffee. ☕😉
We’re telling you how to enjoy it AND love your smile!

Now for the important question…

👇 How do YOU take your coffee? Black? Cream? Sweet? Iced? Fancy enough that it’s basically dessert? 😂☕️

📍 3359 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566
📞 (843) 399-2525
🌐 www.littleriversmiles.com

🦷 Your dentist has a tiny favor to ask… actually, FIVE of them! 😄Some everyday habits may seem harmless, but over time t...
09/02/2026

🦷 Your dentist has a tiny favor to ask… actually, FIVE of them! 😄

Some everyday habits may seem harmless, but over time they can cause unnecessary damage to your teeth and gums.

🚫 Using your teeth to open packages
🧊 Chewing on ice
🩸 Ignoring bleeding gums
🍋 Brushing immediately after acidic foods or drinks
🪥 Skipping flossing because “I already brushed!”

Your teeth are incredibly strong—but they’re not tools, and they deserve a little TLC. 💙 Small changes to your daily habits can help prevent chipped teeth, enamel wear, sensitivity, cavities and gum problems down the road.

And one especially important reminder: bleeding gums shouldn’t simply be ignored. If you’re noticing persistent bleeding, tenderness or other changes in your gums, let your dental team know.

Which one are you guilty of? 👀 We promise not to judge! 😂🦷

Your smile is worth protecting. Healthy habits today = fewer problems tomorrow! 💙

📍 3359 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566
📞 (843) 399-2525
🌐 www.littleriversmiles.com

Early Signs of Gum DiseaseBeyond bleeding gums, early signs of gum disease can include persistent bad breath, tender gum...
09/01/2026

Early Signs of Gum Disease

Beyond bleeding gums, early signs of gum disease can include persistent bad breath, tender gums, or a receding gum line. Recognizing these indicators early is crucial for effective treatment and preventing more serious complications.

Regular check-ups help us monitor your gum health. 🦷

📞 (843) 399-2525 | 🌐 https://bit.ly/49rgmc8

🦷✨ “But I brush and floss every day… do I really need a professional cleaning?”Yes—and there’s a very good reason! Your ...
08/31/2026

🦷✨ “But I brush and floss every day… do I really need a professional cleaning?”

Yes—and there’s a very good reason! Your toothbrush and floss do an important job every day, but once plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), brushing and flossing can’t remove it. That’s where your dental hygienist comes in! 💙

Professional dental cleanings help:

🪥 Remove hardened tartar
✨ Clean areas that are difficult to reach at home
🦷 Support healthy teeth and gums
🔎 Give your dental team an opportunity to spot changes or potential problems early

Think of it as teamwork: your daily brushing and flossing + regular professional cleanings = your best defense for a healthy smile.

And remember, dental care isn’t only about having pretty teeth. Healthy gums and teeth are an important part of your overall health, too. 💙

Has it been a while since your last cleaning? We’d love to see your smile!

📍 3359 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566
📞 (843) 399-2525
🌐 www.littleriversmiles.com

🪥 When it comes to brushing your teeth, harder isn’t better!It might seem like a little extra scrubbing would get your t...
08/27/2026

🪥 When it comes to brushing your teeth, harder isn’t better!

It might seem like a little extra scrubbing would get your teeth even cleaner—but brushing too aggressively can actually do more harm than good. 🦷

Over time, brushing too hard may contribute to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, enamel wear and irritation of the gums. One easy clue? Take a look at your toothbrush! If those bristles are flattened and frayed long before it’s time for a new brush, you may be using more pressure than you need.

💙 The goal is thorough—not forceful!

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, use gentle pressure, brush for two minutes twice a day, and let those bristles do the work.

And if you’ve noticed increased sensitivity, receding gums or changes near your gumline, bring it up at your next dental visit. We’re always happy to help you make sure your brushing technique is protecting your smile—not working against it! 😊

Gentle care. Strong smiles. 🦷✨

📞 (843) 399-2525
🌐 www.littleriversmiles.com
📍 3359 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566

Happy 1st Work Anniversary, Julia! 🎉Today, we celebrate our amazing Hygiene Coordinator, Julia, who keeps Palmetto Denta...
08/27/2026

Happy 1st Work Anniversary, Julia! 🎉

Today, we celebrate our amazing Hygiene Coordinator, Julia, who keeps Palmetto Dental Associates shining bright! Your dedication and positivity make every day at work a joy. Thank you for all the hard work and smiles you bring to our team and our patients! 💐

Here’s to many more years of success, laughter, and, of course, good hygiene! 🦷

Understanding Dental Fillings 🦷Dental fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by decay, protecting them from further ...
08/25/2026

Understanding Dental Fillings 🦷

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by decay, protecting them from further harm. Options range from composite (tooth-colored) to amalgam, each with distinct benefits for durability and aesthetics. Our team can help you choose the best filling material for your needs. ✨

📞 (843) 399-2525 | 🌐 https://bit.ly/49rgmc8

💐 The sweetest surprises can brighten an entire day! 💕Dr. Hortman received these beautiful flowers from one of our wonde...
08/25/2026

💐 The sweetest surprises can brighten an entire day! 💕

Dr. Hortman received these beautiful flowers from one of our wonderful patients, and they brought an instant smile to her face. 🌸🌼

We’re incredibly fortunate to care for such thoughtful people. The relationships we build with our patients are one of the things that make being a small, privately owned dental practice so special—you’re never just a name on an appointment schedule. You become part of our Palmetto Dental family. 🦷💗

To the sweet patient who brought these gorgeous blooms: thank you for thinking of Dr. Hortman and making her day a little brighter! They are absolutely beautiful. 💐

🦷 Ever wonder why your dentist takes X-rays when your teeth look and feel perfectly fine?Because some dental problems li...
08/24/2026

🦷 Ever wonder why your dentist takes X-rays when your teeth look and feel perfectly fine?

Because some dental problems like to hide where we can’t see them! 👀

Dental X-rays give us a look beneath the surface and can help reveal cavities between teeth, problems around tooth roots, infections or abscesses, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth and other concerns that may not be visible during a routine exam.

✨ Early detection matters. Finding a small problem before it becomes painful can often mean simpler treatment and help protect your smile for years to come.

And how often do you need X-rays? There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule! Your dentist considers your age, dental history, cavity and gum-disease risk, symptoms and previous X-rays to determine when new images are appropriate.

At Palmetto Dental Associates, we believe preventive care is an important part of keeping your smile healthy. 💙

Sometimes what we can’t see tells us just as much as what we can. 🦷✨

📞 (843) 399-2525
🌐 www.littleriversmiles.com
📍 3359 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566

Address

3359 Highway 9 East
Little River, SC
29566

Telephone

+18433992525

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Palmetto Dental Associates, Dr. Emily Hortman, DMD posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Palmetto Dental Associates, Dr. Emily Hortman, DMD:

Shortcuts

Share

Category