Author: Matthew Hillman

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

12 Christmas Dental Tips for a Healthy Mouth

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we want to ensure your new year begins just as wonderfully. As pediatric dental professionals, kids’ dental health is our top priority, especially during Christmastime.

In this blog, we’ll discuss 12 tips for a healthy mouth during the holidays and beyond! While these may be pointed toward your child, we encourage adults to abide by these guidelines as well.

1. Brush more often

Although brushing in the morning and evening may be enough, brushing one more time in the afternoon couldn’t hurt! During Christmastime, sweets tend to be more readily available to children at home and at school, so try to encourage your little one to brush after lunch or as soon as he gets home. The longer sugar stays on teeth, the more damage it does!

2. Brush the right way

Did you know there is a right way to brush your teeth? If you don’t, your child probably doesn’t either! While this probably isn’t something learned in school, a pediatric dentist is always happy to explain the rules. Here’s how you and your little one should be brushing your teeth:

Place a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush
Using small, circular motions to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth
Do this for two minutes
Brush your tongue
Brush the roof of your mouth
Rinse and spit

3. Floss every day

We cannot stress the importance of flossing enough. How else will the sides of the teeth get cleaned? Children should begin flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. We recommend flossing in the evening, after the last meal.

4. Drink lots of water

Winter calls for holiday coffee drinks, apple cider, and hot chocolate, but don’t forget to drink water throughout the day as well! Water helps clean food and debris from the teeth and promotes saliva production, which is essential for a healthy, balanced mouth.

5. Limit sweets

Sugar is one of the main causes of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Check out the next two tips for ideas on how to limit sweets during the holidays!

6. Offer healthy snacks

When trying to think of healthy snacks for your little one, stick to these four categories: fruit, veggies, protein, and dairy. For specific ideas, check out this blog.

7. Make healthier treats together!

Cooking together is a Christmas tradition in many families. Why not make healthier treats that you and your little one can enjoy without the guilt? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Rudolph celery snacks using celery, peanut butter, pretzels, fresh cranberries, and candy eyes
Kiwi Christmas trees made from kiwi slices with the skin as the trunk (get creative with the star!)
Strawberry and banana “candy” canes
Banana snowmen with sliced bananas, raisins or dark chocolate chips for buttons and eyes, and a sliced strawberry for the hat

The internet is full of healthy Christmas treat ideas that are simple and fun!

8. Reduce starches

Mashed potatoes, rolls, and pasta dishes often fill the dinner table at Christmas. Unfortunately, these can lead to cavities just as much as sugary foods do. We certainly don’t expect you to keep your little one completely away from these dishes but adding more veggies than starches to her plate is a small thing that could have a big impact.

9. Upgrade teeth-cleaning tools

Christmas is the perfect time to gift your child with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash! He might not be so excited to unwrap these, but they make great stocking stuffers!

10. Pack all the supplies when traveling

If your family is traveling for Christmas, make sure to pack everything your little one needs to maintain a healthy mouth.

11. Be cautious around ice!

This time of year, ice is everywhere which means there’s more opportunity for a dental emergency. Make sure your little one is being cautious around ice and snow and always have your pediatric dentist’s number on hand!

12. Schedule a dental cleaning and exam

One of the best ways to start the new year is with a clean, beautiful smile. Children should begin visiting the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts and every six months after that.

To ensure your child maintains a healthy mouth year-round, don’t forget to schedule his or her dental cleaning and exam.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

Our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is happy to serve the families of Overland Park, KS. To schedule your child’s dental cleaning and exam with Dr. Matt, call (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Kid-Friendly, Pediatric-Dentist-Approved, Healthy Snacks for Your Child

One of the main ways we keep our mouths healthy is by eating nutritious, mouth-friendly foods. As adults, it’s our responsibility to choose our foods well. As parents, we also have the responsibility of choosing healthy snacks for our children. This isn’t always an easy task, especially when your child knows the deliciousness of chips and soda.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be unappealing. That’s why we’re writing this blog! Our hope is that we can help you discover new, convenient, and delicious snacks that your child will love just as much. But first, let’s talk about the dangers of sugary, processed snacks.

Consequences of Sugar-Filled Snacks

Processed foods (mostly foods that come in wrappers) are often filled with hidden sugars that pose a threat to our children’s oral health. These include granola bars, sports drinks, premade soup, low-fat yogurt, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and fruit juice.

It’s no wonder that so many children eat triple the amount of sugar they are supposed to have in a day! Consuming too much sugar doesn’t just affect your child’s teeth and gums, it can also lead to several overall health conditions, including:

Type 2 Diabetes
Heart disease
Fatty liver
Low energy
Depression
Acne

Additionally, these children typically have a harder time focusing at school which can lead to poor academic performance.

To help reduce your little one’s sugar intake, check food labels for these ingredients:

High fructose corn syrup
Honey
Fruit juice concentrate
Sucrose
Rice syrup

A general rule is to look for anything that ends in “-ose” and “syrup”! Additionally, sticking to whole, unprocessed foods helps avoid sugar altogether.

Nutrients for a Healthy Mouth

Our mouths, like our bodies, require certain nutrients to function properly. For our mouths, these vitamins and minerals are particularly important:

Calcium
Vitamin D
Potassium
Phosphorus
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Vitamin A

When we provide these nutrients to our children, we set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Healthy Snack Ideas

To get all the vitamins and minerals our mouths and bodies need, we should stick to four food categories: dairy and calcium, fruits and veggies, and proteins. Grains are also important for our overall wellness and should be included in meals.

Here are our favorite kid-and-dentist-approved healthy snacks:

Dairy and Calcium

Cottage cheese with fruit
A glass of milk
Apples with almond butter
Fortified orange juice
Almonds

Fruits and Veggies

Fresh-fruit smoothie with spinach or kale
Guacamole with peppers
Hummus with carrot, pepper, and celery
Kale or zucchini chips
Apples and celery dipped in all-natural peanut butter

Protein

Hard-boiled eggs
Scrambled eggs with cheese
Plain Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts
Pepperoni
Beef jerky

We know that when you offer these snacks to your little one, you’ll notice a difference in his oral and overall health. Of course, it’s always important to talk with your child’s pediatrician to learn about any allergies or specific dietary needs.

More Oral Hygiene Tips

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is passionate about making oral hygiene simple and practical for children and their parents. When you visit our office, your child will receive more than just a dental cleaning and exam; our dentist and hygienists provide helpful tips to ensure your child has a beautiful healthy smile for years to come.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly pediatric dentist, contact our team today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

The Most Common Questions About Dental Exams and Cleanings for Kids

For children, oral hygiene begins as soon as their first tooth erupts, so usually around six months old. The thought of brushing one tiny tooth may seem silly, but taking care of that little tooth is just as important as if he or she had a whole mouth full of teeth!

All parents want their children to grow up to be healthy and happy. That’s why we take them to doctor’s visits, provide nutritious foods, and ensure they’re getting enough exercise. Taking your little one to dental exams and cleanings every six months is just one more way to ensure he is as healthy as can be.

Are baby teeth important?

Your little one’s teeth are just as important to her as yours are to you. Take a minute to think about what your life would be like without healthy, functioning teeth. Chewing and speaking would certainly be more difficult, and you’d probably struggle with insecurity. The same is true for your child! Without them, she can’t chew or speak properly, therefore, we do all we can to preserve them!

This means reducing the risk of cavities, baby bottle tooth decay, and tooth loss (until the proper time). When a baby tooth falls out too soon, there may not be room for the permanent tooth to emerge which could lead to dental misalignment and crowding. One of the best ways to interfere with these dental issues is to bring your child to the dentist two times a year.

What happens during kids’ dental exams and cleanings?

For children three and under, these appointments look much different than regular cleanings and exams. The pediatric dentist will examine your little one’s mouth and may do a fluoride treatment. During the exam, the dentist will make sure all of his baby teeth are developing properly and that the teeth and gums are healthy.

For older children, the pediatric dentist or dental hygienist will perform a regular dental cleaning when necessary.

One of the most important parts of these visits is that you (the parent) will learn about proper oral hygiene for your child. This includes:

Proper brushing and flossing techniques
How to clean the gums after feeding
Types of toothpaste
Thumb and pacifier habits
Baby bottle tooth decay
Cavity prevention
Nutrition

These topics are ones that most parents never really think about until it’s too late. Our goal as pediatric dental professionals is to set your little one up for a life of good oral health!

What are the benefits of bringing my child to the dentist regularly?

Aside from being a steppingstone to optimal oral health, regular visits to the dentist offer these benefits to children:

A positive perception of dentists: Many children grow up hearing about how horrible dental appointments are. When they have first-hand experience, they are much less likely to believe that. Our pediatric dentist works hard to ensure every little patient of ours loves his or her time at our dental practice.
Promotes good habits: When you prioritize oral health for your child, she will likely do the same when she’s older!
Provides oral health records: In an emergency, it is so important to have health records on hand. This way, the experts can spend their time on the issue at hand, not trying to catch up on the patient’s history.

Dental Cleanings and Exams for Kids in Overland Park

It’s never too late to bring your child to the dentist for the first time. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we’re happy to provide fun, compassionate, and personalized dental care for kids of all ages. To schedule a first visit with Dr. Matt, call us today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

How Kids Can Maintain a Healthy Smile During Thanksgiving

A house full of family, playing games, and eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal are some of our favorite things about the Thanksgiving holiday. While this year may look a little different, we hope that it is just as special!

The Thanksgiving meal is full of old family recipes, favorite family dishes, and foods your little one has probably been requesting year-round. Helping your little one maintain a healthy mouth is just as important as making his favorite Thanksgiving dish. That doesn’t mean he has to skip out on anything. In fact, many Thanksgiving staples have oral health benefits.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and practical tips for helping your family maintain good oral health during the holiday.

The Benefits of Thanksgiving Foods

Most foods have some sort of nutritional value. Here’s how popular Thanksgiving foods benefit oral and overall health:

Turkey: This beloved main course is often the star of the show. It is also packed full of protein and low on fat. Turkey contains vitamin b3 which helps support healthy teeth and gums.
Sweet potatoes: For those of us with a sweet tooth, sweet potatoes, also called yams, are a Thanksgiving favorite. They are also full of nutrients that help keep your body and mouth healthy. Of course, yams typically contain loads of butter and brown sugar that may reduce these benefits.
Green bean casserole: Green beans, mushrooms, and onions make this dish one of the most nutritious options at a Thanksgiving feast. Green beans, in particular, are full of vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin, bones, and hair.
Mac and cheese: We all know that calcium helps build strong bones, and there aren’t many more delicious ways to get calcium than macaroni and cheese! This is a favorite among children, so just make sure your child is getting nutrients from other sources as well!
Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are full of nutrients that help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.
Pumpkin pie: The most popular Thanksgiving dessert is pumpkin pie. Apart from the added sugar and whipped cream on top, the pumpkin itself is full of vitamin A which strengthens dental enamel and helps maintain healthy gums.

Thanksgiving Oral Hygiene Tips

The holidays are a time for enjoying and indulging in the good things in life. We won’t ask you or your child to give any of those things up! However, we will offer these tips to help your family maintain healthy mouths.

Encourage your little one to brush and floss her teeth more often during the holidays. Brushing after meals is a great habit to keep
The Thanksgiving meal is full of sugar and calories already, so try to drink only water throughout the day. Water helps clean the mouth of food particles, sugar, and other debris that may lead to cavities and gum disease. Your child won’t have as much of an after-dinner crash, and you’ll feel less bloated!
Portion sizes matter, even on Thanksgiving. Try to fill up your plate with the healthiest options, then when you aren’t as hungry, go back for smaller portions of the not-so-healthy dishes.
If possible, spread the leftovers out among family members. This way, you and your family don’t have three days of Thanksgiving meals instead of just one!
There’s no better way to begin the new year than with a clean and healthy smile. Call to schedule regular dental cleaning appointment for your little one with his or her pediatric dentist. Be sure to do the same for yourself!

Learn More from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt’s goal is to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile year-round. For more oral hygiene tips, or to schedule a dental cleaning for your little one, contact our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

5 Tips to Maintain Good Oral Health During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed our daily lives and will continue to do so. Unfortunately, forgoing dental appointments, or not having access to your dentist, could have negative impacts on oral health, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

While working from home, you may be more tempted to snack all day, eating foods that aren’t so great for your oral or overall health. Although that certainly is okay sometimes, making it a habit could have negative consequences. Some of us may even forget to brush our teeth or to remind our children to brush theirs! Yikes!

To avoid developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems during COVID-19, here are five helpful tips:

1. Set a reminder to brush your teeth

We know this may sound silly, but we also know how hard it can be to remember to brush your teeth once the day gets started. This is especially necessary for people who work from home or whose kids are doing school at home. Children may be especially forgetful!

Many of us wake up in the morning and hit the ground running. If you aren’t leaving the house, brushing and flossing your teeth may be forgotten. Add “brush your teeth” to your morning alarm or set a separate reminder for the same time every day. If the whole family is at home, make sure to get your kids involved, too.

2. Drink lots of water

Always have a glass of water within reach while you’re working. The same goes for kids. Even if you’re drinking another beverage like coffee or tea, keep the water close by. Make sure your children are drinking more water than they are juice or other sugar-filled drinks.

Water is one of the best ways to keep our mouths clean throughout the day. It also helps with saliva production, so dry mouth never becomes an issue.

3. Buy mouth-friendly snacks

Snacks that are full of carbs and sugar tend to be our favorites. However, if you want to keep your mouth and body healthy, look for these alternatives at the grocery store:

Hummus with carrots, celery, and/or peppers
Cheese cubes
Apples and natural peanut butter
Assorted nuts
Sugar-free yogurt with fruit

Your little one will enjoy these as well!

4. Kick bad habits

Nail biting, chewing ice, and using teeth as tools are a few of the worst things a person can do with their teeth. These habits increase the risk for dental chips and cracks as well as cuts on the gums that can lead to disease and infection.

If you need help with keeping your child from biting his or her fingernails, reach out to your local pediatric dentist for advice.

5. Don’t be afraid to visit the dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, regular dental cleanings and exams are still essential for maintaining good oral health for children and adults. As long as the patient is healthy and wears a mask, he or she should continue to attend their six-month cleanings.

We completely understand being overly cautious during the ongoing pandemic. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we’ve taken every precaution to keep our patients and their families safe which is why you shouldn’t be afraid to visit the dentist when it’s necessary.

If your child is experiencing dental pain, needs a teeth cleaning, or something just doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our dental office. The same goes for you, mom and dad (we can recommend a local dentist, if necessary)!

Call our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment for your little one with Dr. Matt.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning Appointments for Kids

New parents often have many questions about dental care for their little ones. Starting at about six months, babies begin to develop their first two teeth, and even those require special care! While Google, friends, and family members may offer advice, parents should seek the guidance of a pediatric dentist who can offer personalized oral health tips for their baby.

Topics that a pediatric dentist may discuss with parents include teeth cleaning appointments, baby bottle tooth decay, proper brushing and flossing techniques, nutrition, and thumb, finger, and pacifier habits.

Gaining this advice and education on your child’s oral health is one of the main advantages of attending regular teeth cleaning appointments. Continue reading to learn about the other benefits of bringing your child to the dentist every six months.

1. Creates a positive relationship with the dentist

From the time that your child’s first teeth erupt, you should schedule a teeth cleaning and exam appointment every six months. Though your child may be too young to remember her first few dental visits, she will quickly become familiar with the office environment, dentist, and team members. As she grows, she and her pediatric dentist will create a trusting and positive relationship so that she never deals with dental fear or anxiety.

Additionally, you will feel much more comfortable putting your child in the care of someone you know and trust.

2. The dentist teaches your child good oral hygiene habits

Teaching your child how to brush and floss properly can be a really fun experience, but it can also be really frustrating if you don’t know exactly what your teaching and what he should be doing.

Pediatric dentists are experts at teaching children how to care for their teeth. Many dentists use fun props and tools in their office to show children how to brush and floss. Making oral hygiene fun goes a really long way for kids!

The dentist will also provide tips for how you can teach your child later on.

3. The dentist’s office keeps oral health records

Having one consistent dentist is important for people of all ages, but especially children. When your little attends teeth cleaning and exam appointments every six months, the dentist can easily keep track of his or her dental development and oral health. This allows the dentist to predict any potential dental problems and create a plan to avoid them in the future.

These records also come in handy in a dental emergency. Rather than having to spend time talking to the parents about their child’s oral health history, they can pull out their records and get to work as soon as possible.

4. Serious oral health problems are avoided

Bi-annual trips to the dentist are one of the best ways to prevent oral health problems for children and adults. During these appointments, the dental team uses special tools to thoroughly clean the mouth, and the dentist checks for signs of decay or disease. When those are detected, measures are taken to treat them immediately. The teeth cleaning itself helps stop cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems from ever developing.

Kids’ Teeth Cleaning in Overland Park

Want to help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile? Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt. We are passionate about providing personalized, compassionate, and fun dental care, and creating a positive experience for our patients and their parents.

Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Dental Care Tips to Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile

Oral hygiene doesn’t come naturally to most children—it must be taught! We, of all people, understand that teaching any type of hygiene to kids is no easy task. However, it can be done with consistency, motivation, and a little bit of fun.

In this blog, our pediatric dentist offers dental care tips to help your child maintain a healthy smile. These include proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy snack ideas, and some ideas for how to make oral hygiene exciting. Continue reading to learn more!

Dental Care Tip #1: Let your child choose his tools.

When your child is old enough to care about the color of his toothbrush or flavor of toothpaste, take him to the store so he can pick out his oral hygiene tools. In most stores, there will be a variety of cartoon character options and tasty flavors (just make sure he knows not to swallow the toothpaste!).

In addition to a toothbrush and toothpaste, have him pick out floss and mouthwash as well. If you aren’t sure which types of tools are best, be sure to talk to a pediatric dentist for recommendations.

Dental Care Tip #2: Make sure she brushes and flosses properly.

Let to their own volition, most children will brush for about ten seconds and skip flossing altogether. Be sure to take the time to teach your child how to brush and floss properly before leaving them on their own.

If you aren’t sure about the proper techniques or just need help explaining them, check out this blog or watch this fun video with your little one!

Dental Care Tip #3: Offer tooth-friendly meals and snacks.

Providing healthy meals and snacks to your child is beneficial in so many ways, including:

Quicker brain development
Stronger immune system
Fewer chances of chronic health problems
Better oral health

Along with avoiding sugar as much as possible, serve your child these foods:

Fruits and veggies
Protein
Calcium

Click here for healthy snack ideas for your little one!

Dental Care Tip #4: Watch TV-shows or read books about oral hygiene.

There are several TV-shows and books about the main character visiting the dentist and learning to take care of his or her oral health. Most children are much more inclined to do something when they know their favorite character has done it too!

Here are some shows and books that we recommend:

“The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss
“Ready, set, brush!” By Che Rudko (Sesame Street)
“The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan Berenstain
Peppa Pig
Arthur
Bubble Guppies

Dental Care Tip #5: Have fun with it!

One of the easiest ways to make oral hygiene fun is to do it together. Join your little one in her bathroom or invite her into yours, put on some music, and brush and floss together! After all, the best way for her to learn is by watching you.

Putting on a two-minute video is another fun and helpful way to get your child to brush for the appropriate amount of time. If your child responds well to rewards, consider creating a sticker chart and offering a prize once he or she has brushed every day for a specific period of time.

Get More Dental Care Tips from Dr. Matt

For dental care tips that are more specific to your child, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt. We can’t wait to meet you!

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

What to Expect at Your Local Pediatric Dental Office

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we strive to create a positive environment for our patients (and we must say, we’re pretty good at it!). We never want the dental office to be a place that kids fear or dread which is why Dr. Matt is so intentional about how he runs his dental practice.

Part of enjoying a visit to your dental office is knowing what to expect, but that’s nearly impossible when you’ve never been to a place before. While you may have been to other dentist offices, ours is unique in the best ways.

Here’s what your child can expect at their first visit to our pediatric dental office:

Friendly and Fun Environment

From the time you and your little one walk in our doors, our team will treat you like family. We prioritize providing quality care for children and teens, but we want the experience to be pleasant for the entire family.

Our office is full of bright colors that will surely grab your child’s attention, and Dr. Matt uses props that are sure to keep him or her engaged while learning about oral hygiene.

Discussion About Oral Hygiene Habits

Education about oral hygiene is so important for children and their parents. As your little one grows, he will need to change his oral hygiene routine accordingly and parents are most likely the ones who will enforce those!

During the first visit and each one after that, Dr. Matt and his team will talk with you about your child’s specific oral health needs and how to address those at home.

Some topics that may be covered include:

Baby bottle tooth decay
Types of toothpaste and toothbrushes
Thumb and pacifier habits
Cavity prevention
Flossing techniques

Oral Exam

While an oral exam is normal and expected for adults, children are often nervous about it. You can prepare your child for this part of the appointment by playing “dentist” at home and using your finger to count his or her teeth.

During the exam at your dental office, the dentist or dental hygienist will check to ensure your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw are healthy and functioning properly.

Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings are absolutely necessary for preventing cavities and ensuring your child’s teeth develop properly. This is another part of the appointment that may make your child nervous, but it shouldn’t! Our hygienists are extremely gentle to ensure the experience is comfortable and pain-free.

We recommend reading a book or watching a TV show about visiting the dentist before coming so your little one is more comfortable in the chair.

Check out this blog for tips to prepare your child for their first visit to your local pediatric dental office.

Contact Your Local Pediatric Dental Office Today

Now that you and your child know what to expect, it’s time to schedule that appointment! Another thing you can expect from us is punctuality. We will always respect your time, so don’t expect to be in the waiting room for very long! In fact, we encourage families to arrive at least ten minutes early to complete any paperwork before being called back to one of our private operatory rooms.

Dr. Matt and his team are excited to have you and your family become a part of ours. Call 913-685-9990 today to schedule your child’s first visit to Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

How To Enjoy Halloween While Preventing Cavities

Ghosts, witches, haunted houses, and… cavities? Tooth decay shouldn’t be one of the scariest things about Halloween, but for many children, it is! Luckily, there are many ways to prevent cavities from ruining the holidays while still enjoying them to the fullest.

For parents, Halloween can be especially difficult, and with COVID-19, this year may be even more stressful, OR it could be a blessing in disguise. Since so many won’t be going out trick-or-treating, you’ll have more control of what your child receives in his bucket.

Check out these tips and tricks for helping your child avoid cavities this Halloween:

1. Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine

Slacking on oral hygiene from the end of October through February is one of the worst things anyone of any age could do. There’s a big holiday in each of those months and we tend to consume much more sugar (especially the little ones)! The longer sugar sits on the teeth, the more dangerous it becomes.

Brushing in the morning and evening and flossing in the evening will help your child maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in his mouth. To combat the additional sugar and carbs, we encourage our patients to brush after each meal and add a mouthwash to their routine.

2. Make alternative treats

If you’re spending Halloween at home, make your own treats rather than buying bags of candy. This is a great activity for the whole family! Here are some delicious and healthy Halloween-themed treat activities:

Clementines and celery sticks (pumpkins)
Bananas and chocolate chips (ghosts)
White chocolate-covered strawberries with mini-chocolate chips (ghosts)
Pineapple, nectarines, whipped cream layered from bottom to top (candy corn cups)

3. Eat more chocolate

Yes, you read that right! Rather than buying fruity, chewy, and sticky candy, buy chocolate instead. Dark chocolate in particular is much better than other candy because it contains polyphenols that reduce bad bacteria in the mouth. Chocolate is also much less likely to stick between or on tops of teeth like jolly ranchers, taffy, and caramels.

4. Drink lots of water

Try to skip out on sodas, juices, and other sugary drinks as much as possible during the holidays—especially Halloween! These just add unnecessary sugars and work against good oral health. Instead, fill your little one’s cup up with water that will help clean her mouth and encourage saliva production.

5. Schedule a regular dental cleaning

Dental cleanings are essential to achieving optimal oral health. Children should visit the dentist at least every six months and right after the holidays is the perfect time! During these appointments, the pediatric dentist will check for signs of cavities, dental abnormalities, and other oral health infections. This permits the dentist to treat issues in the earliest stages and prevent more dental problems in the future.

During this appointment, the pediatric dentist will teach your little one to properly brush and floss and provide tips for you, the parent, on how to help your child have a healthy and beautiful smile.

Celebrate Halloween with us!

If it’s been a while since your little one has been to the dentist, there’s no time like the present! Dr. Matt can help your family start off the holiday season with bright, healthy smiles. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to make dental care kid-friendly, positive, and gentle.

Don’t let cavities ruin your holidays. Call (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s dental appointment today.

"*" indicates required fields

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist