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

How important are dental exams and cleanings for your child?

Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for people of all ages, but particularly for children. Attending these appointments will set them up for oral health success in the future! According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist every six months after their first tooth erupts.

These appointments are imperative for reducing your child’s risk of cavities and other oral and overall health issues. Check out this blog to learn about the benefits of attending dental exams and cleanings every six months.

1. Prevent cavities

The most obvious benefit of dental exams and cleanings is cavity prevention. According to the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, 40 percent of children have dental decay by the time they start kindergarten and 60 percent of children in elementary school suffer from decay. Most of the time, these instances of decay are completely preventable when children practice proper oral hygiene, eat properly, and attend dental exams and cleanings every six months.

These visits are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth because dentists are able to reach the parts that are often neglected. Dentists can also treat decay early on, so it doesn’t become an issue later.

2. Keeps bad breath away

If you notice that your child has bad breath, a professional dental cleaning can usually nip it in the bud! No one wants to be known as the “kid with bad breath” at school. Be sure to schedule your child’s dental appointments every six months to make sure he never is!

3. Keeps parents up-to-date on oral hygiene practices

Another major aspect of preventing oral health problems is education. Many parents have never heard of the term “baby bottle tooth decay” which occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugar over a long period of time. When you visit the pediatric dentist, he can explain how to prevent this and several other oral health issues your little one may face!

As your child grows, his oral hygiene will change. During these six-month visits, the pediatric dentist can explain what steps need to be taken at home to help your little one maintain a healthy mouth. The dentist will use language that both you and your child will understand.

4. Promotes self-confidence

As adults, we know the power of a beautiful and healthy smile. When a person feels confident about their teeth, they are more likely to smile and be comfortable in most social situations, therefore affecting how they feel and how those around them feel. In fact, studies have shown that people with beautiful smiles are perceived as smarter and more successful!

5. Encourages good oral hygiene

When children understand why oral hygiene is important, they are more likely to practice it! Children’s dentists are better at explaining this than most—that’s why they get paid for it! Additionally, your child’s dentist will model proper brushing and flossing techniques that she can emulate at home.

Attending dental exams and cleanings every six months keeps oral hygiene in the forefront of you and your child’s mind so that you never neglect your mouth and open it up to decay and disease. We want your little one to achieve optimal oral health just as much as you do!

Dental Exams and Cleanings for Kids in Overland Park

If you’re searching for a great pediatric dentist in the Overland Park area, check out Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first appointment.

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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 Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Whether it’s your child’s first trip to the dentist or tenth, he might feel fearful or anxious. Dental fear among children is common, but there are certainly ways to overcome it! As pediatric dental professionals, we take responsibility for providing a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for our patients. This includes rooms filled with bright colors and team members with kid-friendly, happy attitudes. We know that each of these things contributes to making a child feel more at ease.

A parent’s responsibility is to simply prepare their child for the visit. Dental fear doesn’t’ have to rule the appointment—it can be overcome! In this blog, we offer five tips to help your little one overcome their dental fear and anxiety.

1. Don’t over-explain

If it’s your child’s first visit, its best to keep the details as simple as possible. Overexplaining can lead to more questions, fear, and anxiety.

You and I know that nothing scary happens at the dentist’s office, but certain aspects can sound intimidating when a person hasn’t experienced it for themselves.

Most likely during your child’s visit, the dentist will examine and clean his teeth and gums. This may or may not include x-rays. For most of the appointment, your child can sit in your lap rather than in the chair by himself. If your child is needing a cavity filled or any other dental procedure, use simple language to describe that process.

2. Use positive language

As an adult, you may have had a negative dental experience (unfortunately, those are all too common!). However, it’s best to keep that experience to yourself. Something as simple as using positive language when talking about your own dental experiences or your child’s pediatric dentist can make all the difference in how she perceives her own experiences!

3. Play pretend

All (okay, most) children love to play house, school, and other pretend activities. Offer to play dentist! Your little one will love playing with you and will get to “experience” the dentist for the first time in a super fun way.

When playing, find a comfy chair and a toothbrush. You can use the toothbrush to act like you are brushing his teeth or just count his teeth. Try not to lay out any pretend dental tools that might seem scary.

4. Watch TV shows or read books

Many of your child’s favorite TV characters have an episode about visiting the dentist. In most cases, the show or book begins with the main character being fearful of the dentist, then learning that there was never anything to be afraid of.

Here are some examples of TV shows and books that can help your child overcome dental fear:

SpongeBob SquarePants
Dora the Explorer
Arthur
Berenstain Bears
Peppa Pig
Bubble Guppies

There are also several fun videos on YouTube about the dentist and the importance of dental hygiene. Colgate has a series of ten episodes called Dr. Rabbit and the Tooth Kingdomthat kids love!

5. Bring comfort items

A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make a huge difference for a child dealing with dental fear. If, despite all of your preparation and hard work, your child is still showing signs of fear or anxiety, pack her favorite comfort item just in case!

Eliminate Dental Fear with The Right Dentist

Choosing the right pediatric dentist for your little one is another major step to avoiding and/or overcoming dental fear. A great first visit can set him up for good oral hygiene throughout his life!

If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, consider Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Dr. Matt is passionate about creating the ultimate dental experience for all of his patients. Contact us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a visit!

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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

Make Your Child’s First Visit A Positive One

Visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for anyone, but especially children. The sounds, smell, environment, and experience are completely new and unlike anywhere else they’ve been before. For parents of little ones, preparation is key. The first visit to the pediatric dentist can be a great experience when parents and dental professionals work together.

The importance of first impressions is not lost on us. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to provide a fun, comfortable, and uplifting environment for children and their parents every single time because we know your child’s oral health is dependent on it!

To increase the chances of your child’s first visit being a positive one, follow these guidelines:

1. Watch dental-themed TV shows

Your child’s favorite TV character probably has a show about going to the dentist. We know for sure that Peppa Pig, Arthur, andBubble Guppies all have episodes about visiting the dentist for the first time. These allow your little one to experience the dentist through someone else’s eyes. Typically, the character initially fears the dentist, then realizes it’s not scary at all!

2. Speak positively about the dentist

Many times, children are scared of the dentist because they’ve heard their parents speak negatively about their experiences. However, that doesn’t have to be the case for your child.

Use positive language when talking about your child’s upcoming appointment. This includes using uplifting words as well as explaining the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Here are some helpful talking points:

Preventing cavities
Keeping a beautiful smile
Getting rid of bad breath
Creating good habits

3. Schedule the appointment appropriately

If at all possible, try to schedule your child’s appointment in the morning or after their afternoon nap. Typically, this is when children are happiest. Try not to schedule their appointment during nap time or lunchtime. This way, the dental experience is better for everyone!

Additionally, schedule at a time that works well for you. If you’re rushing to get to the appointment after work or picking up your child from school, the entire experience could be compromised. We encourage parents to arrive at least ten minutes early to fill out any needed paperwork and give their child more time to get comfortable in the new environment.

4. Bring comfort items

Does your little one sleep with a stuffed animal or favorite blanket? Bring it along! Sitting in the dentist’s chair alone may seem a little scary, but their favorite comfort item can provide some relief.

Of course, you will always be near your child to comfort him if he becomes overwhelmed, but a little extra reassurance is never a bad idea!

5. Offer a reward for good behavior

If your child responds well to rewards and is a little anxious about the visit, promising a new toy or ice cream run afterward could be the encouragement he needs. Not only with this make him more excited, but he will also have something to distract him during the appointment.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today

The first step towards preparing for the first visit is to schedule it! Then you can begin preparing your little one.

If your child doesn’t have a pediatric dentist or you aren’t satisfied with your current one, Dr. Matt and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids would love to have you! Contact us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment.

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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

Keep Cavities Away at Every Age

In her article for Parents, Rebecca Felsenthal states that cavities are “more common among young children than any other chronic illness, including asthma and diabetes.” She goes on to say that at least 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay due to an increase of sugar in their diets. It may seem inevitable, but cavities don’t have to be a part of your little one’s future. Scientists and dentists have completed decades of studies that tell us exactly how and why cavities occur, therefore we have the upper hand when fighting against them!

Babies aren’t born with disease-causing bacteria in their mouths. They are introduced to the bacteria by sharing spoons and toothbrushes with their parents. However, children who aren’t exposed to this bacterium may eventually have a cavity or two.

Here’s how to fight against cavities at every age:

Babies (0-1)

Even babies without teeth require oral hygiene. Breast-fed and bottle-fed babies are susceptible to something called baby-bottle tooth decay (BBTD) which leads to cavities and other oral health problems later on. This is most common in babies who fall asleep while drinking milk, formula, or juice.

To prevent BBTD, dentists recommend parents wipe their babies’ gums at least once per day. When the teeth erupt, the parent should wipe the teeth as well and brush with a fluoride-free toothpaste as soon as possible.

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry also recommends that babies have their first dental appointment when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday.

Toddlers (1-3)

For toddler parents will just build upon the baby-care guidelines. Parents should talk to a pediatric dentist about using fluoride toothpaste to clean their toddler’s teeth. When the child has two teeth that are touching, floss should be introduced.

We recommend brushing twice a day for at least 30 seconds. Find a position that is comfortable for you and your little one and be sure to rinse their mouth out with water after brushing.

Preschool (3-5)

At this age, your little one is probably getting a little more independent. This is a great time to teach her how to brush her own teeth! Of course, she will still need your help to ensure every part of her mouth is cleaned.

At this age, parents should lead by example and try to set an oral hygiene routine with their child. Brush and floss together in the morning and evening. It’s also so important to provide mouth-healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Learn more about that in this blog!

School-Age (5-17)

While the routine may stay the same, the toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will change many times as your little one grows into a teenager and adult.

In the beginning, continue to check your child’s mouth to ensure no plaque is left behind. Parents may want to introduce mouthwash into their child’s oral hygiene routine as well. Be sure to ask your pediatric dentist for mouthwash recommendations.

Check out some of our other blogs to learn about the proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as how to make oral hygiene fun!

Fighting Cavities in Overland Park

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about preventing dental decay in children of all ages. Be sure to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist to ensure your little one has the best chance of avoiding cavities.

Call (913) 685-9990 today.

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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

Oral Health Tips: Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy After Going Back to School

The back-to-school season is tough for many reasons, especially for parents. Along with getting themselves back into a routine, they have to teach their kids to do the same. If you’re a parent, oral hygiene may be on your mind especially if getting your child to brush this morning was a little more difficult than expected. This part of your morning shouldn’t be burdensome. Thankfully, we’ve got some tips that will make helping your child maintain a healthy mouth a breeze.

Follow these three tips to make this aspect of your child’s daily routine simpler and to help him maintain a healthy smile:

1. Stay consistent

If routines are important for adults, just imagine how important they are for children. Take time to sit down with your child to create a morning routine and stick with the plan. Allowing your little one some input will make it much easier! So, whether the two of you decide brushing takes place before or after breakfast, make it happen every day without exception (at least as much as possible).

According to an article in Psychology Today, it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. So don’t be surprised if your child is struggling to stay consistent three weeks in. Keep pushing forward! The author also explains that missing a day here and there shouldn’t completely derail the new routine, so don’t get discouraged on the difficult days.

2. Make brushing fun

A major way to encourage your child to stick with their oral hygiene routine is to make it fun (yes, brushing teeth CAN be fun)! This could be as simple as brushing your teeth together or providing positive reinforcement every time your child brushes.

We also recommend that parents let their children pick out a fun toothbrush with their favorite tv show character or color and choose their flavor of toothpaste. These will give him or her something to look forward to in the morning.

If these ideas aren’t enough, a distraction might be just the ticket. Allow your child to watch a two-minute video while brushing. He will enjoy the extra screen time and you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get him to brush!

For more ideas on how to make oral hygiene fun and effective, check out this blog.

3. Pack healthy lunches

Offering your child a healthy lunch or after-school snack may be one of the best things you can do for his or her oral health. Fruits and veggies, high protein foods, and high calcium foods are essential to keeping their teeth and gums healthy because the nutrients support strong bones, create a protective barrier around the teeth, and support gum health.

Try to avoid sugary foods and snacks as much as possible as these create an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth that leads to decay and disease. Your child’s teacher will also thank you for it!

We offer numerous mouth-healthy lunch and snack ideas in this blog!

Back-to-School Pro Tip: Visit a Pediatric Dentist

It’s never too late to take your child to the dentist. While it may be a little more inconvenient during the school year, if he or she hasn’t attended a regular dental cleaning and exam in the past six months, now is the time.

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, would love to visit with you and your little one at our Overland Park dentist’s office. Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment.

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

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

Pediatric Dentist Speaks on Helping Kids Eat Healthy

Along with practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, parents must encourage their children to eat a nutritious diet that promotes strong teeth and healthy gums. This process is much easier when parents focus on providing nutritious meals for their child at a young age because he or she will begin to crave nutritious foods instead of unhealthy ones. Just like with adults, children can become addicted to sugary foods that lead to cavities and gum disease. Because of this, it’s best to stay away from sugar-laden snacks, drinks, and candy.

If you’re having a hard time convincing your child to eat his fruits and veggies, we’re here to help! Our pediatric dentist knows what kids like and how parents can encourage healthy eating habits without all the drama.

Here are three categories of delicious and nutritious snack ideas that all (okay, most) kids love:

1. Fruits and veggies

Fruits and veggies aren’t just simple snacks, they promote mouth health in several ways. Oranges, broccoli, green and red peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries contain high levels of Vitamin C that protect the teeth and gums from disease-causing bacteria and cell damage. Crispy fruits and uncooked veggies also help clean plaque from teeth.

It may be difficult to get your little one to eat plain fruits and veggies. We recommend providing a yogurt fruit dip or ranch dressing for dipping that will make these foods irresistible!

Here are more ways to serve fruits and veggies:

Zucchini chips
Sweet potato chips
Kale chips
Guacamole with pita wedges
Pepper nachos
Hummus
Celery and apples with low-sugar peanut butter
Peanut butter and banana sandwich
Fresh fruit smoothie

2. Protein

Many of the same foods that contain protein also contain phosphorous, both of which protect and rebuild tooth enamel. You’ll find these nutrients in red meats, chicken, fish, milk, and eggs.

Here are some high protein snacks your child will love:

Jerky, salami, and pepperoni
Sliced turkey or ham
Hard-boiled eggs
Greek yogurt
Hummus
Edamame
Oven-baked onion rings
Roasted chickpeas

Though protein bars are convenient—and let’s face it, all kids love them—they are usually very high in sugar. It’s better for children and adults to get their protein from more natural sources like those we listed above.

3. Calcium

We all know that milk supports strong bones, but did you know that includes teeth? Furthermore, milk creates a protective barrier so that disease-causing bacteria can’t infiltrate the teeth and gums. So, while we recommend children drink mostly water throughout the day, a glass or two of milk is definitely beneficial.

In addition to milk, there are several other calcium-rich foods for your little one to snack on throughout the day, including:

String cheese
Almonds
Yogurt
Fortified orange juice
Apples and almond butter
Blueberries and cottage cheese
Yogurt and fruit parfaits
Scrambled eggs with cheese

Foods to Avoid

The key to helping your child maintain good oral health is to avoid sugar as much as possible. Eating too much sugar is one of the main causes of cavities, and contributes to childhood obesity and malnutrition.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot sugar on a food label. It may be disguised as “high fructose corn syrup”, “rice syrup”, “fructose”, “sucrose”, and several other names. To learn more about how sugar affects your child and its many names, check out this blog.

Learn More from Our Pediatric Dentist

If you’d like to know more about how to ensure your little one grows up with a healthy, beautiful smile, call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt.

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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

Brushing and Flossing Tips from a Children’s Dentist

Brushing and flossing are two of the first things we teach our children about hygiene. Parents begin this process as soon as their child’s first tooth emerges, and children learn by watching their parents care for their own teeth. Though brushing and flossing for adults are simple and sensible, children don’t always view them the same way.

The first step to helping children understand why oral hygiene is important is to explain why we do it. Of course, we know that brushing and flossing are two of the best defenses against tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Tell that to your little one and he or she may not understand.

Find a way to describe the process that’s fun for your child. Describe the plaque in their mouth as the “bad guys” and the toothbrush and floss as the “good guys” and create a fun story for them to be a part of.

Continue reading for more helpful brushing and flossing tips from our children’s dentist!

Proper Techniques

It’s not enough for someone to just have a toothbrush or floss in their mouth two times a day; these tools must be used properly. Be sure to use the following guidelines when teaching your child how to brush and floss.

Brushing

To encourage brushing, we recommend allowing your child to pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. Just be sure to ask your dentist about the best toothpaste for your little one! Once he or she has the tools picked out, follow this technique:

Place a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush
Brush the top, front, and back sides of each tooth in small circles
Don’t forget the tongue and roof!
Spit and rinse

Check out this video for a kid-friendly way to explain this technique!

Flossing

There are two types of floss: traditional and dental floss picks. For children, dental floss picks may be easier in the beginning, but we encourage parents to teach their children how to use traditional floss as it is more effective.

Here are the proper techniques for both types of floss.

Traditional:

Take about 18 inches of string
Wrap most of it around one finger (we recommend the pointer)
Wind the rest around the opposite finger—not too tightly!
Bring the floss up one side of a tooth and down the other
Be sure to reach all the way down to the gum lines
After cleaning each tooth, unwind the floss from one finger and collect it with the other

Floss picks:

Move the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, paying close attention to the gum line
Rinse the floss after cleaning each tooth
Replace the pick when the string looks worn

Make It Fun!

Many adults find oral hygiene to be boring and unnecessary. That’s why we aren’t surprised when parents tell us that their child refuses to practice good oral hygiene.

If that’s the case for you, try these three tips from our children’s dentist:

Make it a family event. Invite your little one into the bathroom with you and other family members, put some music on, and make brushing and flossing a party!
Use rewards. Create a brushing and flossing chart with stickers that show your child getting closer and closer to a reward. Once he or she reaches that mark, go for ice cream or to the store to pick out a toy—you know what your child likes best!
Utilize technology. Sometimes a distraction is exactly what we need to get something done. Allow your little one to watch a video or listen to her favorite song while she brushes and flosses.

For More Brushing and Flossing Tips

Want to know more about your child’s oral health and hygiene? Call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt.

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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

Is there a kids’ dentist near me who sees new patients?

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your little one is an important and meaningful task. As a parent, we know that you desire for your child to grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful. Though we may have different definitions of those words, we can all agree that good oral hygiene affects each of those areas. After all, healthy, beautiful teeth certainly encourage smiling, improve confidence, and have a positive impact on overall health.

So, what’s the first step in helping your child achieve good oral hygiene? We believe the answer is finding the right kid’s dentist! Aside from asking for recommendations from friends and family, we recommend using the internet and your research skills to find the best “kid’s dentist near me.”

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what to look for and where to find it!

1. Experience

The saying “experience is the best teacher” is a saying for a reason—it’s true! It’s the reason we ask for references when we hire a handyman or babysitter. We want to know that the person is good at what they do and that they have had enough experience to perfect their craft.

When searching for a “kid’s dentist near me” to care for your little one, experience is a must. Pediatric dentists are trained to know how your child’s mouth should be developing but experience helps them know what to do when it’s not. Experience is especially helpful when learning how to handle children’s behavior in the dentist’s chair.

Where to find it: You should find information about a dentist’s experience on his website under the “About the Dentist/Doctor” tab. You can read about our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, here.

2. Good communication skills

A pediatric dentist should know how to communicate well with both children and adults. It is their responsibility to teach toddlers, adolescents, teens, and their parents about proper oral hygiene habits and routines.

Where to find it: The best way to learn if a dentist has good communication skills is to visit the office in person. However, we know that’s not always possible. The next best thing is to read patient reviews on Google. You can find ours here!

3. Passion

There’s nothing worse than dealing with a person who doesn’t love his or her job. Not only are they miserable, but they bring everyone around them down too. We see this in every profession, and pediatric dentists are no exception.

Patients can easily tell if their dentist is passionate about what he does. It shows in his countenance, office environment, and even on his website! Find the “kids’ dentist near me” that seems to give his all in every area of his practice.

Where to find it: Visit the dentist’s website, watch any informational videos, and read through the reviews for details about the dentist.

4. A welcoming presence

Children are often nervous or scared when they visit the dentist for the first time. A great pediatric dentist will make every patient (and their parents) feel as comfortable as possible during their visit. This includes making sure every team member is friendly and warm as soon as patients walk through the door.

Where to find it: We recommend an old-fashioned, in-person visit for this one! Of course, online reviews are helpful too.

Our Kid’s Dentist Near You

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we always look forward to welcoming new patients into our family! We do our best to provide a warm, fun, and safe environment for children of all ages. We know you’ll find all these qualities and more at our Overland Park office.

Call (913) 685-9990 today to schedule an initial consultation for your little one.

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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 child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist’s office and how to make it great!

A child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist can be overwhelming for both the parent and the child. Unfortunately, dentists get a bad rap, but our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is here to change that! During your child’s first visit, and every visit after that, we promise to provide gentle and compassionate care in a fun environment.

If you didn’t know, children should visit the dentist six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens during this appointment and provide tips to help parents prepare for their child’s first visit to the dentist.

The First Visit

At our practice, your child’s comfort, happiness, and dental health are our top priorities. We know the first visit will have a lasting impression on you and your child, so we want to make it a good one!

Here’s what happens during your child’s first pediatric dental appointment:

1. Review medical and dental history

While your child may not have a long medical or dental history, every detail matters. The dentist may also ask for details about your dental and medical history to help him predict any future oral health problems or orthodontic issues that your child could encounter.

2. Dental cleaning or polishing and discussion about oral hygiene habits

If necessary, a dental assistant will perform a gentle dental cleaning or polishing. During this time, the assistant and dentist will also inform the parent of the best oral hygiene habits for their little one. This might include:

Cleaning the gums after feeding
Types of toothpaste
Baby bottle tooth decay
Thumb and pacifier habits
Cavity prevention

3. An oral exam

During this part of the appointment, your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw will be examined by the dentist to ensure they are developing properly. If there are any signs of tooth decay, he will recommend the appropriate treatment. Dental x-rays may also be taken if necessary.

When parents bring their children to the dentist regularly, he is able to track the child’s oral health development to predict and prevent future problems.

Tips for the First Visit

Though we are committed to creating a fun and positive experience for every child, there’s only so much we can do. Parents are the experts on their children, and we need their help!

Here are three tips for parents who are preparing for their child’s first visit:

Schedule the appointment at a good time. You know when your little one is happiest. For many, its right after a nap or early in the morning. If possible, try to schedule his or her first visit at that time. This makes the entire appointment more pleasant for your child, you, and us.
Watch a dental-themed TV show. Your child’s favorite TV show character probably has an episode about his or her first visit to the dentist. Watching that episode can help your child view the dentist’s office in a positive light and reduce any fear or anxiety.
Bring comfort items. You are most likely your child’s favorite comfort item, but he probably has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that he likes to carry around, too. Bring whatever it is along to help him feel safer and more comfortable in our chair.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today

As a part of his commitment to good oral health for all children, Dr. Matt offers free cleanings and exams for children under two years old. We’re excited to have your family join ours at Smiles Dentistry for Kids!

Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

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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