Author: Matthew Hillman

As children grow, their curiosity about the world around them also grows, especially when it comes to their own bodies. A common question that often arises is, “How many teeth do I have?” Many parents struggle to answer these types of questions, which is why Dr. Matt Hillman is here to help!

Does your little one have a question about their dental health? Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, today! We can help you explain complex topics in easy-to-understand terms so your child can learn more about their teeth and gums. Contact our friendly team at (913) 685-9990 to answer your kiddo’s most intriguing questions!

Explaining dental health to children in an engaging and informative way can foster a positive attitude towards oral hygiene. So, whether it’s, “How many teeth do I have?” or, “Do I really have to go to the dentist,” we answer some commonly asked questions that children have about their teeth, gums, and dental health.

How many teeth do I have?

This is a great question! As a child, you start with no teeth at all, but by the time you turn one, you may have around eight baby teeth. 

As you grow, your baby teeth fall out, and by your early teenage years, you should have a full set of 32 teeth. This includes incisors for biting, canines for tearing, premolars for grinding, and molars for chewing. 

The wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) typically make their debut in your teens or early twenties.

Why do I have to brush my teeth every day?

Brushing your teeth is like giving them a good bath! It helps remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. 

By brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, you’re keeping your teeth clean and strong. It’s also a great way to prevent bad breath and ensure your smile stays bright.

What’s the big deal about flossing?

Flossing is like a superhero for your teeth! While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets into the tight spaces between them, where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Floss removes plaque and prevents cavities from forming in those hard-to-reach areas. So, by brushing and flossing together, you’re giving your teeth the ultimate protection against pesky cavities.

Do I really have to go to the dentist?

Absolutely! Dentists are like guardians for your teeth and gums. They have special tools and knowledge to make sure your teeth stay healthy.

Dentists can clean your teeth better than you can at home, and they can spot any potential problems before they become big issues. Going to the dentist is an essential part of keeping your smile in tip-top shape. That’s why experts recommend dental visits at least two times a year, every year for a healthy and strong smile.

Why do I get cavities even if I brush my teeth?

Cavities happen when tiny holes form in your teeth because of bacteria and sugar. Even if you brush, sometimes those tricky bacteria hide in the corners. Luckily, flossing and eating healthy foods can limit cavity-causing bacteria, giving you a healthier, more beautiful smile!

Have questions? Dr. Matt has answers!

By answering children’s dental questions in a way that’s relatable and fun, parents can instill good dental habits that will last a lifetime. So, the next time your little one asks, “How many teeth do I have?”, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS. You can reach our friendly team online or at (913) 685-9990 for more answers to your kiddo’s questions!

As the year draws to a close, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. But, amidst the festivities, there is one essential aspect of childcare that we shouldn’t put off until the New Year – a visit to a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS.

Scheduling a dental appointment for your child before the New Year is a proactive step that can contribute to their overall well-being. So, this year, give your child the gift of healthy teeth and gums with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt Hillman, in Overland Park. Request an appointment for your little one at Smiles Dentistry for Kids by dialing (913) 685-9990 now! 

In today’s post, we explore the compelling reasons why parents should prioritize a dental check-up for their children before 2024.

Preventive Care for a Healthy Smile

By taking your child to a pediatric dentist before the New Year, you ensure that any potential dental issues are addressed promptly. Early detection of cavities, gum problems, or orthodontic issues allows for timely intervention. This means you can prevent costly problems, and your little one can spread cheer well into the next year!

Utilizing Dental Benefits Before Year-End

Many dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, resetting benefits at the start of a new year. However, there is evidence to suggest that many insured parents don’t utilize all of their yearly benefits because they simply don’t know what is covered and what isn’t. 

As a general rule of thumb, insurance providers cover yearly preventive maintenance, so be sure to get the most out of your plan before ringing in 2024.

By scheduling a dental visit before December 31st, you can maximize the use of your dental insurance benefits while enhancing your child’s oral health.

Establishing Healthy Habits for the Future

Regular dental check-ups set the stage for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Dentists can offer guidance on effective brushing and flossing techniques, dietary choices that promote dental health, and the overall maintenance of a healthy smile.

Ease of Scheduling

Sometimes, our busy schedules can make it hard to visit a pediatric dentist. But the holiday season often coincides with a break from school for children. This break can make it easier to visit a pediatric dentistry clinic, making it the perfect time to get a check-up, cleaning, and address other concerns, such as:

• Teeth grinding
• Improper nutrition
• The need for orthodontic assessments 

Scheduling an appointment with our pediatric dentist is the best way to ensure your child returns to school in 2024 with a healthy and confident smile.

Preventing Emergency Situations

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. But the holiday season, with its abundance of sugary treats and festive foods, can pose additional risks for dental issues. 

Scheduling a pediatric dentistry visit before 2024 allows our team to identify and address any potential problems before they escalate into painful emergencies. Prevention and early intervention can spare your child unnecessary discomfort and ensure a happy and healthy holiday season.

Pediatric Dentistry in Overland Park, KS

Prioritizing a dental visit for your child before the New Year is a proactive step that contributes to their overall well-being. By taking this small yet significant step, we can set the stage for a New Year filled with bright smiles, good oral health, and confidence that shines from the inside out. Schedule your child’s next pediatric dental appointment online here, or call Dr. Matt at (913) 685-9990 for year-end care!

It seems like orthodontic care is almost a rite of passage in the adolescent years. But can orthodontia be avoided? What causes crooked teeth in the first place? As it turns out, the answer is more complex than you might expect. And while you can reduce your child’s risk for dental misalignment, there are some risk factors that are simply out of your control. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven treat babies, teens, and everyone in between! By beginning dental care at a young age, we can sometimes prevent dental misalignment from occurring. And in those unavoidable cases, early detection can often reduce the severity of crooked teeth and shorten treatment time. 

To schedule an exam for your child, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

Genetics

Unfortunately, if you have struggled with dental misalignment your child is more likely to have crooked teeth, too. Genetics can affect jaw and tooth size, jaw alignment, palate development, and many other factors. 

Jaw Size

With a smaller jaw, there is not enough room for all adult teeth, and crowding may occur. Scientists believe that our ancient ancestors had much larger jaws. But as food became softer and more refined, humans evolved to have smaller jaws. As a result, dental crowding is a common problem. 

Oral Habits

Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and long-term bottle feeding can all contribute to dental misalignment. To help protect your child’s smile, wean them from pacifiers and bottles around their first birthday. Thumb sucking is less problematic until permanent teeth start to erupt, but you should still discuss this habit with your child’s dentist. 

Poor Diet and Oral Hygiene 

Premature baby tooth loss may not seem like a major problem, but it can have far-reaching consequences for dental health. When baby teeth come out early, the nearby teeth can drift into the gap. In this way, they get in the way of the permanent teeth so there’s not enough room for them to erupt normally. A balanced diet and regular dental cleanings can protect those important baby teeth.

Why are crooked teeth a problem?

Cosmetics are the most obvious effect of missing teeth. But malocclusion can have far more serious consequences. Crowded and overlapping teeth can greatly increase the risk of decay, since food and bacteria will be more easily trapped in the tight spaces. Severe misalignment can also cause speech impediments. 

What are the treatment options?

The right treatment will depend on your child’s age and the severity of misalignment. Some children benefit from early orthodontic intervention, such as palatal expanders, which will create more room for adult teeth. Though these kids will typically need braces at a later date, treatment time is usually much shorter. 

Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven evaluate dental alignment at every routine exam. Then they can refer your child to a trusted orthodontist for appropriate care. They can also provide tips to improve oral health and reduce the risk of malocclusion.

Contact a Pediatric Dentist Today

To make an appointment for your child, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.