Category: cavities

Just when we think a subject is over our kids’ heads, they chime in with questions. That’s why it’s important to broach the subject of cavities from a young age. Introducing the topic of dental decay will motivate them to care for their teeth. And if they are already suffering from cavities, it’s important to know how to explain what is going on while simultaneously offering comfort. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, our primary goal is the prevention of tooth decay and other problems. By offering routine care from a very young age, Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven want to help your children enjoy healthy smiles for life. But when issues do come up, we can provide comprehensive, child-centered care. Moreover, we know how to explain what is going on in a simple way that kids will find easy to understand. 

Whether you are in need of a routine cleaning or restorative care, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

Simplify the Science

It’s important to be upfront and honest with our children. So when you are explaining tooth decay, tell them what actually happens. Just use language and terminology that they can understand. 

Try something like this: 

Mouth germs love sugar. So when we eat lots of sugar, lots of mouth germs start to grow. Eventually, they will get so hungry that sugar won’t be enough. They’ll start eating your teeth, too! Little holes will appear, and your teeth could really start to hurt. These little holes are called cavities. 

Stress the Importance of Dental Care

Let your kids know that when they brush or floss their teeth, or when they visit the dentist, it helps to fight the bad mouth germs so they don’t make cavities. You can also share with them that, though a little sugar is ok, too much sugar will make it harder and harder to fight the mouth germs.

Let Them Know They’re Not Alone 

If your child does develop cavities, he or she may feel isolated or ashamed. Are they the only one with yucky mouth germs making holes in their teeth? Not at all! 52% of children aged 6 to 8 have had at least one baby tooth cavity. And 57% of those aged 12 to 19 have sustained decay in at least one permanent tooth. 

Help Them Overcome Fear

If your child has a cavity, it’s important to prepare them for their upcoming treatment. In most cases, your dentist will recommend a filling. You can tell your child what to expect, letting them know that the dentist will use a special material to fill in the hole in their tooth. Their tooth will be numb, so they shouldn’t feel anything, and afterwards the tooth should be as good as new.

You could also try reading books about the dentist. If your child is particularly anxious, consider bringing them to the office ahead of time. We can show them where their treatment will take place and help them understand a little bit more about what will happen. 

Contact Us to Prevent or Treat Kids’ Cavities 

For more information about kids’ dental health or to schedule an appointment, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

Reach out via our website or call 913-685-9990. 

According to the CDC, more than half of children ages six to eight have at least one cavity. Your child doesn’t have to be one of those. The good news is that cavities are completely preventable with proper oral hygiene. But how do you motivate your little one to take care of his pearly whites? Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, recommend meeting children where they’re at developmentally. 

For most children, technology is a great way to keep their attention while learning something new, like the importance of their mouth and how to brush and floss their teeth. Learn about some of the best interactive apps and games for teaching kids about oral health here! 

1. Toothsavers Brushing Game

This free, interactive game enlists children to help save fairy tale characters from the cavity-creating sorceress. The curse can only be broken by brushing teeth, and as your child cleans teeth, more characters and areas of the map are unlocked. There are three mini-games to choose from: 

• Play with Toothsaver: Players brush the villagers’ teeth and earn up to three stars based on how well they do. While brushing, they receive tips and pointers on how to brush properly. 
• Have Fun with Your Friend: Working with a partner, one child holds the device in front of their mouth while the other brushes his friend’s teeth. 
• Brush with Toothsaver: Set this two-minute animated video up while your child is brushing her teeth and she will brush along with the animation and learn the proper brushing technique. 

2. Tiny Dentist

Prepare your child for their next dental exam and cleaning appointment by downloading this fun app! In Tiny Dentist, your child becomes the dentist. There is no limit to the number of patients they can help. Children can perform these tasks and treatments: 

• Remove and fill cavities
• Remove tooth calculus (tartar)
• Use water and air spray
• Extract teeth
• Clean teeth
• Teeth whitening
• Put braces on 
• Treat halitosis (bad breath)

3. Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B

With this free app, children can brush with their favorite Disney characters, learn proper brushing techniques with a timer and tips, win rewards, and you can track their progress with the Parent Portal. The Disney Magic Timer app helps kids brush up to two times longer than without it! 

More Oral-Health-Related Apps for Kids

• Aquafresh Brush Time
• Brusheez- Little Monsters Toothbrush Timer
• Dentist Office Kids
• Tooth Fairy Princess Adventure
• Captain Aquafresh
• Playbrush

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Exam Appointment 

Searching for a fun, trusted, and experienced dentist in Overland Park? Look no further than our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids! Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara have created a positive and friendly atmosphere that kids love to visit. With patience and understanding, we make sure all of our patients feel comfortable while receiving the care they need. 

Exams and cleanings for children under two are FREE. To schedule your child’s first visit or bi-annual dental cleaning and exam appointment, call (913) 685-9990 today! 

It’s the time of year for all things that go bump in the night. But if you really want to send shivers down your spine, don’t reach for a ghost story. Read up on the real life facts about tooth decay. Cavities are truly scary, not only because of their prevalence, but also because of their long-term effects. Fortunately, when you have a good pediatric dentist on speed dial, you can lay your fears to rest. 

Dr. Matt, Dr. Craven, and the entire team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids are here for you! We know that you want the best for your child and that, when something goes wrong, it can be very scary. At our Overland Park, KS, practice, we are committed to thorough preventive care to keep cavities at bay. But if tooth decay does occur, we offer fast and effective treatment, specifically tailored for kids. 

To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

1. Cavities Are Incredibly Common – Even Among Children!

Tooth decay is the most common health problem in the United States. 52% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth. And 57% of teens have developed decay in their permanent teeth.

Factors that can increase the risk of tooth decay include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• A diet high in sugar
• Insufficient fluoride intake
• Genetics
• Dry mouth

2. Untreated Tooth Decay Can Have Far-Reaching Health Effects.

Cavities in baby teeth might not seem like a big deal since your child will lose these teeth anyway. But early tooth decay can set the stage for a lifetime of oral problems. Untreated, these teeth will eventually come out, and, in turn, this can lead to widespread misalignment of adult teeth. Furthermore, when kids lose their teeth too early, it can affect oral development, including both speech and normal chewing patterns.

Untreated cavities can even cause systemic health problems. Eventually, a cavity may turn into an abscess. From there, bacteria can spread to other teeth and even to the heart and brain.

3. Prolonged Bottle Use Can Increase the Risk of Cavities.

To help prevent early childhood cavities, or “baby bottle tooth decay,” avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle. Teach your child to use a cup by their first birthday, and make sure they are drinking plenty of water. You can fill the cup with milk, formula, or breast milk with meals, but in between, pure H₂O is best!

4. You Can Pass Cavities on to Your Kids!

Cavities are caused by oral bacteria, and like most bacteria, these microbes are contagious. Though it’s common to share eating utensils and cups with kids, when you do so, you can pass cavity-causing bacteria on to your children. Of course, maintaining good hygiene yourself – through daily care and regular dental visits – is essential for your entire family’s oral health.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

Regular exams and cleanings can greatly reduce the risk of cavities in children. To schedule your appointment, contact us online or call (913) 685-9990.

One of the most common questions we encounter from parents is, “Does xylitol prevent cavities?” With the rising concern about dental health and the desire to protect our children’s smiles, it’s essential to explore the potential benefits of xylitol in cavity prevention. 

In this blog, our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, Dr. Matt, delves into the world of xylitol and examines its effectiveness in warding off those pesky cavities.

What is xylitol? 

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in various fruits and vegetables. It is widely used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, candies, mints, and oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Unlike regular sugar, xylitol does not contribute to tooth decay. In fact, it has been hailed as a promising tool in the fight against cavities.

How does xylitol work?

The main reason xylitol is considered beneficial for dental health is its impact on bacteria. When we consume foods or drinks containing regular sugar, the bad bacteria in our mouths feed on these sugars and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. 

Xylitol, on the other hand, cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria, preventing them from producing harmful acids. Additionally, xylitol has been found to inhibit the growth and adherence of bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of dental plaque formation.

What does the science say? 

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of xylitol on cavity prevention, particularly in children. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry in 2021 analyzed the findings of multiple studies and concluded that the use of xylitol, particularly in gum or lozenge form, can significantly reduce the occurrence of dental caries in children. 

However, it’s important to note that xylitol is not a magical cure-all. It should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park Explains How to Include Xylitol as Part of a Preventive Regimen

To fully harness the potential benefits of xylitol, it is crucial to incorporate it into a comprehensive preventive dental care regimen. 

Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Choose xylitol-containing products: 

Look for sugar-free gum, candies, or mints sweetened with xylitol. Check the label to ensure the product contains a sufficient amount of xylitol for it to be effective.

2. Timing and frequency: 

For maximum benefit, encourage your child to chew xylitol gum or consume xylitol products after meals or snacks. This helps stimulate saliva flow, which aids in neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth.

3. Oral hygiene practices: 

Emphasize the importance of regular brushing and flossing, as well as using fluoride toothpaste. Xylitol should complement these practices, not replace them.

4. Professional guidance: 

Consult your pediatric dentist in Overland Park for personalized advice on incorporating xylitol into your child’s dental care routine. They can recommend specific products and provide guidance on dosage and frequency.

Learn More from Our Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park

While xylitol cannot single-handedly prevent cavities, it does offer a valuable tool in our arsenal against dental decay. Its ability to reduce harmful bacteria, inhibit plaque formation, and promote saliva production makes it a promising addition to a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. 

Xylitol should always be used in combination with regular dental care practices. Remember, prevention is the key to maintaining a healthy smile for your child, so encourage good oral hygiene habits and schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist in Overland Park today! 

Call (913) 685-9990 to make an appointment. 

Dental cavities have a notorious reputation, but for most of us, they remain something of a mystery. Typically, they don’t cause any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages, so the diagnosis of a cavity can come as something of a shock. Your mind may be reeling. How long has it been there? Will your child lose his tooth? And, most of all, what caused it?

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, no question is too obvious, and no concern is too small. Dr. Matt and the team at our Overland Park, KS, office believe that an open dialogue will lay a foundation for a lifetime of dental health. By explaining dental problems and their causes, we can help to prevent those problems from occurring again. 

Contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

The Prevalence of Childhood Cavities

Sadly, childhood tooth decay is far too common. 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities. By ages 6 to 8, 52% of children have sustained decay in their baby teeth. Although these baby teeth will come out eventually, cavities are still a huge concern. Premature tooth loss can cause long term orthodontic problems. And early decay can increase the risk of cavities in the permanent teeth.

How a Cavity Forms 

A cavity forms when oral bacteria react with sugar to create acid. The acid wears down tooth enamel, exposing the soft underlying layer of tissue known as dentin. 

As bacteria accumulate, they will eventually create a sticky film called plaque and, later, a hard layer of tartar. Plaque and tartar keep bacteria in constant contact with tooth enamel, and they can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.

New Research Uncovers a Destructive Link Between Two Oral Bacteria

Until recently, dental professionals were primarily concerned with the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, the main microbe thought to cause cavities. However, new research reveals that S. mutans works in conjunction with Selenomonus sputigena, the bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease. When these two bacteria are present simultaneously, they can greatly increase the severity of childhood tooth decay. 

How to Prevent Cavities 

Fortunately, you can fight both types of bacteria in the same ways. The most important steps include: 

• Good dental hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing (beginning as soon as teeth come in) help to remove bacteria and sugars.
• A healthy diet: By limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates, you can minimize the food source for bacteria.
• Proper feeding habits: Never put anything but breast milk, formula, or water into a bottle. Do not let your baby or toddler go to bed with a bottle, and wean your baby from nighttime bottle feedings after one year.
• Hydration: Make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water with meals and throughout the day. This will help to flush out bits of food and stimulate saliva production, which helps to fight decay.
• Dental visits: Schedule exams and cleanings every six months, beginning at the time your baby’s first teeth come in.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids 

To book an appointment for your child or to learn more about healthy dental habits, contact our office today. 

Send us a message online or call (913) 685-9990.

Cavities. It’s a dreaded word for a child who, until now, has had impeccable dental health. And as a parent, you’re likely to worry, too. What will this mean for your little one’s long-term oral health? And will it affect that charming grin you love so much?

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, we offer complete restorative services for children. Dr. Matt will assess your child’s oral health using our state-of-the-art x-rays. Then he can determine which of the three most common treatments is most suitable for your child. He always begins with the most conservative option and will work meticulously to provide beautiful cosmetic results.

If your child is experiencing dental pain, or if he has been diagnosed with a cavity, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Cavities: An Overview

Ultimately, bacteria cause tooth decay. If harmful microbes accumulate, they will form a film of plaque. Over time, the plaque will harden into tartar, and acid will start to erode the tooth enamel. Bacteria can then access the underlying layers of dental tissue, and a cavity will form.

Sadly, cavities frequently appear in children’s teeth. Surveys show that nearly a quarter of all children between the ages of 2 and 5 have developed at least one cavity. Over half of all children between the ages of 6 and 8 have tooth decay.

Option 1: Fillings

Fillings are the most common treatment for cavities, as well as the most conservative solution. Today’s tooth-colored fillings are an almost perfect match to teeth, so your child’s smile should look as good as new after treatment. Even more importantly, composite fillings do not pose the same health risks as older silver amalgam fillings, which contain about 50% mercury.

Before treatment, Dr. Matt will numb the tooth. If your child is especially young or feeling particularly anxious, we can also offer IV sedation. To place a filling, Dr. Matt will clean out the damaged tissue and bacteria. Then he will apply the composite filling in layers. 

Option 2: Dental Crowns

If a cavity is very large, a filling may not be enough to restore the tooth. In these cases, Dr. Matt will often recommend dental crowns. Tooth-shaped restorations, crowns go right on top of teeth and can strengthen even very weakened teeth.

Dr. Matt will place a crown in two stages. During the first stage, he will reshape the tooth and remove any decayed tissue. Then he will make impressions. After the dental lab creates a custom crown to match the nearby teeth, Dr. Matt will attach the restoration with composite.

Option 3: Extraction

Only as a last resort will Dr. Matt recommend extraction. Even if your child has cavities in his or her baby teeth, these teeth play an important role. They help to keep the other teeth in their proper places, and they ensure that the permanent teeth come in properly spaced. Therefore, if your child does need extraction, Dr. Matt will also attach spacers, which will keep the other teeth from shifting and will maintain proper bite alignment.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Child 

If your child is suffering from cavities, visiting a dentist who specifically treats children can give you greater peace of mind. 

Contact us online to make an appointment or call us at (913) 685-9990.