Category: Children&#8217;s dentist

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

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

How Water Can Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

When it comes to staying hydrated and healthy, water is the best option. Juice, soda, tea, milk, and sports drinks all have benefits (well, maybe not soda), but they also have several negative effects. For example, children who drink milk right before bedtime are much more likely to develop cavities than children who drink water at nighttime. Sports drinks, sodas, and juices are also filled with sugars that interrupt the health of the oral microbiome.

While it may take some convincing, it’s worth it to get your little one to drink more water! Here are the benefits of water for oral health:

1. Water can strengthen dental enamel.

Since 1945, fluoride has been added to public water systems. Fluoridated water has proven itself as one of the best defenses against childhood tooth decay. When children drink water that contains fluoride, it mixes with saliva and remineralizes and strengthens dental enamel, lessening their chances of developing cavities.

If your child is drinking mostly bottled water, he probably isn’t experiencing these benefits! Be sure to find a bottled water that contains fluoride to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.

2. Water cleans the mouth.

Unlike sugary drinks, water rids the mouth of food particles and cavity-causing bacteria without leaving anything behind. Sports drinks, soda, juice, and even milk leave unwanted sugar and acids lingering on the teeth and gums that can cause cavities.

Water also removes stains that could cause your child’s teeth to become dull or yellow. Sugary, dark-colored drinks are one of the most common teeth-staining agents.

3. Water helps the mouth produce more saliva.

Did you know that saliva actually plays a very significant role in your child’s oral health? More concerning than your little one producing too much saliva is when he or she isn’t producing enough!

Saliva helps us break down and digest food properly and keeps us from experiencing dry mouth (which can be extremely uncomfortable!). The more water your little one drinks, the better she will digest food and avoid dry mouth.

Check out this blog to learn how to help your little one if he or she is experiencing dry mouth.

4. Water doesn’t contain any sugar.

Children over two years of age and older should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day. Just one apple juice box can contain 23 grams of sugar!

Not only does sugar contribute to cavities, but it also contributes to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. By simply avoiding these drinks, your child’s oral and overall health could dramatically improve.

If you want to “spice up” your little one’s water to make it more appealing, try adding fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries to give it a little more flavor. Some parents add a small amount of juice to their child’s water too.

For more tips to improve your child’s oral health…

Contact our friendly dental team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park! Dr. Matt and his team of hygienists are passionate about helping children avoid childhood tooth decay. That’s why we offer preventive dentistry methods that are safe and effective and focus on educating our patients and their parents in easy-to-understand language.

Join our family! Call (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!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

What are the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition where a person rubs the bottom and top teeth together with immense pressure. For children and adults, this condition can lead to serious oral and systemic health issues. It can also be caused by oral and systemic health issues.

Sleep-related bruxism may be difficult to detect if you aren’t sleeping in the same room as your little one. However, sometimes the sounds of teeth grinding can be heard throughout the house (yikes!).

Experts say that nearly 3 out of 10 children will grind their teeth or clench their jaw at night. Some children do it occasionally while others do it consistently.

Continue reading to learn more about the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children.

Causes of Bruxism in Children

While the exact cause of teeth grinding can be difficult to determine, it can usually be linked to one of five causes:

Stress or anxiety: This is the same for adults. Bruxism is a common stress response from the body at night and during the day. Pay attention to your little one throughout the day to see if he is clenching his jaw.
Malocclusion: Children with an overbite, underbite, or other bite issues are more susceptible to teeth grinding.
Response to pain: Teeth grinding may provide relief to children who are suffering from teething or an earache.
Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from teeth grinding than those who do not.
Other medical conditions: Cerebral palsy, GERD, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and night terrors can also contribute to bruxism.

The Effects of Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding can go completely undetected or present mild, moderate, or severe consequences.

Headaches, earaches, and dental sensitivity are a few of the milder impacts of bruxism. Of course, we never want our children to suffer, so even these are cause for treatment.

More severe effects of bruxism include:

Broken or worn-down teeth
Sore gums
Limited jaw movement
Severe facial and jaw pain
Daytime sleepiness
Development and behavior problems

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, bruxism (teeth grinding) increases a child’s risk of having problems in school and being more withdrawn from their family and friends. While there is no proof that these are directly related, the two could be connected to another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.

Treatment for Childhood Bruxism

The first step to treating bruxism is to find the underlying cause. It could be one of the causes mentioned above or something as simple as drinking too much caffeine. Based on the pediatric dentist’s findings, he will recommend the most effective treatment.

Some of the most common treatments for teeth grinding in children include:

Making lifestyle changes such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, reducing their sugar and caffeine intake, and ensuring the child is getting enough exercise throughout the day.
A customized nightguard that reduces pressure on the teeth, protects them from damage, and mitigates other symptoms of teeth grinding.
Finding the root of the child’s stress and eliminating the stressor or finding helpful ways for him or her to cope.

Overland Park Pediatric Dentist Treats Teeth Grinding

Want to ensure your little one is as healthy and happy as can be? We know you do! Don’t let teeth grinding diminish your child’s oral, overall, and mental health. Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids can help determine the cause of your little one’s bruxism and recommend the appropriate treatment.

To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

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

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

What Parents Should Know About Fluoride

We hear over and over again how important fluoride is for our teeth, but many of us don’t understand why. Understanding the value of fluoride is especially important for parents who want to help their children avoid cavities and achieve optimal oral health (and we know you do!).

A Brief History Lesson

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks, rivers, lakes, oceans, soil, and certain foods. In 1944, the City Commission of Grand Rapids, Michigan voted to add fluoride to its community water system. During the 15-year study, researchers monitored the effects of water fluoridation on the children in Grand Rapids. Their findings? The number of cavities in children who were born after 1944 dropped more than 60 percent.

Since this discovery, many cities have added fluoride to their community water systems, and it has been added to most oral hygiene products for children and adults. Got more questions? We’ve got answers! Continue reading to learn more about fluoride and its effects.

What does the ADA think about water fluoridation?

The American Dental Association fully supports the addition of fluoride into community water systems. Based on years of research and the obvious benefits, the ADA states that fluoridation is “the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.”

How does fluoride fight cavities?

Fluoride, the chemical ion of fluorine, strengthens dental enamel and prevents cavities from forming by combining with the calcium and phosphate in saliva.

Foods like bread, crackers, candy, and noodles trigger cavity-causing bacteria. These bacteria eat away and weaken dental enamel, making it vulnerable to developing cavities. Saliva on its own replaces the calcium and phosphate that these bacteria strip from the teeth, but it is not always strong enough to fight against the disease-causing bacteria.

Fluoride combined with saliva creates a substance called fluoroapatite. This combination of minerals strengthens and protects the dental enamel from decay.

Is there such a thing as too much fluoride?

Yes. Dental fluorosis is the greatest risk for children who consume too much fluoride. This condition is also known as mottled teeth. Children who swallow fluoride toothpaste or take fluoride supplements may develop streaks, spots, or pits on their teeth. Severe cases of dental fluorosis can cause brown, black, or gray spots on the teeth. While we hope this issue never occurs, the good news is that it is purely cosmetic.

When children with dental fluorosis are older, dentists may recommend teeth whitening to even out the surfaces of the teeth.

When should children start using fluoride toothpaste?

The ADA guidelines on fluoride toothpaste are as follows:

Infants receive appropriate amounts of fluoride through breast milk, ready-to-feed formula, and powdered formula. Mix powdered formula with water that is demineralized, purified, distilled, or de-ionized to ensure he or she isn’t consuming too much fluoride.
Parents of children younger than 3 should place a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on the child’s toothbrush.
For children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that children ages 9-13 have a daily intake of no more than 2 mg of fluoride, and teens ages 14-18 have no more than 3 mg of fluoride daily.

Children are most at risk for dental fluorosis until age 8. As soon as your child is able, teach him or her to spit out the toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.

Talk to an experienced and trusted pediatric dentist about introducing your little one to fluoride.

Learn More from Dr. Matt, Overland Park Pediatric Dentist

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt’s goal is to educate children and their parents on how to avoid childhood tooth decay and achieve optimal oral health. He does this through kid-friendly teaching and easy-to-understand explanations for parents.

Call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation or dental check-up for your little one.

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

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Overland Park Kids’ Dentist Answers Popular Oral Health Questions

Few things encourage a person to take oral health more seriously than having children. All of a sudden, the mouth becomes a little more complicated and a lot more important! No parent wants their child to suffer from cavities, bad breath, or early tooth loss. This is why pediatric dentists exist—to help parents navigate the beginning stages of their child’s oral development.

When parents bring their little ones to our Overland Park kids’ dentist, they usually have lots of questions. Here are five of the most popular questions we receive about children’s oral health:

1. How often should my child visit the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist just as often as adults—every six months. These appointments begin six months after his or her tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday. These biannual appointments ensure your little one develops a good relationship with a kid’s dentist, tracks their dental development, and helps create good oral hygiene habits.

2. How can I help reduce pain and discomfort from my teething baby?

Teething occurs from the time a child is about six months old until age two. It’s a painful process for babies to go through, and one that parents can help make more comfortable. A pediatric dentist will look after your little one’s dental development and offer a few tips to help ease his or her pain.

Here are some of our top tips for reducing pain and discomfort in teeth babies:

Offer your child a firm rubber teething ring to chew on
Use a cool, wet washcloth to gently rub and massage the gums
Feed him or her soft foods that require minimal chewing

3. When should we begin using fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen and protect dental enamel. However, too much fluoride can lead to a problem called fluorosis which creates discoloration on the teeth. Talk to a kids’ dentist before introducing your little one to fluoride to learn exactly how much to use and how often to use it.

4. What if my child hates brushing his teeth?

Many parents dread nighttime routines because children dread going through the motions. It doesn’t have to be this way! Make oral hygiene fun by playing music or videos while brushing and flossing, offering rewards for consistent oral care, and going through the motions together as a family.

Visiting the dentist regularly will also help your child understand and think about oral hygiene in a different light. Pediatric dentists use kid-friendly language and tools to help explain how to brush and floss and why we need to do it. Never underestimate the power of a great pediatric dentist!

5. What are the most common causes of cavities?

Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the most common causes of cavities in infants and toddlers. This occurs when babies drink milk out of a bottle right before a nap or bedtime. Like older children, babies should have their teeth cleaned daily, especially before going to sleep.

Other common causes of cavities in children include:

Sodas
Crackers
Sharing spoons and straws
Juice
Other foods and beverages high in sugar and carbohydrates

Talk to your kids’ dentist to learn how to care for your child’s teeth at every stage.

Our Overland Park Kids’ Dentist

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids loves helping parents navigate the early stages of oral hygiene for kids. For more personalized dental tips and excellent pediatric dental care, contact our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation.

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

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Moms, Brisket, Burgers, Family, Baking, and Pizza Parties! (National observance days in May) + Dental Care Tips

Happy May! Spring flowers, warm weather, gardening, and baseball characterize this time of year. Each of those things is worth celebrating, but that’s not all that we look forward to in May. Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are coming up, and this year, you might just be able to get together with your family and friends in person.

However you decide to commemorate these holidays, we want to help you do it all while keeping your and your child’s oral health in mind. Along with a couple of brief history lessons, we’ll discuss four dental care tips for how to protect your child’s teeth and gums while still fully enjoying some of your favorite holiday foods.

The History of Mother’s Day

Several women began their own Mother’s Day traditions, but it was Anna Jarvis who established it as a national holiday in 1914. President Woodrow Wilson signed the holiday into effect after years of persistence from Jarvis. Ironically, Jarvis herself wasn’t a mother but believed that motherhood should be honored.

By the 1920s, the holiday had been completely commercialized by card companies, merchandise stores, and florists. Jarvis despised the commercialization of the holiday that she created, so much so that she spent years lobbying the government to remove it from the calendar.

Although we don’t believe it must be a national holiday for us to celebrate our mothers, we are glad her efforts weren’t successful. This day gives all of us another opportunity to spoil the moms and mother figures in our lives!

Modern Mother’s Day Celebrations

Current Mother’s Day celebrations don’t look much different than in the early 1900s. Typically, families get together and go to church, go out to eat, or stay home. Wherever the celebration occurs, cards, candy, gifts, and flowers are usually involved.

Mother’s Day is a day to tell your mom or mother figure just how much she means to you through words, actions, and gifts. In some cases, this means cooking for her! Many people decide to cook a delicious lunch or dinner and bake a sweet treat. Others opt for pizza!

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, became a federal holiday in 1971. However, celebrations began long before this, in the late 1860s. After the Civil War, townspeople would hold tributes to fallen soldiers by visiting and decorating gravesites.

Today, many cities organize parades, and families of fallen soldiers still visit the gravesites of their loved ones. Many people also visit cemeteries and memorials, bringing flowers and other items to leave on the graves.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. So much of the country spends this long weekend outside with family and friends. The smell of brisket, burgers, and hotdogs fill backyards and stomachs across the country.

Regardless of what your celebration looks like, take time to remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our freedoms. Every May 31^st, there is a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

Dental Care Tips

So, how can you enjoy these holidays without feeling guilty about your child’s oral health? Here are four helpful tips from our pediatric dentist (but these go for you, too, mom and dad!)

Start the day off right: Brush with your child first thing in the morning and eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast that promotes good oral health, won’t get stuck between the teeth, and isn’t filled with sugar.
Bring toothpicks or floss to the party: Sneak away to the bathroom after eating to clean between your child’s teeth to prevent bad breath and cavities.
Drink plenty of water: Water promotes saliva production, which is necessary for a healthy oral microbiome. Additionally, the water will wash away any lingering foods from the teeth and gums. Limit or completely avoid sugary beverages like sweet tea and juice.
Brush and floss before bed: Don’t forget to end the day with a good toothbrushing session! Make sure your little one uses a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that strengthens dental enamel and helps fight against disease-causing bacteria. Then, floss those pearly whites again!

To learn more from our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, call (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!

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Overland Park Pediatric Dentist: What to Expect

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your little one is no small task, but it is an extremely important one! Your child’s first dental experiences will change the way he or she views oral hygiene and oral health care for the rest of their childhood, and maybe even adulthood.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we take the responsibility of giving children the best first dental experience very seriously. We strive to create a kid-friendly environment and cultivate relationships with the entire family. Whether you’re new to the area, or just in need of a new Overland Park pediatric dentist, we would love to have your family join ours.

Here’s what patients can expect at our pediatric dental practice:

Consistency

For children, consistency promotes relaxation, comfort, trusting relationships, and respect. That’s why parents and teachers focus on creating daily routines.

As dental professionals, we want our patients to always know what to expect when they come to our office—parents appreciate this, too! Consistency helps eliminate fear and anxiety, so the appointment goes as smoothly as possible for everyone.

In the name of consistency, children meet with Dr. Matt during every single appointment. Dr. Matt loves being a dependable figure in his patient’s lives and takes this role very seriously.

Individualized Care

Our team recognizes that every child has unique needs, preferences, and personalities. When you visit our office for the first time, expect our dentist and team members to ask questions to get to know your child (and you) as much as possible.

We’ll ask questions about your child’s favorite tv shows, books, and foods, personality traits, hobbies, and family life. Please feel free to share anything else you think we should know! Our team will use this information to make sure your little one has the best, most comfortable dental experience possible.

Diligence

When we’re with our patients, nothing else is more important. Every child receives diligent, focused care so that no oral health problem is ever overlooked. Dr. Matt takes the time to evaluate all of your child’s oral and overall health issues, answer questions, and create an effective treatment plan. We also teach children how to properly brush and floss and offer tips based on each child’s specific needs.

A Kid-Friendly, Educational Dentist

Smiles Dentistry for Kids is Dr. Matt’s dream-come-true. His years of education at the UMKC School of Dentistry and Northwestern University, desire to see children achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and high energy have all led him right here.

These qualities make Dr. Matt one of the best pediatric dentists in the Overland Park area. At our office, children and their parents feel welcome and cared for.

Dr. Matt uses fun tools and tricks to effectively communicate the importance of oral hygiene to children—a struggle for many parents. However, he isn’t just a master communicator for children, talking with parents is another one of his strong suits! After all, parents know their children best, and they know what’s best for them. When an oral health issue is detected, Dr. Matt works alongside the parents to create an effective, affordable, and comfortable treatment plan.

Schedule A First Visit

Ready to give your child the best dental experience? Contact our Overland Park dental practice today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a first visit.

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

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5 Ways to Ease Your Child’s Dental Fear

Bright colors. Toys and games in the waiting room. Smiling and happy team members. A gentle, kid-friendly dentist. All of these should add up to a comfortable and fun dental experience for a child. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

Dental fear and anxiety are real issues for children (and adults). While most adults can attribute theirs to a bad dental experience, children often can’t. Most of the time, children fear what they don’t know, or they’ve heard horror stories from the adults in their lives.

If your little one is preparing for his first visit to the dentist and is feeling a little anxious, check out these five tips to help him overcome his dental fear.

1. Tell a story about a positive experience you’ve had at the dentist.

Many children fear the dentist because of stories they’ve heard from friends and family members. Change the narrative by sharing a story about a good experience you’ve had at the dentist.

This could be something as simple as dental cleaning and exam appointment that went smoothly. Tell the story in a kid-friendly way. If sharing a story about another dental procedure, try to leave out specific details that might scare your little one.

2. Play dentist at home.

Rather than playing house, school, or doctor, offer to play dentist! This will ensure her first dental experience is a good one. All you need is a comfy chair and a toothbrush. Have your little one lean back so you can brush or count her teeth, then have her do the same for you.

3. Watch a TV show or read a book about a kid who visits the dentist.

SpongeBob, Dora, Arthur, and Peppa Pig all have TV shows about visiting the dentist. This provides an idea of what a dentist’s office looks and sounds like. In many of these episodes, the character feels afraid of the dentist, then realizes it isn’t scary after all. We hope this is true for your child, too!

4. Have her pick out a comfort item to bring to her appointment.

Does she have a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy? Be sure to bring it to the appointment! we want all our patients to feel as safe and comfortable as possible; sometimes that means bringing an item from home to help ease any anxiety, and that’s more than okay.

5. Choose the right pediatric dentist.

One of the most important aspects of a good dental experience is choosing the right dentist for your child. this may require some research on your behalf, but it will definitely be worth it!

Not all pediatric dentists are equal, and we know you want the best for your little one. When searching for a pediatric dentist, look for these qualities:

Experience
A passion for helping children achieve optimal oral health
Excellent patient reviews
An up-to-date, detailed, and fun website
A priority of patient comfort

We’re sure that a dentist with these qualities won’t let you or your child down.

Eliminating Dental Fear in Overland Park

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and the rest of our team prioritize the patient experience and providing excellent dental care so that dental fear is never an issue.

Here’s a review from one of our most recent patients:

“Our kids had been to many dentist office and it was always a scary experience for them (yes even pediatric ones). We found Smiles from a friend and we LOVE them! They’re so amazing with kids, and scared adults when our kiddos needed some work done. Quick schedule dates and they follow up after every appointment with hand written cards to the kids in the mail-my kids love getting their own mail. They just truly care.”
Malarie C.

Contact our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a first visit for your child.

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

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Kid’s Dentist Answers: What’s the point of saliva?

Babies drool. A lot. Sometimes, parents feel like their baby drools a little too much. The truth is that saliva plays an important role in creating a healthy oral environment that also promotes good overall health. So, if your little one is going through five bibs a day because of drool, you shouldn’t be concerned. Her body is just doing what it needs to do to maintain optimal health.

What exactly is the saliva doing? Check out this blog to learn the benefits of saliva, why your little one drools so much, and what to do if you or your child isn’t producing enough of it!

The Benefits of Saliva Production

One fun fact about saliva is that without it, our foods and beverages wouldn’t taste the same. That’s pretty interesting and cool, but it isn’t close to all that saliva does for our mouths and bodies.

The benefits of proper saliva production include:

Helps break down food for proper digestion
Speeds up the healing process when the mouth is cut, burned, or wounded
Remineralizes teeth to protect against cavities
Rids the teeth and other surfaces of food particles
Aids in chewing and swallowing
Keeps mouth comfortable

As you can see, saliva is so necessary for our mouths. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to function properly, and life would be a little more difficult.

Is too much saliva a bad thing?

Constant drooling may seem concerning, but dental experts agree that an overly drooly baby is normal and even a positive thing! This usually means that the baby’s teeth are developing, and the saliva is actively cleaning the surfaces of his or her mouth. Saliva also helps your baby break down and digest food properly, so be thankful! Another thing to keep in mind is that babies have to learn how to get rid of the saliva by swallowing, so instead of it going down their throats, much of it comes out of their lips.

The only problem your little one may experience is skin irritation around her mouth. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the area, then rub Vaseline or another mild moisturizer to protect the skin.

What about too little saliva production?

Many adults have experienced dry mouth. Infants, adolescents, and teens experience it as well. In children, dehydration is the usual source. Be sure that your child is drinking enough water throughout the day and especially when he or she wakes up in the morning or from a nap.

Other remedies for dry mouth in children and adults include:

Chew sugar-free gum
Eliminate caffeine
Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth
Use a humidifier
Eat a proper, mouth-friendly diet

Dry mouth is rare in children and is almost always due to dehydration, though certain medications may be the cause as well. Regular occurrences of dry mouth can lead to serious oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. If you are concerned about your little one’s saliva production, contact a pediatric dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Kid’s Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Have questions about your little one’s oral health and hygiene? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has answers! If you’re concerned about your child’s mouth or if it’s time to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment, contact our office today at (913) 685-9990.

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

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Happy National Pack Your Lunch Day!

Here’s a fun fact for you: Mickey Mouse was the first known character to appear on a lunchbox in 1935. Since then, thousands of tv and movie characters have traveled to school cafeterias, workplaces, and so many other places with people who pack their lunches. Are you one of those people? Do you pack lunches for your child? If not, maybe today is the day you start!

One of the greatest benefits of packing lunch for your child is that you have more control over his or her diet. Kids need proper nutrients and vitamins to gain and maintain a healthy mouth and body. Many times, school lunches don’t provide those, or your child just may not choose to eat the healthier options.

On this National Pack Your Lunch Day, we’re offering healthy and delicious lunch ideas that your little one will love.

Foods That Promote Good Oral Health

As dental professionals, our hope is to see every child achieve optimal oral health. Good oral health does more than just help us avoid cavities and gum disease; it promotes good overall health as well! When we feed our children mouth-friendly foods, we’re also feeding them foods that contribute to a healthy body and mind.

When packing your child’s lunch, stick to these food groups:

Vegetables

Eating enough vegetables can be difficult for adults, so, understandably, it is even more difficult for children! Cooking the vegetables in different ways may help your little one find a few that he really enjoys. Seasonings and dips make a huge difference as well!

Here are some of the best vegetables for oral health:

Spinach
Kale
Green and red peppers
Carrots
Celery
Broccoli

Fruit

Fruit makes packing lunches fast and simple. Every type of fruit offers several overall health benefits, but some benefit our mouths more than others. To promote a healthy, beautiful smile, pack these fruits at least twice a week:

Strawberries
Oranges
Pears
Watermelon
Apples
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries

Protein

Most protein-rich foods also contain phosphorous. These are doubly beneficial because they both help protect and regrow dental enamel. You can find both of these nutrients in chicken, red meat, fish, and eggs.

Other high-protein snacks for kids include:

Pepperoni
Beef jerky
Sliced turkey and ham
Hard-boiled eggs
Hummus
Roasted chickpeas

Dairy

Dairy products contain a large amount of calcium which promotes strong, healthy teeth. Milk also creates a protective layer that keeps disease-causing bacteria from attacking teeth and gums. If you’re able to keep it cold until lunch, milk is a beneficial and filling beverage to go with their meal!

Here are a few more calcium-rich foods we think your child will love:

Almonds
String cheese
Fortified orange juice
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Almond butter

Lunch Box Ideas

Here are some mouth-healthy lunches we think your little one will love:

Meat and cheese roll-ups, strawberry-yogurt parfait, and roasted carrots
Spinach and cheese quesadilla, an orange, and a hard-boiled egg
Chicken salad over spinach, string cheese, and watermelon
Pepperonis, cubed cheese, blueberries, and celery with almond butter
Beef jerky, string cheese, pears, and broccoli with ranch dip

The possibilities are endless!

More Oral Health Tips from Our Pediatric Dentist

Looking for an experienced and caring pediatric dentist in Overland Park? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is that and so much more! Contact our friendly dental team 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!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist